Overview
Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri, also known as Bush Violet, is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Melastomataceae. It is native to West Africa and can be found in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon.
General Appearance
The Bush Violet plant usually grows up to 50 cm in height and has a spread of about 45 cm. It has dark green, glossy leaves that are about 12 cm long and 6 cm wide. The plant produces small, pink-purple flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. The flowers bloom in clusters on long stems during the summer and fall months.
Common Names
Besides Bush Violet, Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri is also commonly referred to as Purple Dot, Purple Bush Violet, Barter's Blue, and Barter's Melastome.
Uses
The leaves and roots of the Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri plant are used for medicinal purposes by some cultures in Africa. The leaves are used to treat skin infections, wounds, and fever. The roots are used to treat fever and as a laxative. The plant is also used in some African traditional ceremonies for cleansing and purification purposes.
Light Requirements:
Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri has a preference for partial shade to full sun. It can grow in bright light conditions but does not tolerate intense direct sunlight for long periods. In direct sunlight, the leaves may become scorched and brown. However, if kept in too much shade, the plant may become leggy and not produce desirable growth.
Temperature Requirements:
For optimal growth, Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri prefers to be grown in temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F) during the daytime and 16°C to 24°C (60°F to 75°F) during the nighttime. Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) or above 32°C (90°F) can cause damage and hinder the growth of the plant.
Soil Requirements:
The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The soil must not be allowed to sit in water as it can cause root rot. Sandy loamy soils with moderate water retention capacity are preferred. To improve drainage, perlite or sand can be mixed in with the soil. Additionally, compost or peat moss can be added to the soil to improve water retention capacity.
Cultivation of Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri
Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri is a relatively easy plant to cultivate, and it can adapt to different growing conditions if they simulate its natural habitat. It is a relatively small plant that can grow up to 20 cm in height, so it is suitable for growing both indoors and outdoors.
The optimal temperature range for Dicellandra barteri var. barteri growth is between 20°C to 26°C, and it prefers indirect sunlight or partial shade. It can tolerate low light conditions, but it will not grow as vigorously. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but it grows best in well-drained soils with rich organic matter.
Watering Needs
The watering requirements for Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri are relatively low, and over-watering should be avoided. It is essential to ensure that the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged.
The best approach is to water the plant every seven to ten days based on the soil moisture content. A good way to check soil moisture content is by sticking a finger into the soil up to the first joint. If it feels dry, it is time to water the plant.
Fertilization
Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri does not require heavy fertilization to grow vigorously. It prefers organic fertilizers, but balanced liquid fertilizers can also be used.
A good approach is to fertilize the plant every two to four weeks with a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer. It is essential to stop fertilizing the plant during the winter months because vigorous growth during this time may weaken the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the optimal growth and health of Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri. It is recommended to prune the plant before the onset of winter when it becomes dormant.
Pruning involves removing the dead or damaged leaves, stems, and flowers with a pair of sharp pruning shears. This removes areas where pests and diseases may thrive, rejuvenates the plant, and promotes vigorous new growth in the coming season.
Propagation of Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri
Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri can be propagated through a variety of methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and division.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri can be obtained from mature fruits. The seeds should be cleaned, disinfected, and sown in a well-drained, nutrient-rich soil mix in a seedling tray. The tray should be placed in a warm and bright location with regular watering until the seedlings emerge.
Vegetative Propagation
Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri can be propagated vegetatively through stem or leaf cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants, treated with a rooting hormone, and planted in a well-drained soil mix. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag to increase humidity and placed in a bright location with regular watering.
Division
Mature clumps of Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri can be divided into smaller sections, each section containing one or more shoots and a good root system. The sections should be planted in a well-drained soil mix with regular watering until established.
Disease and Pest Management for Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri
Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri is known for its resistance to many pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common pathogens and insects.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri is leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora sp. Symptoms include small, brownish spots on the leaves, which can grow and coalesce, leading to severe defoliation. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and use a fungicide containing chlorothalonil.
Another disease that affects this plant is root rot, caused by Phytophthora sp. Symptoms include wilted leaves and a rotten smell emanating from the soil. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. Also, remove infected plants and use a fungicide containing mefenoxam.
Common Pests
Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri can be affected by mealybugs like most indoor plants. Mealybugs are tiny, white insects that suck the sap from plants and excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which attracts ants. To manage mealybugs, wipe the insects off the plant with a damp cloth and apply insecticidal soap.
The plant can also be affected by spider mites, which are tiny, red or brown insects that live on the undersides of leaves and suck the sap from plants. Symptoms include yellow speckling and webbing on the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a jet of water to dislodge the insects and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Finally, thrips can also affect Dicellandra barteri Hook.f. var. barteri. Thrips are tiny, slender insects that suck the sap from the plant and deform new growth. Symptoms include silver speckling on the leaves and distorted growth. To manage thrips, use yellow sticky traps to monitor their presence and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
