Origin
Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. is part of the Campanulaceae family and is native to the Hawaiian Islands. It can be found in wet forests, usually at elevations of 1,500 to 4,000 feet.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the Hawaiian lobelia or lobelia scabra. In Hawaiian, it is called p?lama.
Uses
Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. has been traditionally used by the native Hawaiians to treat various ailments such as headaches, fever, and stomachaches. The plant's leaves and stems were boiled and consumed as a tea. Today, the plant is primarily used for its ornamental value in landscaping due to its unique and stunning appearance.
Appearance
Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. is a large, herbaceous plant that can grow up to 6 feet in height. It has large, glossy, green leaves that can be up to 2 feet long and 5 inches wide. The lobelia scabra produces a bright pinkish-red, tubular flower that blooms during the fall and winter months. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the top of the plant and can be up to 2 feet tall.
Growth Conditions for Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p.
Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. is a tropical plant species that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. It is essential to provide the optimal temperature, light, and soil requirements to ensure its satisfactory growth. Below are some of the typical growth conditions for this plant species.
Light Requirements
Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. requires enough light to survive, but it cannot tolerate direct sunlight for extended periods. It is recommended to place the plant in a partially shaded area to protect it from harsh sunlight. Placing it beside a window that offers indirect sunlight is also recommended.
Temperature Requirements
Being a tropical plant, Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. thrives in warm environments. It requires a temperature range of 60°F to 85°F (15.5°C to 29.4°C) for optimal growth. It is recommended to maintain a steady temperature and avoid sudden drops or rises that could harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil is an essential element for the growth of Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. It requires soil that is rich in organic matter and has excellent drainage capacity. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. It is recommended to add compost or organic fertilizer to the soil to enrich it with nutrients.
Providing the appropriate growth conditions for Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. is vital to its survival. By providing the perfect light, temperature, and soil requirements, you can ensure that your plant thrives and flourishes for a long time.
Cultivation
Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. is an epiphytic plant that can also grow as a terrestrial plant. It is endemic to Hawaii, and it can grow up to 6 feet high. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil. You can cultivate it indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference and climate conditions.
If you are cultivating it indoors, make sure to place it in a well-lit area. If you are growing it outdoors, it thrives in partially shaded areas. It is important to note that direct sunlight can damage the leaves and retard growth.
Watering Needs
Watering the plant is vital to its survival. Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. requires regular watering to maintain the moisture level, especially if it is grown indoors. You can water it once in two weeks, or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. When watering the plant, avoid using cold water that can shock the roots and cause damage. Using lukewarm water is ideal.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. is essential for its proper growth and maintenance. You can fertilize it once every two months, using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause the roots to burn and damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning the plant helps to maintain its shape and size. Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. might require pruning once in a while, especially if it starts growing two or more stems. Pruning is also necessary if some of the leaves become brown or yellow, or if they start to wilt. To prune the plant, use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut off the affected parts of the plant.
Propagation of Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p.
Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p., commonly known as the Hawaiian blue spikes, can be propagated through various methods. Below are the most common ways of propagating this plant.
Seed Propagation
The easiest way of propagating Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. is through seed propagation. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture, cover lightly with soil, and mist the soil surface. Keep the soil uniformly moist and place the container in a well-lit area with indirect sunlight. The seeds often start germinating within two to three months. Once the seedlings outgrow the containers, transplant them into individual pots.
Division
Another method of propagating Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. is through division. During the growing season, divide the clumps of the plant by gently removing the plant from its pot and separating the roots by hand. Ensure each section has several leaves and a healthy root system. Plant each division in a new container, water the soil, and place it in a well-lit area. Keep the soil uniformly moist until new growth appears.
Stem Cuttings
Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. can also propagate through stem cuttings. Take a cutting of about 4-6 inches long from the tip of a healthy stem. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in a rooting hormone, and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture. Mist the soil surface and keep the container in indirect sunlight. Keep the soil uniformly moist until new growth appears, which signals that the cutting has rooted successfully.
Disease and Pest Management for Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p.
Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. is a beautiful plant species that is native to Hawaii. However, like all other plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and health. Therefore, it is important to manage disease and pest problems effectively to ensure that the plant grows well and produces healthy foliage and flowers. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Crown Rot: Crown rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots and the stem, causing the plant to wilt, yellow, and eventually die. To manage crown rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil drains well. Remove the affected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Fungal Leaf Spots: Fungal leaf spots are common in wet and humid conditions. They appear as circular, brown spots on the leaves, and can cause defoliation and weaken the plant. To manage fungal leaf spots, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Root Rot: Root rot is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant. It is characterized by wilted, yellow leaves, stunted growth, and a foul odor coming from the roots. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the soil drains well. Remove the affected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
Scale Insects: Scale insects are common pests that feed on plant sap. They appear as small, brown, or gray bumps on the stems and leaves. To manage scale insects, prune and discard infected parts of the plant. Apply insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or a systemic insecticide to control the pests.
Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck plant sap and can transmit diseases from one plant to another. They are light green, brown, or black and are often found in clusters on the leaves and stems. To manage aphids, wash them off with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or a systemic insecticide.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. They spin webs that can cover the leaves and stems, giving the plant a dusty appearance. To manage spider mites, wash them off with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or a miticide.
By managing diseases and pests effectively, you can ensure that your Cyanea scabra Hbd. var. variabilis Rock p.p. plant remains healthy and beautiful. Regular inspection and intervention can help you to identify and control any problems that may arise.
