Overview
Cissus guerkeana (Büttner) T.Durand & Schinz is a plant species belonging to the Vitaceae family. It is commonly known as "Botterboom" and "Buttock Tree." The plant is native to Namibia, Botswana, and the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. It is a succulent vine that grows on rocky outcrops and boulder-strewn slopes.
Plant Appearance
Cissus guerkeana grows up to 2 meters long, with a succulent stem that is about 4cm in diameter. The leaves are ovate to round, shiny, succulent, and arranged alternately along the stem. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are not significant in size, followed by small, black, grape-like fruits.
Uses
The plant has many medicinal applications. It is commonly used to treat stomach problems, rheumatism, and joint pain. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant, as it has a beautiful appearance and is easy to grow. The succulent stem makes it a unique and interesting plant to add to a succulent or cactus garden.
Cissus guerkeana is also an important plant in African traditional medicine. The plant has been used for centuries by traditional healers to treat various ailments, including fractures, bone pains, and joint problems. It is also used to treat fever and is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Conclusion
Cissus guerkeana (Büttner) T.Durand & Schinz is a succulent vine plant that is native to Botswana, Namibia, and the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Apart from being an ornamental plant, it is also widely used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. It is an excellent plant to have in a succulent garden, and its unique appearance adds a touch of natural beauty to any setting.
Light requirements
Cissus guerkeana requires bright but indirect sunlight. A location where it can get about 6 hours of sunlight per day is ideal. Too much direct sunlight can damage the foliage, while too little light can cause the plant to become leggy. It is best to place the plant near a window with filtered light or use a sheer curtain to cover the window.
Temperature requirements
Cissus guerkeana prefers warm temperatures between 60°F (16°C) and 75°F (24°C). It cannot tolerate extreme cold or heat and should be kept away from drafts and air conditioning vents. Ensure that the temperature does not fall below 50°F (10°C) as this can lead to the death of the plant.
Soil requirements
Cissus guerkeana needs well-draining soil, preferably with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. It can grow in a variety of soils, including loam, sand, and clay, as long as the soil is well-draining. It is recommended to mix perlite or vermiculite into the soil mix to improve drainage. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation of Cissus guerkeana
Cissus guerkeana is a tropical plant that thrives in warm environments. It is best grown in areas with a minimum temperature of 60°F and a maximum of 70-85°F.
The plant can thrive both indoors and outdoors, provided it gets ample sunlight, which should be indirect to about 50%. It can also be grown in partial shade, with sun exposure in the morning or late afternoon.
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Watering Needs of Cissus guerkeana
The plant requires moderate to frequent watering, depending on the temperature and humidity levels. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before the next watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
Water the plant until the soil is moist but not flooded, and ensure no water stands in the pot. If the plant is grown indoors, ensure there are drainage holes in the pot to allow excess water to drain out.
Fertilization of Cissus guerkeana
The plant requires regular feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season. The best time to add fertilizer is during the active growth period, which is from spring to late summer.
The frequency of fertilizer application depends on the type of fertilizer used, and the manufacturer's recommendation. However, avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as it can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can damage the roots and leaves.
Pruning of Cissus guerkeana
Cissus guerkeana requires annual pruning to keep it in good shape and stimulate growth. Prune the plant during the dormant season when its growth rate is slower, which is usually in late winter or early spring.
The plant can be pruned to control its size, shape it into a specific form, or remove dead or diseased branches. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant, and ensure the wounds are treated after pruning to prevent infections.
Propagation Methods of Cissus guerkeana (Büttner) T.Durand & Schinz
Cissus guerkeana (Büttner) T.Durand & Schinz is a trailing plant that adds beauty to any garden. If you love to propagate plants, you will be pleased to know that Cissus guerkeana propagation is easy, and the plant adapts well to various propagation methods. Here are a few propagation methods to consider:
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are an easy and reliable method for propagating Cissus guerkeana. Cut a stem cutting with a length of about 6-8 inches, making sure it has a few nodes. Strip away the leaves from the bottom half of the stem cutting, leaving those at the top. Put the stem cutting in a container filled with moist soil or water and place it in a warm, bright location. After a few weeks, roots will form. The stem cutting can then be transferred to a pot with soil.
Layering
Layering is a propagation technique that is especially useful for trailing plants like Cissus guerkeana. Choose a stem that is close to the ground, bend it, and pin it to the soil. Make sure to leave a node or two exposed. Over time, roots will develop, and the stem will grow into the soil. Once it is established, simply snip the stem from the parent plant.
Seeds
Cissus guerkeana seeds are another option, but the plant may take a long time to grow to maturity. If you choose to grow from seeds, start by soaking them in water overnight before planting them in a well-draining potting mix. Place the pots in a warm, bright location and keep the soil moist. Germination should occur within four to six weeks, but the plant will take longer to mature than through other propagation methods.
Overall, Cissus guerkeana is an easy plant to propagate, and with these methods, you can plant and grow an entire garden of these lovely trailing plants.
Disease Management
Cissus guerkeana is prone to a few diseases, including:
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. The affected plants usually wilt and die. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant is not overwatered, and make sure that the soil is well-drained. Also, avoid planting the plant in overly compact soil.
- Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant has good air circulation, and avoid watering the plant from the top. Instead, water from the bottom of the pot.
- Bacterial Leaf Spot: This is another disease that affects Cissus guerkeana. It causes small, water-soaked spots on the leaves which later turn brown. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the affected leaves and avoid watering the plant from the top.
Pest Management
Some common pests that could affect Cissus guerkeana include:
- Mealybugs: These are small, white insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They often appear as white cottony masses on the leaves, stems, and the undersides of the leaves. To manage mealybugs, remove them manually or use insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These are tiny insects that suck the sap of the plant. They usually appear as tiny spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water regularly, or use insecticidal soap.
- Scale: These are small, flattened insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant. They often appear as brown or black bumps and can easily go unnoticed. To manage scale, remove them manually or use insecticidal soap.
