Origin
Cyrtandra longifolia (Wawra) Hbd. ex C.B. Clarke var. arborescens (Wawra) C.B. Clarke is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Gesneriaceae. Its common names include ?ama?u (Hawaiian) and climbing lace flower (English). It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it can be found in wet forests on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as ?ama?u in the Hawaiian language, which translates to "fern" in English. It is also called climbing lace flower in English due to its delicate, lacy flowers that climb along stems.
General Appearance
Cyrtandra longifolia var. arborescens is a woody, evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 7 meters tall. Its branches are light brown and slightly hairy. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and oblong in shape, growing up to 25 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide. The plant produces clusters of tubular, white, or light pink flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. The flowers are about 3 centimeters long, with five lobes and a frilly edge. The fruit is a small, round capsule that contains many small seeds.
Uses
The leaves, bark, and stems of ?ama?u have traditional uses in Hawaiian culture. They have been used to make tea or as a poultice for ailments such as stomachaches, sore throats, and skin irritations. The wood of the tree was used to make spears and digging sticks. The plant is also used as an ornamental in landscaping due to its attractive foliage and showy flowers.
Light Requirements
Cyrtandra longifolia var. arborescens requires bright but indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause leaf burn. The plant should be placed near east or west-facing windows to provide adequate light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Cyrtandra longifolia var. arborescens is between 18-25°C (64-77°F). It can tolerate slightly lower temperatures, but it is not frost tolerant. The plant should be protected from freezing temperature and cold drafts.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Cyrtandra longifolia var. arborescens should be well-draining, slightly acidic, and rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite combined with quality potting soil should provide the plant with the necessary nutrients. The plant should be watered regularly, but not over-watered, as it is susceptible to root rot.
Cultivation
Cyrtandra longifolia var. arborescens is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid environments. It can be grown outdoors in areas with temperatures above 60°F and with minimal frost. The plant prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
The best location to grow the plant is under partial shade or filtered sunlight since direct sunlight can cause sunburn to the leaves. It is recommended to plant the plant in a sheltered area to protect it from strong wind, which can lead to leaf damage.
Watering needs
Since the plant is native to tropical areas, it requires frequent watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The soil should never dry out completely. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is not easy to treat, and thus it is essential to avoid it. Water the plant thoroughly and wait until the topsoil is dry before watering again.
During the winter months when the plant is dormant, reduce the watering frequency to allow the soil to dry out slightly. However, avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Fertilization
Cyrtandra longifolia var. arborescens requires regular fertilization to thrive. The best time to fertilize is during the growing season, which is from spring to fall. Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) with micronutrients every two weeks. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer once a month, which will provide the plant with nutrients over an extended period.
It is essential to avoid over-fertilizing the plant to prevent nutrient burn, which can lead to yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth.
Pruning
Cyrtandra longifolia var. arborescens requires a regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune the plant is after the blooming period, which is typically in the fall or winter.
During pruning, remove any dead or damaged branches, and cut back any overgrown or crossing branches to improve ventilation and light penetration. Avoid cutting back too much of the plant since it can cause stress and affect the next blooming period.
Propagation of Cyrtandra Longifolia var. Arborescens
Cyrtandra longifolia var. arborescens can be propagated through various methods including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and tissue culture.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of C. longifolia var. arborescens should be collected when ripe and sown immediately in a well-draining soil mix consisting of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately 2 cm, lightly watered, and covered with a plastic wrap to maintain humidity. The seedlings should emerge within 2-4 weeks under proper temperature and lighting conditions.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from the parent plant during the growing season. The ideal stem cuttings are 10-15cm long and have 2-3 nodes. The bottom leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before planting them in a well-drained soil mix. They should be watered regularly and placed in a shaded area to prevent wilting. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks and can be transplanted into their permanent locations after 8-10 weeks.
Tissue Culture
In vitro propagation methods such as tissue culture can be used to propagate C. longifolia var. arborescens. The explants can be taken from the apical leaves, meristem tips, or nodal segments, and then cultured in a sterile medium. The medium should be supplemented with cytokinins and auxins to promote cell division and shoot formation. The regenerated plants can be transferred to soil after they have reached a sufficient size.
Disease Management
Cyrtandra longifolia var. arborescens is susceptible to various diseases that affect the plant growth and production. It is essential to recognize the signs of disease early and take action promptly to manage them.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots on leaves and stems. It spreads through the plant's tissues, rotting them. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts and ensure optimal air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control anthracnose.
Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes yellow to brown spots on the plant's leaves. To manage leaf spots, remove infected plant parts, provide proper plant care and maintain plant hygiene. Fungicides can also be used to control leaf spots.
Root Rot: This fungal disease attacks the plant's roots, causing them to turn brown and mushy. It can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or fungal infections. To manage root rot, reduce watering and improve drainage. Fungicides can be used to control fungal infections causing root rot.
Pest Management
Cyrtandra longifolia var. arborescens can also be attacked by different pests that can cause severe damage to the plant. It is critical to recognize the signs of pest infestation and take action promptly to manage them.
Mealybugs: These pests are tiny, white, and soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant's tissues, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage mealybugs, use natural predators or commercially available pesticides and maintain proper plant hygiene.
Scale Insects: These pests are small, flat, and oval-shaped insects that attack the plant's leaves and stems, causing yellowing and wilting. To manage scale insects, remove the infected plant parts and use horticultural oils or insecticides to control them.
Spider Mites: These pests are tiny and difficult to detect, causing yellow spots on the plant's leaves and stems. They suck the sap from the plant, causing it to wilt and die. To manage spider mites, use natural predators or commercially available miticides and maintain proper plant hygiene.
In conclusion, managing plant diseases and pests are crucial to keep Cyrtandra longifolia var. arborescens healthy and productive. Always follow the correct cultural practices and consider using integrated pest management strategies to control pests and diseases.
