Overview
Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl. is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Melastomataceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, specifically in the Philippines, and is commonly known as the Philippine violet or Degasparis' velvetberry.
Appearance
Philippine violet is a small shrub that typically grows up to 1 m in height. It has ovate leaves that are green and hairy on the upper surface and pale green on the underside. The plant produces clusters of beautiful, pink-purple flowers with five petals that bloom in the spring and summer seasons.
Uses
Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl. has several uses. It is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and foliage. It can be planted in garden beds or used as a border plant, as it adds a beautiful touch of color to the landscape. In addition to its ornamental value, Philippine violet also has medicinal properties. It is utilized in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as stomach disorders, colds, fever, and headache. Some reports suggest that the plant can also be used to treat inflammation, dysentery, and other illnesses.
Overall, Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl. is a valuable and versatile plant that can add a pop of color to any garden and provide healing benefits to those who seek its medicinal properties.
Growth Conditions for Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl.
Light: Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl. prefers to grow in partial shade to full sunlight. It can tolerate mild shade, but too much shade can affect its flowering and growth.
Temperature: This plant prefers warmer temperatures and cannot survive in extreme cold. The optimum temperature range lies between 20°C to 30°C, but it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C. Temperatures above 35°C can have a negative impact on its growth.
Soil Requirements: The soil for Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl. should be well-draining with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capacity. This plant prefers sandy soils with high fertility.
Fertilization: Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl. requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and blooming. A balanced fertilizer with NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 is ideal. Fertilize the plant once every two months.
Water: This plant requires moist soil to grow. Water the plant deeply and regularly during dry periods. However, avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot.
Propagation: Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl. can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy branches with at least two nodes. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and protect the cuttings from direct sunlight until they establish.
Pruning: Prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Remove any dead or infected leaves and stems. Pinch the tips of the plant regularly to promote branching and flowering.
Cultivation Methods
Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl. can be grown both indoors and outdoors. For indoor cultivation, use a pot with good drainage and a well-draining potting mix. For outdoor cultivation, plant the seedlings in well-drained soil in a partially shaded area.
Watering Needs
The Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl. plant requires regular watering but can't tolerate waterlogging. Water the plant whenever the soil feels dry to the touch, and ensure that the excess water is allowed to drain out from the bottom of the pot. During the winter months, reduce watering to avoid overwatering and root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl. plant with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during its growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause an excessive growth rate, leading to leggy and weak stems.
Pruning
Pruning Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl. is unnecessary, but it can be performed to maintain the desired size and shape of the plant. Pruning can be done at any time throughout the year, but it's best to avoid pruning during the plant's dormant period in winter. Remove any damaged, diseased, or dead leaves or stems promptly.
Propagation of Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl.
Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl. can be propagated either through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The collected seeds should be dried to remove any remaining pulp. The seeds can then be directly sown into well-draining soil. The soil should be moist but not soaked. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, and the container should be placed in a warm and humid environment. The seedlings will emerge within 1-2 weeks.
Propagation through cuttings
The stem cuttings can be taken from the parent plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be approximately 10-15cm in length and should have at least two leaves. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, and the remaining leaves should be trimmed to reduce water loss. The cuttings should be soaked in a rooting hormone solution and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a partially shaded area. The roots will develop within 4-6 weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Disease Management
Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl. is susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases that can cause significant harm to the plant's health and productivity. The following are some of the common diseases that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Fungal diseases
Fungal diseases are prevalent in humid conditions. They cause leaf spots, wilting, and defoliation. The following measures can help manage fungal diseases:
- Prune and remove infected plant parts
- Avoid overhead watering
- Improve air circulation
- Use fungicides - copper-based fungicides or neem oil-based fungicides are effective in managing fungal diseases.
Bacterial diseases
Bacterial diseases can cause wilting, cankers, leaf spots, and blight. Here are some ways to manage bacterial diseases:
- Use disease-free planting material
- Avoid overhead watering and irrigate at the base of the plant
- Use copper-based fungicides or bactericides to suppress the spread of the bacteria
- Remove and destroy infected plant parts along with any debris around the plant
Pest Management
Various pests can infest Dissotis degasparisiana Buscal. & Muschl. They include:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are a common pest that can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking the sap out of the leaves. Here are ways to manage spider mites:
- Avoid high humidity
- Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil-based products to suffocate and kill the mites
Thrips
Thrips are small insects that feed on the leaves and cause curling, distortion, and mottling. Here are some ways to manage thrips:
- Prune and remove infested foliage
- Improve air circulation and reduce humidity
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil-based products to suffocate and kill the thrips
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny insects that suck the sap out of the leaves, cause yellowing, and stunt growth. They also excrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and can lead to fungal infections. Here are some ways to manage whiteflies:
- Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings
- Prune and remove infested leaves and plant parts
- Use sticky traps to catch adult whiteflies
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil-based products to suffocate and kill the whiteflies
