Origin
Cleistanthus schlechteri (Pax) Hutch. var. schlechteri is a plant species that belongs to the family Phyllanthaceae. It is native to the Ivory Coast, a country in West Africa.
Common Names
This plant species is commonly known as "nkasa" in the Akan language.
Uses
Cleistanthus schlechteri (Pax) Hutch. var. schlechteri is used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as constipation, fever, and stomach ache. However, caution is advised as the plant contains toxic compounds that are potentially lethal.
General Appearance
The Cleistanthus schlechteri (Pax) Hutch. var. schlechteri is a small tree or shrub that can reach a height of up to 8 meters. The leaves are glossy and leathery, with a dark green color and an oval-shaped arrangement. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and the fruits are tiny capsules that contain small seeds. The bark of the tree is smooth and grayish-brown in color, with fissures that become more prominent as the tree ages.
Light Requirements
Cleistanthus schlechteri thrives in both full sun and partial shade. However, it is best to provide it with partial shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent sun scorching and reduce water loss through transpiration.
Temperature Requirements
Being native to tropical climates, Cleistanthus schlechteri prefers warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) may lead to stress and potential damage to the plant. Therefore, it is best to protect it from frosty conditions if grown in cooler climates.
Soil Requirements
Cleistanthus schlechteri prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The ideal soil pH for growing this plant ranges from 5.0 to 6.5. It can grow in different types of soil, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. However, it is essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation and Care of Cleistanthus schlechteri
Cleistanthus schlechteri is a beautiful plant species that can be grown indoor or outdoor, in pots or in the ground. The plant thrives in warm climates and well-drained soils.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Cleistanthus schlechteri vary with the prevailing weather conditions. During the growing season, ensure the soil is always moist but not waterlogged. In contrast, reduce the frequency of watering during the dormant period to prevent the waterlogging of the roots.
Fertilization
Cleistanthus schlechteri is a moderate feeder, and regular fertilization is necessary for excellent growth. Apply a complete fertilizer twice a year, at the start of the growing season and during summer, when the plant is actively growing. Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to the build-up of salts and damage the roots.
Pruning
Cleistanthus schlechteri can be pruned to enhance its appearance and maintain its shape. Pruning when the plant is dormant is ideal because it reduces the risk of an adverse reaction. Use clean disinfected tools to prevent the spread of plant diseases, and remove only the affected or weak branches. Avoid cutting more than a third of the plant as this can lead to stunted growth.
Propagation of Cleistanthus schlechteri (Pax) Hutch. var. schlechteri
Cleistanthus schlechteri (Pax) Hutch. var. schlechteri is colloquially known as 'poison arrow tree.' This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Oceania. Cleistanthus schlechteri is a woody succulent shrub, which is usually propagated by seed.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the simplest and most common method of propagating Cleistanthus schlechteri. Collecting mature, dried seed pods from the parent plant is the first step in seed propagation. Remove the dry pods from the plant, then take out the seeds. Collect the seeds when they are completely dry and brown in color.
The next step is to sow the seeds in a mixture of sand and peat moss. Sow the seeds shallowly and gently pat the soil to secure them in place. After sowing, water the soil until it becomes moist. Be careful not to overwater as this can cause the seeds to rot.
Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge and start to grow. The seeds usually take 2 to 3 weeks to germinate. It may take up to 2 years for the seedlings to become a decent size for transplanting. Once the seedlings have grown, they can be transplanted into a larger container or into the ground if desired.
Propagation by seed is usually done in late summer or spring, which is the plant's natural growing season.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cleistanthus schlechteri can also be propagated by cuttings, although this method is not as common as seed propagation. For cutting propagation, choose a healthy shoot from the plant and make a cut just below a leaf node at a 45-degree angle. The cutting should be at least 6 inches long and have 2 to 3 leaf nodes on it.
Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, making sure that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Cover the plant with a clear plastic bag or dome to help keep it humid and warm.
After a few weeks, check the cutting for roots by gently tugging on it. If the cutting has rooted, get rid of the plastic covering and grow the plant on until big and strong enough to transplant.
Cuttings are not taken very frequently as the natural growth habit of the plant makes cutting difficult. The cutting method is mostly done to preserve the genetic line or to propagate specific cultivars.
Disease Management for Cleistanthus schlechteri
Cleistanthus schlechteri is relatively disease-resistant, but it may get affected by several diseases on rare occasions. Here are some of the common diseases that might affect Cleistanthus schlechteri:
- Leaf spot disease
- Root rot disease
- Anthracnose
Controlling the diseases in their early stage is crucial to prevent their spread and damage to the plant. Here are some management strategies to deal with the diseases:
- Prune the affected leaves and stems and dispose of them properly.
- Avoid overwatering the plant and allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
- Remove the infected parts of the root and change the soil if root rot is identified.
- Use copper-based fungicides or neem oil to treat the plant if the disease spread is severe.
- Maintain proper air circulation and avoid watering the plant at night to prevent fungal growth.
Pest Management for Cleistanthus schlechteri
Cleistanthus schlechteri is prone to certain pests that may affect its growth and survival. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Scale insects
It is essential to identify and control the pests early to prevent significant damage to the plant. Here are some management strategies to deal with the pests:
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids and whiteflies.
- Handpick scale insects and treat with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab.
- Introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to control pests.
- Prune the affected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly.
- Maintain a healthy growing environment for the plant by ensuring adequate light, temperature, and humidity.
