Overview
Cyrtandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John, commonly known as the Hawaiian cyrtandra, is a type of flowering plant belonging to the family Gesneriaceae. This species is endemic to the Waianae Range of Oahu, Hawaii, and is recognized for its vibrant pink to purple blooms. The plant blooms from October to March.Appearance
The Hawaiian cyrtandra typically grows as a small bush or shrub, reaching up to 4 feet in height. It has oval-shaped leaves that measure 8-11cm in length and are between 3-7cm in width. The leaves are waxy, dark green, and have a glossy appearance. The plant's pink to purple flowers grow in clusters or spikes at the end of a stem and can reach up to 4cm in length.Common Names
The Hawaiian cyrtandra is known by several common names, including Hana pepe, Hana pepe 'ula, and Lesson's Cyrtandra.Uses
The Hawaiian cyrtandra has traditional significance in Hawaiian culture and has been used for medicinal purposes. It is said to contain anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and was used to treat cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. Today, the plant is primarily used for ornamental purposes and is a popular choice for landscaping in Hawaii. The plant is also used in lei-making and is considered a symbol of love and affection.Growth Conditions for Cytrandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John
Cytrandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John is an evergreen plant that grows natively in the Hawaiian islands. It is commonly known as "haiwale" or Hawaiian rainforest." The plant thrives in a warm and humid environment characterized by year-round rainfall. The following are the ideal growth conditions for Cytrandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John:
Light Requirements
Cytrandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John prefers partial to full shade. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and cause damage to the plant. The plant thrives in the filtered sunlight that comes through the rainforest canopy. Therefore, it is essential to plant the plant in an area that receives less than four hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Cytrandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John is between 60°F to 85°F (16°C to 29°C). The plant is sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. Therefore, it is best to plant it in a sheltered area or indoors where the temperature remains consistent throughout the year.
Soil Requirements
Cytrandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John thrives in nutrient-rich soils that are well-drained. It requires a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The plant needs consistent moisture to grow optimally, but it cannot tolerate standing water. Therefore, it is best to plant the plant in a soil mixture consisting of peat, perlite, and sand to improve drainage.
Overall, providing optimal growing conditions for Cytrandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John will result in a healthy and thriving plant.
Cultivation Methods
Cyrtandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John can be grown both indoors and outdoors in warm climates. If grown indoors, choose a location that receives indirect light. Outdoors, plant in partial to full shade.
The plant prefers well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter before planting. When planting, make sure the root ball is level with the surrounding soil and water thoroughly.
Cyrtandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John can be propagated through cuttings. Take stem cuttings in the spring and dip them in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining planting mix.
Watering Needs
Water the plant deeply and regularly, making sure the soil is well-draining. The plant does not tolerate dry conditions, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Check soil moisture frequently and adjust watering as necessary.
When watering, avoid getting water on the leaves as the plant is susceptible to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Cyrtandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with a higher ratio of nitrogen. In the winter, reduce fertilization to once a month.
Avoid overfertilizing as it can lead to salt buildup in the soil, causing root damage and nutrient deficiencies.
Pruning
Cyrtandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John can be pruned to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Prune in the spring after flowering has finished. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. Cut back up to one-third of the plant's growth to encourage branching.
Remember to sanitize your pruning tools before use to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Cyrtandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John
The propagation of Cyrtandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John can be done through two common methods: seed propagation and stem cuttings propagation. In general, propagating through stem cuttings is known to be more reliable and faster than seed propagation.
Seed propagation
To propagate Cyrtandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John through seed, the seeds need to be collected from mature and healthy plants. The seeds can then be sown in a well-draining and sterile soil mixture. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the container in a warm, bright area. Germination may take up to several weeks and can be enhanced by covering the container with a plastic bag or a dome to increase humidity levels. Once the seedlings have grown strong enough, they can be transplanted to individual pots.
Stem cuttings propagation
Propagating Cyrtandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John through stem cuttings is a common and reliable way to grow new plants. To begin, cut a 5-6 cm long stem from a healthy plant. Remove the leaves from the lower third of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a moist soil mixture and keep it in a warm, shaded area. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and do not disturb the cutting for several weeks to allow roots to grow. Once roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Cyrtandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John
Cyrtandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John is a beautiful plant species that is native to Hawaii. Like most plants, it is susceptible to several pests and diseases that can harm its growth and appearance. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, along with ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that leaves a white, powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. To manage it, you can spray the affected foliage with neem oil or potassium bicarbonate solution. These solutions will kill the fungus without harming the plant.
2. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal infection that causes dark, circular spots on the foliage. To prevent leaf spot, avoid watering the plant from above, as it can spread the fungus. You can manage the disease by cutting off the infected leaves or spraying them with a copper-based fungicide.
Pests
1. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck the sap from the plant. They leave behind a white, cottony substance on the foliage. To manage mealybugs, you can wipe the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can also spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, red or yellow pests that are hard to see with the naked eye. They cause yellow spots on the leaves and webs on the foliage. You can manage spider mites by spraying the plant with water to dislodge them. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
3. Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant. They can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By properly managing the pests and diseases that affect the Cyrtandra lessoniana Gaud. var. intrapubens St. John plant, you can ensure that it remains healthy and beautiful. Remember to always monitor your plants for signs of pests or diseases and take necessary actions to manage them as soon as possible.
