Overview of Cissus Schimperi Hochst. ex Planch.
Cissus schimperi Hochst. ex Planch. is a plant species that belongs to the Vitaceae family. It's commonly known as bone setter vine, because of its traditional use in Ethiopia and other African countries to treat fractures and dislocations.
Origin and Distribution
Cissus schimperi is native to Ethiopia, and can be found growing in the wild in several African countries including Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, and Angola. It's also been introduced to other areas such as India and Jamaica.
Appearance
The plant is a woody vine that can reach a length of up to 20 meters. Its stems have a greenish-brown color and are often covered in hair or small aerial roots. The leaves of Cissus schimperi are simple, alternate, and have a rounded shape with pointed tips. They are typically green in color and can grow up to 9 centimeters long. The plant produces small, greenish-white flowers, and round, reddish-black fruits.
Traditional Uses
Aside from its use as a bone setter, Cissus schimperi has several other traditional uses. In Ethiopia, the plant is boiled in water to make a tea that is believed to treat stomachache, heartburn, and dysentery. The plant is also used as a remedy for coughs and sore throats. In some African countries, the leaves and stems of the plant are chewed to relieve toothache. Additionally, the plant is sometimes used as an ornamental vine for its attractive appearance.
Conclusion
Cissus schimperi Hochst. ex Planch. is a versatile plant with a long history of traditional use in Africa. Its bone setting properties have made it an important medicinal herb for treating fractures and dislocations. Additionally, its other medicinal uses and attractive appearance have made it a valuable plant in traditional medicine and landscaping.
Light Requirements
Cissus schimperi requires a moderate amount of light to grow. It will thrive in bright indirect sunlight and can also tolerate partial shade. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so it is best to avoid exposing the plant to hot afternoon sun.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Cissus schimperi is between 18°C and 30°C. It can handle cooler temperatures, but will not grow well in frost or temperatures below 10°C. In addition, it does not do well in extremely hot and dry conditions where the temperature exceeds 35°C. Providing good ventilation is essential, especially in warmer conditions, to prevent fungal infections.
Soil Requirements
Cissus schimperi prefers a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. The soil should be loose and airy to allow for good drainage and promote root growth. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite provides good soil structure and enhances water retention capacity. It also benefits from organic fertilizers applied every month during its active growing season.
Cultivation
Cissus schimperi Hochst. ex Planch. is a woody, climbing plant that is native to Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It thrives in warm temperatures and can grow in various soil types, but well-drained soil is recommended. The plant does best with partial to full sunlight exposure.
If growing indoors, it is essential to support the plant with a trellis or a stake to enable its tendrils to climb. This helps the vine to develop and spread out naturally.
Watering Needs
Water is fundamental to the growth and survival of Cissus Schimperi. It is essential to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Watering should be done when the soil on the top inch feels dry to the touch.
When watering, ensure that the pot can drain away excess water, and make sure to empty the drainage tray to avoid water accumulation, which may lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial to the growth and development of Cissus Schimperi. During the growing seasons, it is essential to feed the plant every two weeks using a water-soluble fertilizer. The fertilizer should be balanced, with an equal proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
If the leaves start to turn yellow, reduce the amount of fertilizer you're giving the plant, as this may indicate overfertilization.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial to maintaining Cissus Schimperi. It is best to prune during the growing season to promote the development of new growth. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged leaves and branches from the plant as soon as you notice them.
You can also prune the plant to control its growth, as it tends to become leggy as it ages. Prune back the branches to encourage bushy growth. You may also trim the plant's tendrils once they grow too long, enabling the plant to focus on producing leaves and branches.
Propagation of Cissus schimperi Hochst. ex Planch.
Cissus schimperi Hochst. ex Planch. can be propagated using various methods such as stem cuttings, layering, and seed propagation. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are discussed below.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are the most common method of propagating Cissus schimperi. Cuttings of around 10-15cm length should be taken from the parent plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free shoots and should be free from any flowers or buds. After removing the lower leaves, the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in sterile soil mix. The cuttings should be watered frequently and kept in a warm, humid place until roots develop. This method usually has a high success rate and is the easiest way of propagating Cissus schimperi.
Layering
Layering is another method of propagating Cissus schimperi, although it is less commonly used. In this method, a stem is bent down and covered with soil, leaving a small portion of the stem above the soil surface. Roots will develop from this part of the stem and a new plant will form. Once the new plant has established roots, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location. This method is useful if a gardener wants to propagate a particular part of the plant without damaging the parent plant.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the least common method of propagating Cissus schimperi. Seeds should be collected from ripe berries and sown in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist and warm, with the temperature at around 20-25°C. The seeds will germinate in around two to four weeks, and once the seedlings have developed two or three true leaves, they can be transplanted to individual pots. Seed propagation is time-consuming and has a lower success rate than other propagation methods, but it does have the advantage of producing genetically diverse offspring.
Disease and Pest Management for Cissus schimperi Hochst. ex Planch.
Cissus schimperi Hochst. ex Planch., also known as the Ethiopian ivy, is a beautiful and hardy indoor plant that can withstand a variety of growing conditions. While relatively disease and pest-resistant, Cissus schimperi is still susceptible to a few common issues.
Common Diseases
The most common issue with Cissus schimperi is root rot, which can occur if the plant is overwatered or planted in soil that doesn't drain well. Root rot can be fatal to the plant and is difficult to treat. Prevention is key, so avoid overwatering and make sure the plant is in well-draining soil.
Another common disease is powdery mildew, which presents as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. This can occur if the plant is kept in a humid environment or doesn't receive enough air circulation. To treat powdery mildew, remove affected leaves and stems and apply a fungicide. Increase air circulation and reduce humidity levels to prevent further outbreaks.
Cissus schimperi is also susceptible to bacterial and fungal leaf spots. These appear as small, dark brown spots on the leaves and can cause the leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. Remove affected leaves and apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
The most common pests to affect Cissus schimperi are spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing leaf discoloration and leaf drop. Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like insects that also feed on the sap from the plant. Both pests can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. It's important to treat any infestation promptly to prevent further damage to the plant.
Prevention
The best way to manage disease and pest issues with Cissus schimperi is through prevention. Make sure the plant is in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Keep the plant in a location with adequate air circulation and avoid placing it in a humid environment. Regularly inspect the leaves and stems for signs of disease or pests and remove affected areas promptly.
By following these disease and pest management techniques, you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful Cissus schimperi as a delightful addition to your indoor plant collection.
