Overview:
Cissus Ornata A.Chev. is a plant that belongs to the grape family (Vitaceae). It is native to tropical regions of Africa and is known for its medicinal properties.
Common Names:
Cissus Ornata A.Chev. has several common names depending on the region. In Africa, it is commonly known as bone setter, vine of God or khang-ai. In other parts of the world, it is known as devil’s backbone or the princess vine.
Appearance:
The plant has a woody stem that can grow up to 8 meters long. It has long, pointed leaves that are green in color and have serrated edges. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow and are arranged in clusters. The plant produces oblong fruits that are purple in color.
Uses:
Cissus Ornata A.Chev. has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. It is commonly used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments including broken bones, joint pain, and snake bites. It is known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Additionally, it has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, making it useful in treating bacterial infections.
Aside from its medicinal uses, Cissus Ornata A.Chev. is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and indoor spaces. Its unique appearance makes it an attractive addition to any space.
Light Requirements
Cissus ornata A.Chev. grows best in bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause leaf burn.
Temperature Requirements
These plants prefer to grow in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C), and they do not tolerate extreme temperatures well. They should be kept away from cold drafts or hot, dry air.
Soil Requirements
Cissus ornata A.Chev. thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They prefer a slightly acidic soil pH of 5.5-6.5. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil provides a good balance of moisture and drainage.
Water Requirements
Cissus ornata A.Chev. prefers consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged. Water once a week and allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. In winter, water less frequently. Over-watering can cause root rot, so it’s essential to ensure proper drainage.
Fertilizer Requirements
Cissus ornata A.Chev. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season (spring through summer). Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks at half strength. In winter, reduce fertilizer application to once a month.
Cultivation
Cissus ornata A.Chev. can be grown both indoors and outdoors. If you choose to grow it indoors, make sure it receives plenty of bright but indirect light. If you choose to grow it outdoors, make sure it is planted in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Watering Needs
The soil of Cissus ornata A.Chev. should be kept evenly moist throughout the growing season. However, make sure not to overwater it as it can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of soil starts to feel dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Cissus ornata A.Chev. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. You can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every two weeks. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring that will feed the plant throughout the growing season.
Pruning
To keep your Cissus ornata A.Chev. in good shape, you can prune it back in the spring by cutting back any unwanted growth to the desired length. This will encourage new shoots to grow and promote a fuller appearance. You can also prune back any dead or damaged growth throughout the year to keep the plant healthy.
Propagation of Cissus ornata A.Chev.
Cissus ornata A.Chev. can be propagated through various methods such as stem cuttings and seeds. Propagation through stem cuttings is the most commonly used method and is relatively easy to execute.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings should be taken during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. The ideal length of a stem cutting should be around 6-8 inches, and it should have at least two nodes. The nodes are the areas on the stem where leaves emerge.
Remove the bottom leaves from the stem cutting, leaving 2-3 leaves on the top. Dip the cut end of the stem cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the soil until it is moist, but not wet. Place the pot in an area with bright but indirect sunlight and maintain a temperature of 70-75°F.
The roots of the stem cutting will eventually develop, and new shoots will emerge from the top. Once the new shoots have grown to a decent length, the cutting can be transplanted to a bigger pot or planted in the ground.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation of Cissus ornata A.Chev. through seeds is also possible but requires a bit more effort. The seeds of Cissus ornata A.Chev. are small and need to be sown shallowly on the soil surface.
Prepare a shallow pot or seed tray filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the soil until it is moist and sprinkle the seeds on the soil surface. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, just enough to cover the seed, and then gently water the soil. Maintain moisture in the soil and ensure that the seeds are kept in a warm and bright location.
The seedlings will start to emerge in a couple of weeks, and once they are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted into individual pots. The young plants must be kept in a warm location and provided with adequate nutrition.
Propagation through stem cuttings is the preferred method as it is quicker and easier than propagation through seeds. Regardless of the propagation method, the soil must be kept moist, the plants must be kept in bright but indirect sunlight, and the temperature should be maintained between 70-75°F.
Disease and Pest Management for Cissus ornata A.Chev.
Cissus ornata A.Chev. is generally a hardy plant and is not known to suffer from severe pest and disease problems. However, it is susceptible to certain pests and diseases, especially under certain environmental conditions. Timely action and proper management practices can prevent and control the spread of these pests and diseases.
Pest Management
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause extensive damage to the leaves of Cissus ornata A.Chev. They can be manually controlled by picking them off the plant and destroying them. Alternatively, insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution can be sprayed on the plant to repel and eliminate them.
Scale insects: Scale insects can cause leaf drop, stunted growth, and even death to the plant. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to suffocate them.
Spider mites: Spider mites are a common pest on indoor plants and can cause yellowing and stippling on leaves. They can be controlled by increasing humidity around the plant or by using an insecticidal soap.
Disease Management
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause brown spots on leaves. It can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and providing good air circulation around the plant. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicidal spray containing copper or sulfur.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that appears as white powder on the leaves. It can be controlled by removing infected leaves and increasing air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity. Alternatively, a fungicidal spray containing potassium bicarbonate or sulfur can be applied to the plant.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that usually affects plants that are overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil. Affected plants should be removed from the soil, the affected roots should be cut off, and the plant should be repotted in new, well-draining soil.
With proper pest and disease management, Cissus ornata A.Chev. can thrive and remain a beautiful addition to any household or garden.
