Origin
The plant Cyphostemma humile (N.E.Br.) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. subsp. dolichopus (C.A.Sm.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. is native to Mexico.
Common Names
Common names of this plant include the Mexican Tree Vine, "bejuco de burro" and "raicilla".
Uses
Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus is used medicinally for its diuretic and hypoglycemic properties. The plant is also used to relieve symptoms such as swelling, inflammation and pain. The bark and leaves are used for their therapeutic properties and have been traditionally used as remedies for various ailments.
General Appearance
Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus is a large woody vine that can grow up to 20 meters long. The plant has a thick, gnarled stem that can grow up to 10 centimeters in diameter. The leaves are large, rounded, and have a velvety texture on the underside. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and the fruit is a cylindrical berry that can grow up to 3 centimeters in length. The plant generally blooms in the late summer and early fall.
Growth Conditions for Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus
Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus is a succulent plant that belongs to the family of Vitaceae. It is native to southern Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. The plant has specific growth requirements that must be met to ensure its optimal growth and development.
Light Requirements
Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. It does well in areas with high light intensity and prefers full sun exposure. Partial shade may be necessary in extremely hot regions to avoid scorching the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant does well in warm temperatures, with a minimum temperature of 60°F (15.5°C) during the winter months. Temperatures above 90°F (32°C) may be too hot for the plant, and it may require extra watering to avoid excessive water loss and wilting.
Soil Requirements
Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus prefers well-draining soil, with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients. The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, but the soil should be allowed to dry out partially between watering. Excessive water can lead to root rot, and the plant may fail to thrive.
In summary, Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus requires full sun exposure, warm temperatures, and well-draining soil to perform optimally. Its specific growth requirements require careful attention and management to ensure the plant's continued growth and development.
Cultivation methods
Cyphostemma humile (N.E.Br.) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. subsp. dolichopus (C.A.Sm.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. can be grown in either containers or directly in the ground. This plant is native to arid regions of southwestern North America, so it requires well-draining soil and plenty of sunshine. Adding sand or gravel to the soil mixture ensures adequate drainage. The plant also prefers warm temperatures and will grow best in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.
Watering needs
Because Cyphostemma humile (N.E.Br.) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. subsp. dolichopus (C.A.Sm.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. is adapted to arid environments, it can tolerate drought to some extent. However, it still requires regular watering to thrive. During the growing season, water the plant deeply once every two weeks. Reduce watering to once a month during the dormant period. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Cyphostemma humile (N.E.Br.) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. subsp. dolichopus (C.A.Sm.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. does not require frequent fertilization. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied once in early spring and again in mid-summer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for the proper dosage.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Cyphostemma humile (N.E.Br.) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. subsp. dolichopus (C.A.Sm.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. However, if you need to control the plant's size or shape, you can trim it back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use sharp, clean pruning shears and make cuts just above a leaf node. This will encourage the plant to grow new shoots and maintain its shape.
Propagation of Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus
Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus is a plant that can be propagated by various methods. Some of these methods include:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus is through seeds. The seeds should be collected during the plant’s flowering season and sown in seed trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seed trays should be kept in a warm place and watered regularly. Within a few weeks, the seedlings will emerge.
Cuttings Propagation
Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the parent plant’s stem and allowed to dry for a few days. Once the cuttings have dried, they can be planted in small pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The pots should be kept in a warm place and watered regularly. In a few weeks, the cuttings will develop roots.
Division Propagation
Division is also a suitable method of propagating Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus. The plant can be divided by digging up the parent plant and separating the root ball into several sections. Each divided section can then be replanted in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. The pots should be kept in a warm place and watered regularly. Within a few weeks, the divided sections will establish roots and start growing new shoots.
Whichever propagation method you choose to use, it is important to note that Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus requires a warm and well-draining soil to grow. It also prefers bright, indirect sunlight and should be watered regularly. With the proper care, this plant can be an attractive addition to your collection.
Disease Management
Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus is prone to certain diseases that can damage the plant. The most common diseases that affect this plant are fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spots.
Powdery mildew is a type of fungal disease that usually occurs during periods of high humidity. The leaves of affected plants develop a white powdery coating on their surface, which eventually causes them to wither and die. To manage this disease, it is advisable to ensure proper ventilation and air circulation around the plant and spray with fungicides regularly.
Leaf spots, on the other hand, are circular, dark spots on the leaves that can cause them to turn yellow and eventually die. To prevent this disease, it is essential to keep the soil and plant foliage relatively dry and remove any infected leaves and twigs promptly.
Pest Management
Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus also suffers from pest infestation. The most common pests that attack this plant are scales and mealybugs.
Scales are small, wingless insects that attach themselves to the plant's stems and leaves, sucking sap from the plant. They can cause extensive damage to the plant if left untreated, and their presence is indicated by a sticky substance on the plant's surface. The best management strategy for scales is to promptly prune the affected leaves and twigs and spray insecticidal soap on the plant.
Mealybugs, on the other hand, resemble cotton wool balls or white powdery masses on stems and leaves. They also sap the plant of its nutrients, causing the leaves to curl and become yellow. To manage mealybugs, it is advisable to spray the plant regularly with insecticidal soap, remove infected plant parts, and isolate affected plants to prevent the spread of the pest.
Regularly checking for signs of disease and pests and taking prompt, targeted action can help keep the Cyphostemma humile subsp. dolichopus plant healthy and thriving.
