Origin
Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev. is a plant species that is native to Africa, specifically in the regions of Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to by a variety of names, including bush coleus, Congo coleus, and kidney weed.
Uses
The plant has a number of traditional medicinal uses among indigenous peoples in Africa. In Nigeria, an infusion of the leaves or roots is used to treat fever, headache, constipation, and asthma. The Yoruba tribe in Nigeria also uses the plant as an herbal remedy for cough, stomach troubles, and to reduce inflammation. In Gabon, the leaves are boiled in water and the resulting decoction is consumed to treat hypertension, while in Cameroon, a paste made from the leaves is applied topically to relieve pain caused by rheumatism and arthritis.
General Appearance
Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev. is a perennial herb that grows to a height of up to 1.5 meters. The leaves are simple and opposite, with a broad, serrated margin, and are up to 21 cm long and 15 cm wide. The flowers are small and blue to violet in color, and are arranged in spikes that emerge from the axils of the leaves. The seeds are tiny, brown, and numerous.
Light Requirements
The Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev. requires bright, indirect light for optimal growth. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight for extended periods because it can burn the leaves. Therefore, it is essential to place the plant in an area where it can receive bright, indirect light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 18°C to 29°C. It can withstand the temperatures as low as 13°C, but it cannot survive temperatures below 10°C. Therefore, it is essential to keep the plant in a warm environment and avoid exposing it to cold drafts.
Soil Requirements
The Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev. prefers well-draining, fertile soil. It grows best in soil that is rich in humus and organic matter. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. It is crucial to avoid soil that is compacted or heavy, as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev. is native to West Africa and is a herbaceous plant that does well in tropical and subtropical climate regions. It thrives in indirect light and grows up to 50cm tall and 70cm wide when planted in gardens or large pots. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, but prefers slightly acidic soil with good drainage. When planting, ensure adequate spacing between plants to allow for airflow and prevent diseases.
Watering Needs
Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev. requires moderate watering, which is best done by deep watering once a week rather than frequent light watering. In areas with high temperatures or low humidity, water the plants more often. The soil should feel slightly damp, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases that can kill the plant. Avoid watering the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev. benefits from regular feeding during the growing season. Apply a slow-release fertilizer or a water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks to encourage healthy growth. Alternatively, use a balanced organic fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season.
Pruning
Pruning Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev. helps control its growth and maintain its shape. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove the top few inches of the stem to promote branching and bushiness. Pinch the tips of young plants regularly to encourage full, bushy growth. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves as they appear to improve the plant's appearance and prevent diseases.
Propagation of Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev.
Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev. is a plant that can be propagated from both seed and stem cuttings. Each method has its own set of requirements and best practices that must be followed for successful propagation.
Propagation by Seed
The first step in propagating Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev. by seed is to obtain high-quality seed from a reputable supplier. This can be done either by purchasing pre-packaged seed or by harvesting seed from mature plants. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil that has been moistened prior to planting.
Seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil no deeper than the diameter of the seed and placed in a warm, sunny location. The ideal temperature for germination is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius). Germination typically occurs within 7-10 days.
Once the seedlings have grown several sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted to individual containers or directly into the ground. The young plants must be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. They should also be protected from direct sunlight until they are established.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev. can also be propagated from stem cuttings. This method involves taking a healthy stem from a mature plant and rooting it in a suitable growing medium.
The stem should be between 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long and should have at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
The stem should then be planted in a container of well-draining soil or a rooting medium such as vermiculite or perlite. The container should be placed in a warm, humid location with indirect sunlight. The cutting should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Within 2-3 weeks, the cutting should produce roots and can be transplanted to a larger container or directly into the ground. The new plant should be kept moist and protected from direct sunlight until it is established.
Disease Management for Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev.
Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev. is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Leaf Spot Disease: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens. Symptoms include lesions on leaves, which can be brown or black in color and are often surrounded by a yellow halo. It can be controlled by removing the affected leaves and using a fungicide.
- Verticillium Wilt: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the stem and roots of the plant, and symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. Infected plants should be removed and disposed of, and soil should be sterilized before replanting.
- Fusarium Wilt: This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus that affects the roots, stem, and leaves of the plant. Symptoms include yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Control measures include removing infected plants and using fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen that produces a white powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be controlled using a fungicide.
Pest Management for Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev.
Insects can also pose a threat to Coleus carnosus A.Chev. var. lamiifolius A.Chev., and the following are some common pests that affect the plant:
- Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, and their presence can cause leaves to become distorted or stunted. Control measures include using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of butterflies and moths, and they can cause significant damage to foliage by eating it. Control measures include manually removing them or using a biological insecticide.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to become stippled or yellow. Control measures include using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Thrips: These are small, slender insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to become distorted or discolored. Control measures include using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
