Origin
Cyrtandra subumbellata (Hbd.) St. John & Storey var. intonsa St. John is a member of the gesneriad family and is native to the Hawaiian islands. It is endemic to the island of Kauai, and is found exclusively in the wet mountainous regions.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Kaulua?apehu in the Hawaiian language. It is also referred to as the 'Alpine' Cyrtandra due to its preference for high elevations.
Uses
The Cyrtandra subumbellata var. intonsa is prized for its vibrant purple flowers that bloom in clusters. It is a popular plant among collectors and gardeners as it is a low-maintenance plant, easy to grow, and adds a pop of color to any setting. The plant's leaves are also valued for their medicinal properties and are commonly used for treating sores and boils.
Appearance
The Cyrtandra subumbellata var. intonsa is a small shrub that typically grows up to 0.5 meters tall. It has dark green, oblong leaves that are covered in fine hairs. The plant produces showy, tubular flowers that are a deep purple in color and bloom in dense clusters at the tips of the stems. The flowers are highly fragrant, emitting a sweet and spicy aroma that can be smelled from a distance.
Light Requirements
Cyrtandra subumbellata var. intonsa is an understory plant that grows well under bright, but indirect, light. It cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. For best growth, the plant should be placed in partial shade or filtered light conditions. A location with bright, dappled light or a north-facing window is ideal for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm and humid environments. It grows best in temperatures ranging between 18-27°C (64-81°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) for prolonged periods can cause damage to the leaves and cause the plant to wilt. The plant can adapt to slightly cooler temperatures, but it cannot tolerate freezing and should not be exposed to temperatures below 4°C (39°F).
Soil Requirements
Cyrtandra subumbellata var. intonsa requires a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be light and airy to allow for good water drainage. A recommended soil mix is 1 part peat moss, 2 parts perlite, and 1 part coarse sand. The plant also prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. Regular fertilization is essential for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Cyrtandra subumbellata (Hbd.) St. John & Storey var. intonsa St. John is an evergreen plant that grows best in partial shade or filtered light. It requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. When planting, make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
It can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and planted in a well-draining potting mix. Seeds should be sown in a mixture of peat moss and perlite.
Watering Needs
This plant requires regular watering, but it is important to avoid overwatering. Watering should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry. During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging and fungal growth.
Fertilization
Fertilization is important for the healthy growth of Cyrtandra subumbellata (Hbd.) St. John & Storey var. intonsa St. John. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. During the winter months, reduce fertilization to once a month.
Pruning
Pruning is important to maintain the shape and size of the plant. It should be done during the dormant period in late winter or early spring. Only remove damaged or dead branches, and prune back any long stems to encourage bushy growth.
Propagation of Cyrtandra subumbellata (Hbd.) St. John & Storey var. intonsa St. John
Cyrtandra subumbellata (Hbd.) St. John & Storey var. intonsa St. John is a rare plant, and propagating it is essential to increase its population. There are several methods of propagating the plant, which include:
Seed propagation
Like most plants, Cyrtandra subumbellata (Hbd.) St. John & Storey var. intonsa St. John propagates through seeds. Ripe seeds have to be collected from the parent plant and sown in a moist potting mixture. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept in a warm and humid environment, like in a propagation tray or greenhouse. The seeds will germinate in two to three weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Leaf cutting propagation
Leaf cutting propagation is a method that involves cutting a leaf from the parent plant and rooting it in a suitable medium. A healthy leaf with a stem attached should be cut and dipped in rooting hormone powder. The leaf cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. It should be placed in a warm environment with bright indirect light and good air circulation. Within a few weeks, new roots will start to grow from the stem, and the leaf will start to develop into a new plant.
Stem cutting propagation
Stem cutting propagation is another method of propagating Cyrtandra subumbellata (Hbd.) St. John & Storey var. intonsa St. John. Healthy stems that are at least a few inches long with a few leaves attached should be cut from the parent plant. The lower leaves should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone powder. The stem cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture, kept moist, and placed in a warm environment with bright indirect light. Within a few weeks, new roots will start to grow, and the stem cutting will start to produce new leaves.
Propagation of Cyrtandra subumbellata (Hbd.) St. John & Storey var. intonsa St. John requires patience, but the rewards are significant. By propagating this rare plant, you can help preserve its existence and contribute to the conservation of the species.
Disease and Pest Management for Cyrtandra subumbellata var. intonsa
Cyrtandra subumbellata var. intonsa is an attractive, evergreen plant that is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it may still be affected by several common pests and diseases that could damage or even kill the plant if left untreated. Proper management strategies can help control these issues and maintain the health and vitality of the plant.
Pest Management
The following pests may affect Cyrtandra subumbellata var. intonsa:
- Spider Mites: These pests are tiny and may go unnoticed until the infestation is severe. They suck the sap from the plant, causing leaves to turn yellow and die. Spider mites thrive in hot and dry conditions and are difficult to eradicate once established. Regularly spraying the foliage with water or neem oil can help prevent infestation.
- Mealybugs: These pests are easy to spot with their cotton-like white appearance and can cause stunted growth, leaf drop, and premature death. Wiping the foliage with soapy water or isopropyl alcohol can help control infestation.
- Scale Insects: These insects typically appear as small, white, waxy bumps on leaves and stems. They suck the sap from the plant, producing sticky honeydew that attracts ants. Pruning infested parts of the plant and adopting a regular spraying regimen with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can help control scale insect infestations.
Disease Management
The following diseases may affect Cyrtandra subumbellata var. intonsa:
- Leaf Spot: This disease appears as small, dark spots on the foliage, often caused by fungal or bacterial infections. Avoid overhead irrigation, which can spread the disease, and remove infected leaves immediately to prevent further spread. Fungicides and bactericides may be used, but preventive measures are usually more effective.
- Root Rot: Overwatering, poor drainage, and high humidity can cause root rot. The plant may develop yellow leaves, stunted growth, or collapse. To prevent root rot, ensure the plant is not overwatered, improve soil drainage, and avoid planting in poorly ventilated areas. If detected early, removing the affected soil and repotting the plant in a fresh, well-draining soil mixture can help prevent further spread of the disease.
By following preventative measures and using organic pest and disease management strategies such as maintaining proper sanitation, good cultural practices, and regular monitoring, growers can keep Cyrtandra subumbellata var. intonsa healthy and thriving.
