Overview: Coleus englerastrum Roberty
Coleus englerastrum Roberty is a beautiful, tropical perennial plant known for its stunning foliage. Also commonly referred to as Plectranthus englerastrum, it is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which includes plants like mint and lavender.
Origin
Coleus englerastrum Roberty is native to Tanzania, East Africa, and can be found growing in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the continent. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, grassy hillsides, and rocky outcroppings.
Common Names
Coleus englerastrum Roberty is commonly known as Tanzania coleus, purple African coleus, and saintly coleus.
Uses
The leaves of Coleus englerastrum Roberty are used for medicinal purposes in traditional African medicine. They are believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and are used to treat a variety of ailments including headaches, fever, and stomach problems.
Coleus englerastrum Roberty is also a popular ornamental plant, frequently used in gardens and as a houseplant. It is particularly valued for its attractive foliage, which may feature deep purple, green, and white variegation. The plant is easy to grow and maintain, making it a popular choice for novice gardeners.
General Appearance
Coleus englerastrum Roberty is a small plant, typically growing to a height of around 20-30 cm. It has a bushy, spreading habit, with numerous stems arising from the base of the plant. The leaves are oval or heart-shaped, with toothed edges, and are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. The foliage may be green, deep purple, or a combination of the two, and often has contrasting veins and margins. The plant produces small, tubular flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple, which are held on spikes above the foliage.
Light Conditions
Coleus englerastrum Roberty requires a significant amount of sunlight. It can thrive in both direct and indirect sunlight, but it requires at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day to grow properly. When grown in areas with too much shade, its leaves lose color intensity, becoming dull and plain.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Coleus englerastrum Roberty is between 60°F – 75°F. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but sudden changes, either too hot or too cold temperatures, can damage the plant. When exposed to temperatures that are too low, the foliage may turn a lighter shade of green with noticeable wilted leaves.
Soil Conditions
The soil requirements for Coleus englerastrum Roberty are moderate. It prefers well-draining, sandy soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. Soil that retains too much water can lead to waterlogged roots, root rot, and the eventual death of the plant. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the soil has just the right moisture content for the plant to thrive.
Cultivation Methods for Coleus englerastrum Roberty
Coleus englerastrum Roberty, commonly known as African coleus, is a tropical plant that grows well in areas with warm temperatures. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11, or as a container plant indoors or on a patio.
The plant requires bright, indirect light to thrive, but direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Therefore, it is best to place it in a partially shaded area.
Watering Needs for Coleus englerastrum Roberty
Coleus englerastrum Roberty requires regular watering to keep its soil moist. However, overwatering can cause root rot, so it is essential to avoid leaving standing water around the roots.
One way to determine if you need to water the plant is to poke a finger into the soil. If the top inch of soil feels dry, it is time to water the plant. You should water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, or until the ground around the plant is damp.
Fertilization for Coleus englerastrum Roberty
Coleus englerastrum Roberty requires regular fertilization to maintain its health and promote growth. You can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
It is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using fertilizer, as different brands may differ in their application rates.
Pruning for Coleus englerastrum Roberty
Coleus englerastrum Roberty responds well to pruning, which can help promote bushier growth and prolong its lifespan. You should prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before the growing season begins.
You can remove the dead or damaged leaves, or pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching and fuller growth. If the stems become leggy or straggly, you can cut them back to just above a set of healthy leaves.
Propagation of Coleus englerastrum Roberty
Coleus englerastrum Roberty is a tropical plant that can be easily propagated using several methods. These methods include:
Stem Cuttings
The stem cutting method is the most common and easiest way to propagate Coleus englerastrum Roberty. To start, cut a healthy stem from the mother plant with a sharp and sterilized knife or pruning scissors. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches in length. Remove the lower leaves and keep 2-3 pairs of upper leaves intact.
After that, dip the lower part of the cutting into a rooting hormone powder and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture. Mist the soil and cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or wrap to retain moisture. Place the pot in a warm, bright, and humid area but away from direct sunlight. Rooting will occur in about 2-3 weeks.
Division
The division method is suitable for mature plants that have multiple stems growing from a single root system. To propagate Coleus englerastrum Roberty using division, carefully remove the plant from its pot and separate the rooted stems into individual plants. Be sure to keep the roots intact to prevent damage.
Plant the divided plants into separate pots filled with a well-draining soil mixture. Water the plants thoroughly and provide bright and indirect sunlight. It may take a few weeks for the plants to adapt, but they will grow new roots and start to thrive.
Seeds
Coleus englerastrum Roberty can also be propagated using seeds, but it's less common. Collect the seeds from mature flowers that have gone to seed. Sow the seeds on the surface of a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture, mist the soil, and cover the pot with a clear plastic wrap to maintain humidity.
Place the pot in a warm and bright area, not in direct sunlight, and provide moisture regularly. The seeds will germinate in about 7-14 days and should be thinned out once the true leaves appear to promote healthier growth.
Overall, Coleus englerastrum Roberty is an easy-to-propagate plant that can be propagated using any of the above methods. Each method offers its benefits, and gardeners can experiment with what works best for them.
Disease and Pest Management for Coleus Englerastrum Roberty
Coleus englerastrum Roberty is an excellent ornamental plant that is widely grown in gardens and indoor settings. However, the plant is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases that can damage its growth and development. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them effectively:
DISEASES
1. Root Rot: Root rot is a common fungal disease that can affect the roots of Coleus englerastrum Roberty. Overwatering, poorly-draining soil, and high humidity levels are some of the factors that can encourage the growth of root rot. To prevent this disease, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil, water it only when the topsoil is dry, and reduce humidity levels around the plant. If the plant is already affected by root rot, remove the infected parts and apply a fungicide to the rest of the plant.
2. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. The disease can spread rapidly, defoliate the plant and weaken its growth. To prevent leaf spot, water the plant only when needed, avoid watering from above, and remove any infected leaves immediately. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent further spread of the disease.
PESTS
1. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny white insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control whiteflies on Coleus englerastrum Roberty. You can also introduce predatory insects like ladybugs to control the population of whiteflies.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are common pests that thrive in warm, dry conditions. They suck sap from the leaves of the plant and cause yellowing, browning, and premature dropping of leaves. To control spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil or introduce predatory mites to feed on the pest population.
3. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are tiny, soft-bodied insects that secrete a waxy coating on their bodies. They feed on the sap of the plant and cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. Use an insecticidal soap, neem oil or alcohol solution to control mealybugs on the plant.
With proper management, you can keep Coleus englerastrum Roberty healthy and pest-free. Always monitor the plant regularly for any signs of pests and diseases and take prompt action to prevent further spread.
