Calliandra redacta (J.H.Ross) Thulin & Asfaw
Calliandra redacta, commonly known as Ross's Calliandra, is a plant species that is native to Ethiopia in Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Ross's Calliandra, Ethiopia Flame, and Ethiopian Powderpuff.
Uses
The plant is commonly used in traditional Ethiopian medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and skin diseases. The plant's roots and leaves are often used in these treatments.
General Appearance
Calliandra redacta is a shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. Its leaves are fern-like and are made up of numerous small leaflets. The flowers are bright red and very showy, with long, thin stamens that extend far beyond the petals. The plant's fruit is a pod that contains numerous seeds.
Overall, Calliandra redacta is a beautiful and useful plant that is an important part of Ethiopian traditional medicine.
Light Requirements
The Calliandra redacta plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate partial shade. The plant should not be placed in direct sunlight as it can damage the leaves and cause them to wilt.
Temperature Requirements
The Calliandra redacta plant prefers warm temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). It cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 90°F (32°C). During winter, it is important to protect the plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.
Soil Requirements
The Calliandra redacta plant prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.0. The soil should also be rich in organic matter for optimal growth. A mixture consisting of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can be used to achieve the right soil composition. It is important to avoid overwatering the plant as it can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Calliandra redacta is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid environments. It prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH and lots of organic matter. The plant can be grown indoors or outdoors in a pot or planted directly in the ground. When planting, it is essential to ensure there is enough space for the roots to grow and unnecessary competition with other plants is avoided.
Propagation is by seed or cutting. Propagating by cutting is easier and faster. Take a cutting from the parent plant during the growing season, remove the leaves and plant in soil mix or shallow water. Change the water frequently to avoid rotting.
Watering Needs
Calliandra redacta likes moist soil but should not be overwatered. The best approach is to water enough to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Young or newly transplanted plants require more frequent watering until they establish a root system. During winter, it is important not to let the soil dry out as this can cause the plant to wilt and die.
Fertilization
Calliandra redacta is a heavy feeding plant that benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 to provide the necessary nutrients. Fertilize during the growing season to promote growth and flowering. Slow-release fertilizers can provide a continuous supply of nutrients for up to three months and are ideal for gardens.
Pruning
Pruning Calliandra redacta is essential for shaping the plant and promoting new growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove damaged or diseased branches and cut back the stems to encourage branching. The plant can be pruned to shape and size but avoid cutting too much as this can affect flowering. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage new growth and ensure long-lasting blooms.
Propagation of Calliandra redacta (J.H.Ross) Thulin & Asfaw
Calliandra redacta (J.H.Ross) Thulin & Asfaw, commonly known as Ethiopian Powder Puff, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is a tropical and subtropical plant that can grow up to 3 meters tall. The plant is commonly propagated through seeds and cuttings to grow new plants.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Calliandra redacta is through seeds. To begin, it is essential to collect ripe seed pods from the plant. These pods are thin and papery and grow in clusters after the flowers fall off. After collecting the seed pods, they need to be dried and then opened to extract the seeds.
Once the seeds are extracted, they can be sown in well-drained soil. It is essential to keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location to encourage germination. Generally, germination takes two to four weeks, and the new seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots after they grow a few sets of true leaves.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another common method for Calliandra redacta. For this method, take stem cuttings from the mature plant, making sure that the cutting is taken from a healthy and disease-free plant. The cuttings should be around 6 inches long and should have a few sets of leaves.
After taking the cuttings, remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in moist soil and maintain high humidity around them until rooting occurs. It usually takes around three to four weeks for the cutting to develop roots.
Propagation through cuttings is a bit tricky, but if done correctly, it can produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Conclusion
Propagation of Calliandra redacta is relatively easy, and both methods have their advantages. Seeds are easy to collect and germinate, while cuttings can produce new plants with the same traits as the parent plant. With the right care and attention, both methods can produce healthy and thriving new plants that will add beauty to any garden or landscape.
Disease Management for Calliandra redacta
Calliandra redacta is generally a hardy plant species that is resistant to most diseases. However, there are a few fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases that can affect this plant species under certain conditions.
One of the most common diseases that affect Calliandra redacta is root rot. This disease is caused by the water mold Phytophthora cinnamomi and thrives in poorly drained soil and cool, damp conditions. To prevent root rot, it is advisable to plant Calliandra redacta in well-draining soils and ensure that there is no standing water around the plant roots. If you notice the plant wilting or the foliage turning yellow, it is an indication of root rot, and you should remove the affected plant and dispose of it carefully to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another common disease that affects Calliandra redacta is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that appears as white or grey powdery patches on the leaves and stems of the plant. To prevent powdery mildew, it's advisable to keep the plant foliage dry as much as possible by watering at the base of the plant and avoiding overhead watering. You can also apply fungicides to the plant when the disease is severe, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Pest Management for Calliandra redacta
Calliandra redacta is relatively pest-resistant, but it can occasionally be attacked by various insects, including scales, mealybugs, and aphids.
One of the common pests that attack Calliandra redacta is scale insects. These insects are small, wingless, and attach themselves to the stems and foliage of the plant, sucking sap and excreting honeydew. To manage scale insects, you can use horticultural oils and insecticides to control the population, or you can prune the affected parts of the plant if the infestation is not severe.
Mealybugs are also common pests that affect the Calliandra redacta. They are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing its leaves to turn yellow and drop. You can control mealybugs infestation by using insecticides, washing the plant with soap and water, or wiping the leaves with alcohol-soaked cotton balls.
Aphids are another common pest that affects Calliandra redacta. They are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's leaves and stems, causing them to wilt and curl. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil, washing the plant with soap and water, or introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to the affected area.
