Overview
Cyrtandra longifolia (Wawra) Hbd. ex C.B. Clarke var. parallela C.B. Clarke is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Gesneriaceae. It is native to the Hawaiian Islands and can be found in moist forest areas.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as 'Hawaiian Guitar Plant' due to its elongated flowers that resemble guitar shapes.
Uses
The Hawaiian Guitar Plant is often used as a decorative plant in gardens and landscapes due to its showy blooms. It can also be grown as a potted plant indoors. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional Hawaiian medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs and colds.
General Appearance
The Hawaiian Guitar Plant is a large shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, with an oval shape that tapers to a point. The flowers are tubular and can grow up to 2 inches long. They are typically dark purple or pink with white markings. The plant blooms year-round but produces the most flowers during the summer months.
Light Requirements
Cyrtandra longifolia var. parallela grows well in partial to fully shaded areas. It requires moderate to low light intensity to thrive, as direct sunlight can scorch and damage its leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm, tropical temperatures ranging from 18-30°C (64-86°F). It cannot withstand frosty conditions or temperatures below 10°C (50°F). Cyrtandra longifolia var. parallela can be grown in both outdoor and indoor environments as long as the temperature conditions are met.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Cyrtandra longifolia var. parallela should be well-drained, with a pH that ranges from slightly acidic to neutral. A mixture of soil and peat moss that is rich in organic matter is recommended. The plant can also be grown in pots, but adequate drainage is a must to prevent root rot. Fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can help provide essential nutrients for optimal growth.
Cultivation methods
Cyrtandra longifolia var. parallela is commonly known as the Hawaiian bell flower and is native to Hawaiian rainforests. To cultivate this plant, it's best to mimic its natural habitat by providing it with warm, humid conditions, rich, well-draining soil, and partial to full shade. You can either grow it outdoors in a shaded area or indoors in a filtered light location.
Watering needs
Hawaiian bell flowers prefer even moisture, but they don't like to sit in water. Water them thoroughly once the topsoil starts to feel dry to the touch, but make sure that the soil drains well and doesn't become waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. During winter, you can reduce watering when the plant goes dormant.
Fertilization
Cyrtandra longifolia var. parallela thrives on organic fertilizer, but you can use any balanced fertilizer to feed it from early spring to late summer. Apply the fertilizer every two to four weeks, following the package's instructions carefully. Avoid fertilizing during winter when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep the plant in shape and promote bushy growth. Prune back any leggy or unhealthy-looking branches with sterile pruning shears, cutting just above a leaf node. You can also pinch back the tips of the stem to encourage bushy growth. Do the pruning in early spring before the new growth starts.
Propagation of Cyrtandra Longifolia Var. Parallela
Cyrtandra longifolia var. parallela can be propagated through various means, including:
Softwood Stem Cuttings
The plant can be propagated through softwood stem cuttings taken from the tips of healthy, actively growing stems. Cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches long and should contain at least 2-3 sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist until rooting occurs.
Leaf Cuttings
Leaf cuttings are another means of propagating Cyrtandra longifolia var. parallela. Take leaf cuttings with at least an inch of stem attached and insert them into a well-draining potting mix. Leaf cuttings do not require rooting hormone, but they may take longer to root than softwood stem cuttings.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves making a cut in a stem and encouraging the plant to grow roots in the wound. To air layer Cyrtandra longifolia var. parallela, make a small cut in a healthy stem and apply rooting hormone to the wound. Wrap the wound with damp sphagnum moss and plastic wrap, securing it with string or twist ties. The roots will grow in the moss, and the new plant can be cut away from the parent plant and potted separately.
Disease and Pest Management for Cyrtandra longifolia var. parallela
Cyrtandra longifolia var. parallela is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Gesneriaceae family. This plant is often grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and bright-colored flowers. However, like most plants, Cyrtandra longifolia var. parallela is susceptible to diseases and pests.
Common Diseases of Cyrtandra longifolia var. parallela
The most common diseases that affect Cyrtandra longifolia var. parallela include:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots are usually brown or black and surrounded by a yellow halo.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can reduce the vigor and overall health of the plant.
- Root rot: This is a disease caused by waterlogging and poor drainage. It causes the roots to rot, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting of the plant.
Pest Management for Cyrtandra longifolia var. parallela
The most common pests that affect Cyrtandra longifolia var. parallela include:
- Aphids: These are small soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause curling of leaves and slow growth of the plant. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellow or brown spots on the leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with water, using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of butterflies and moths. They can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant. They can be controlled by using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
To prevent diseases and pests, it is important to maintain proper cultural practices such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning. Regular inspection of the plant can help detect any issues early, and prompt action can prevent the spread of diseases and pests. If the plant is severely infected, it may be necessary to remove it to prevent the spread of the disease or pest to other plants in the area.
