Origin
Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. var. subcordata (Hallier f.) Baker is an ornamental plant that is native to China, Japan, and Korea. It belongs to the Convolvulaceae family and is also known as arrowleaf bindweed or hedge bindweed.
Common Names
Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. var. subcordata (Hallier f.) Baker has several common names, including arrowleaf bindweed, hedge bindweed, Japanese bindweed, and morning glory. In Chinese, it is called "Qian Ri Hong," which means "thousand-day red."
Uses
The plant is mainly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes due to its attractive white and red flowers. Its flowers bloom in the late spring and early summer months, making it an ideal plant for adding color to gardens during these seasons. Besides, its leaves are edible and rich in vitamins A and C, making it a popular choice for salads.
General Appearance
Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. var. subcordata (Hallier f.) Baker is a creeping perennial herb that grows up to 50 cm tall. The plant has arrow-shaped leaves that are green and succulent. Its flowers are typically white or light pink in color, with a red or purple center. The flowers measure about 3 cm in diameter and bloom in clusters of three to five. The plant produces fruit, which is a capsule containing seeds.
Light Conditions
Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. var. subcordata (Hallier f.) Baker prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant can tolerate harsh sunlight but not for extended periods. It is suggested to protect the plant from direct sunlight during noon periods in the summer.
Temperature Conditions
The plant grows best in warm to hot temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. var. subcordata (Hallier f.) Baker is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The plant can also tolerate cold conditions with temperatures as low as 2 to 5°C (35°F to 41°F).
Soil Requirements
Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. var. subcordata (Hallier f.) Baker prefers well-drained soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. A soil mix with a combination of sand and loam is ideal. It is recommended to avoid heavy clay soils and soils with poor drainage.
Cultivation methods
Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. var. subcordata (Hallier f.) Baker is a hardy plant that can thrive in various soil types, including sandy or loamy soils. The plant also requires full sunlight exposure to grow optimally. When planting, make sure to space the plants at least 20-30 cm apart to allow sufficient airflow, which prevents fungal infections.
The best time to plant this species is during the spring or summer months when the soil is warm. You can start the plants indoors and transplant them when they reach at least four inches high. Ensure that the planting hole's depth is slightly more than the seedling's root length, and water regularly until the plant is well established.
Watering needs
The plant requires moderate watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under watering can cause the leaves to wilt and dry out. During the growing season, water the plants every few days, but reduce watering during the dormant phase in winter. Test the soil's moisture level by inserting a wooden stick into the soil. If it comes out dry, it means you need to water the plant.
Fertilization
To ensure a healthy growth rate, fertilize the plant during the active growth phase using a balanced fertilizer. Apply once a month in small doses as this plant does not require heavy feeding. Fertilizing too much can lead to weak stems and leaves, making the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial in maintaining the plant's healthy growth and overall appearance. Trim off dead or withered branches, flowers, and leaves to stimulate new growth. You can also prune to control the plant's height or width, but make sure not to cut beyond the green wood as this can damage the plant. Trim during early spring before new growth appears to promote bushy growth.
Propagation of Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. var. subcordata (Hallier f.) Baker
Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. var. subcordata (Hallier f.) Baker, commonly known as arrow-leaved bindweed, is a hardy succulent plant that can be propagated through various methods such as by cuttings, layering, and division.
Cuttings
Cuttings is one of the simplest methods of propagation for Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. var. subcordata (Hallier f.) Baker and is best done during the growing season, i.e. late spring or early summer. Select a healthy stem from the parent plant and cut it at an angle of 45 degrees, ensuring that the cutting measures around 10-15 cm.
Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the bottom end into a rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or a propagation dome to retain moisture and place it in a warm and bright spot with filtered sunlight.
After a few weeks, the cutting should start to grow roots, and once it establishes a good root system, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Layering
Layering is another common propagation method for Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. var. subcordata (Hallier f.) Baker, and it involves taking a stem from the parent plant and encouraging it to grow roots while still attached to the plant.
Identify a low-growing stem from the parent plant that is flexible enough to bend towards the ground. Gently scrape the stem with a sharp blade or knife under a node, where leaves attach to the stem or where the buds appear. Dust rooting hormone powder onto the scraped area, then bend the stem towards the ground, keeping the scraped part in contact with the soil.
Make a small hole in the soil and anchor the stem in place with a u-shaped wire, then cover the stem with soil, leaving the tip exposed. Water the soil around the stem, keeping it moist, and wait for the roots to grow.
Once roots have developed, cut the stem from the parent plant and transplant the new plant to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Division
The division method of propagation is suitable for more established Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. var. subcordata (Hallier f.) Baker plants. To divide the plant, remove it from its pot or the ground, and gently tease apart the roots into separate plants, ensuring that each plant has a good root system and shoots.
Plant each new plant into their individual pots or directly into the ground and care for them as usual. Dividing the plant also helps to rejuvenate the parent plant, promoting new growth and helping to keep it healthy.
Disease and Pest Management for Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. var. subcordata (Hallier f.) Baker
Like any other plant, Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. var. subcordata is also susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases:
1. Powdery Mildew: It is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery layer on the foliage of the plant. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts, ensuring proper airflow, and using fungicides containing sulfur, neem oil, or potassium bicarbonate.
2. Leaf Spot: It is another fungal disease that causes circular or angular brown spots on the leaves. You can manage it by removing and destroying the infected plant parts and using copper-based fungicides.
3. Root Rot: It is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and ultimately leading to plant death. You can prevent it by maintaining well-drained soil, avoiding overwatering, and using fungicides containing Trichoderma viride or Bacillus subtilis.
Pests:
1. Spider Mites: These tiny pests cause yellowing and browning of the leaves and the appearance of webbing on the plant. You can manage them by removing the infected plant parts, spraying the plant with water, and using insecticides containing neem oil, insecticidal soap, or pyrethrins.
2. Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. You can manage them by removing them manually, spraying the plant with water, and using insecticides containing neem oil or insecticidal soap.
3. Whiteflies: These tiny insects cause yellowing and curling of the leaves and the appearance of a sticky substance on the plant. You can manage them by removing the infected plant parts, using sticky traps, and using insecticides containing neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Proper disease and pest management are crucial for the growth and development of Convolvulus sagittatus Thunb. var. subcordata, and regular monitoring of the plant is necessary to prevent any potential problems.
