Origin
Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Nees subsp. eglandulosa Vollesen, commonly known as the firecracker flower or Kanakambaram, is native to southern India. It grows in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Common Names
The plant is known by different names in different regions. In India, it is commonly called Kanakambaram or Kana (in Tamil). In English, it is known as the firecracker flower, crossandra, or simply as orange marmalade.
Uses
Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Nees subsp. eglandulosa Vollesen is a popular ornamental plant. It is often grown as a houseplant or used in landscapes as a groundcover or in borders. The plant produces beautiful orange or yellow flowers that bloom continuously throughout the year, making it a popular choice for gardeners.
In addition to its ornamental value, the firecracker flower also has medicinal properties. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, the plant is used to treat various ailments such as fever, cold, cough, and skin infections. The leaves, roots, and flowers are said to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Appearance
Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Nees subsp. eglandulosa Vollesen is a woody shrub that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has evergreen leaves that are oblong or lanceolate, glossy, and dark green in color. The plant produces clusters of flowers that are tubular, with four petals that are orange or yellow in color. The flowers bloom throughout the year, especially during the warmer months.
Light Requirements
Crossandra infundibuliformis subsp. eglandulosa grows best in bright, indirect light. It can handle a few hours of direct sun in the morning or evening, but prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can damage the leaves. If the plant is kept in low light, it may produce fewer blooms and become leggy.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures and thrives in temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate higher temperatures and can grow outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. However, it is sensitive to cold and can be damaged if the temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Crossandra infundibuliformis subsp. eglandulosa prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.6 and 6.5. It can grow in a range of soil types, including loamy and sandy soils, as long as they are well-draining. Soil that is too dense or retains too much moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Nees subsp. eglandulosa Vollesen requires a warm and humid environment to thrive, and it is best suited for tropical and subtropical regions. The plant grows well in well-drained loam or sandy soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers a location that receives abundant sunlight but is sheltered from hot, direct sunlight. The ideal temperature for the plants is around 24°C - 30°C.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering will depend on the local climate, humidity and soil type. During the hot summer months, it may be necessary to water the plant every day, while in cooler months, it may only need watering once a week. To prevent waterlogging, it is important to ensure that the soil drainage is adequate.
Fertilization
For optimal growth, the plant should be given regular fertilization. During the growing season, it is recommended to fertilize the plant once a month with an organic fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The amount of fertilizer used will depend on the plant size and the soil nutrient content. Overfertilization should be avoided as it can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
To encourage bushy and fuller growth, it is recommended to prune the plant regularly. Pruning should be done during the growing season, ideally in the spring or summer months. The plant should be pruned to remove any broken or damaged leaves and tall shoots. Deadheading spent flowers will also help to promote new bloom growth. To prevent the plant from becoming too leggy, pruning should be done regularly and selectively.
Propagation of Crossandra Infundibuliformis
Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Nees subsp. eglandulosa Vollesen, is a plant with attractive orange to red or yellow flowers, which has made it quite popular for ornamental purposes. Propagation of crossandra can be done through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of crossandra through seeds is a common practice. Seeds are collected from mature fruit capsules and sown in suitable seed trays containing a well-drained mixture of sand, loam, and organic matter in equal proportions. The seeds are covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist through frequent misting using a spray bottle. The trays are kept in a warm and moist environment with ample light until the seeds germinate, which takes about two to four weeks, depending on the prevailing conditions. When seedlings have developed two to three leaves, they are transplanted into individual pots for further growth, after which they can be planted into desired sites.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is another popular method of propagating crossandra, which involves the use of cuttings from existing plants. Softwood cuttings with two to four leaves are taken from the tips of healthy shoots and dipped in a rooting hormone. The cuttings are then planted in a rooting mixture of sand and peat or in water and kept moist until roots develop in two to four weeks. Once roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots for further growth, and later planted in desired sites.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is a fast and simple method of propagating Crossandra infundibuliformis, which involves dividing mature plants into smaller parts. This method is done during the active growing season, and it is best suited for older plants that have accumulated several stems. The plant is carefully removed from the soil, and the roots are gently separated, ensuring that each divided part has its root system intact. The divided parts are then planted in suitable pots and placed in a warm, moist environment until they have established enough to transplant into their desired location.
Disease and Pest Management for Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Nees subsp. eglandulosa Vollesen
Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Nees subsp. eglandulosa Vollesen, also known as the firecracker flower, is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to India and Sri Lanka. The plant prefers warm and humid climates and can grow up to 2 feet tall. Although it is relatively easy to grow, Crossandra infundibuliformis is prone to certain pests and diseases that can affect its growth and development. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Crossandra infundibuliformis is leaf spot. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that is characterized by the appearance of dark spots on the leaves. The spots may start small but can grow larger and cause the leaves to wither and die. To manage leaf spot, it is essential to remove the affected leaves and ensure that the plant is not overwatered. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect Crossandra infundibuliformis is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. It is characterized by the appearance of a white or grayish powdery substance on the affected parts. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to remove the affected parts of the plant and ensure that the plant is not overwatered. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Crossandra infundibuliformis is the mealybug. Mealybugs are small white insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage mealybugs, it is essential to remove them from the plant manually using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Insecticides can also be used to control the spread of the pest.
Another pest that can affect Crossandra infundibuliformis is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the plant's leaves and stems, causing them to dry up and turn brown. To manage spider mites, it is essential to remove the affected leaves and ensure that the plant is not overwatered. Insecticides can also be used to control the spread of the pest.
Overall, proper care and maintenance can go a long way in preventing pests and diseases from affecting Crossandra infundibuliformis. It is essential to monitor the plant regularly and take action at the first sign of a problem to ensure its health and beauty.
