Origin
Dissotis elliotii Gilg var. setosior Keay & Brenan, commonly known as the pink lady, is a species of flowering plant in the Melastomataceae family. It is native to West Africa, specifically Cameroon, Nigeria and possibly Gabon.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as pink lady, pink dissotis, and hairy dissotis.
General Appearance
Pink lady is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 30-60 cm tall. It has hairy stems and leaves, giving it a fuzzy appearance. The leaves are dark green, ovate to oblong in shape and measure 3-10 cm long and 1.5-5 cm wide. The flowers are the most striking feature of pink lady, with showy pink or purple petals that form a rounded cluster at the top of the stem. The stamens are bright yellow, adding a vibrant contrast to the flowers.
Uses
Pink lady is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive flowers. It is also used as a ground cover, as it spreads rapidly through its rhizomes. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat a variety of ailments, including stomachaches, headaches, and herpes infections. However, the efficacy of this use has not been scientifically evaluated.
Growth Conditions for Dissotis elliotii Gilg var. setosior Keay & Brenan
Dissotis elliotii Gilg var. setosior Keay & Brenan is a plant that belongs to the family Melastomataceae. It is an herbaceous species that typically grows to a height of 0.3 to 0.6 meters and spreads 0.3 to 0.6 meters wide.
Light Requirements
This plant prefers to grow in areas that receive partial shade. It can tolerate full sun, but its growth rate may be slowed. Therefore, it is suggested to provide it with shade for the appropriate growth of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Dissotis elliotii Gilg var. setosior Keay & Brenan can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11. The optimal temperature range for this plant is between 20 to 30°C. The plant may die back to the ground in frost-prone areas, but can regrow in the spring.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are fertile and have a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy and clay soils. The addition of organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, is beneficial for the plant’s growth. The soil should not be too dry, as it can lead to stunted growth and increase the risk of powdery mildew.
Cultivation
Dissotis elliotii Gilg var. setosior Keay & Brenan is a hardy plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives in areas with sufficient sunlight and partial shade. The ideal temperatures for its growth range between 20°C - 30°C. The plant requires well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. You can use compost or organic fertilizer to improve the quality of the soil.
Propagation of Dissotis elliotii Gilg var. setosior Keay & Brenan is done by stem cutting or seeds. Stem cutting is the easiest and most common method of propagation. It is best done during the rainy season as the high humidity levels favor root growth. After planting, the cuttings should be regularly watered to keep the soil moist for proper growth to occur.
Watering Needs
Dissotis elliotii Gilg var. setosior Keay & Brenan requires regular watering for optimal growth. Watering should be done in the morning or late afternoon to prevent water evaporation. The plant should be watered deeply and frequently during the dry season, and less frequently during the rainy season. Avoid over-watering as this can cause root rot and other water-related diseases that can harm the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilizer application is essential in promoting the healthy growth of the plant. Dissotis elliotii Gilg var. setosior Keay & Brenan requires a balanced fertilizer that contains a higher amount of nitrogen. The fertilizer should be applied every two to three months. Compost and organic matter can also be applied to provide the necessary nutrients needed for growth.
Pruning
Pruning is done to remove dead and diseased branches to keep the plant healthy. It also promotes bushy and dense growth. Pruning should be done during the rainy season to promote faster healing of the wounds. Avoid excessive pruning as this can weaken the plant and reduce its flower production.
Propagation of Dissotis elliotii Gilg var. setosior Keay & Brenan
Dissotis elliotii Gilg var. setosior Keay & Brenan, commonly known as the Pink Lady, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Melastomataceae. The plant is native to East Africa and is commonly found growing on forest edges, grasslands, and disturbed areas.
Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The Pink Lady can be propagated through seeds. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and sown in a well-draining potting mix. A temperature range of 20-25°C should be maintained, and the seeds should be kept moist until they germinate. Once the seedlings have developed 2-3 leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Vegetative Propagation
Another method of propagating Dissotis elliotii Gilg var. setosior Keay & Brenan is through vegetative propagation. Stem cuttings of 5-7 cm in length with few leaves can be taken at any time of the year, but preferably during the rainy season. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil mix. The plants should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they are well-established.
Division
The Pink Lady can also be propagated through dividing the plant. This method should be done during the spring season when the plant is actively growing. The plant should be carefully lifted from the soil and separated into smaller clumps using a sharp knife. Each clump should have its roots and shoots. The divided plants can then be planted into their individual pots.
Overall, Dissotis elliotii Gilg var. setosior Keay & Brenan can be propagated through various methods, and each method has its advantages. It is essential to choose the most suitable method depending on the availability of resources and environmental conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Dissotis Elliotii Gilg var. Setosior Keay & Brenan
Dissotis Elliotii Gilg var. Setosior Keay & Brenan, also known as the Pink Lady, is a popular ornamental plant with pink or purple flowers. While the plant is generally easy to care for, it can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some of the common issues and how to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and blights. To manage anthracnose, remove infected leaves and stems and dispose of them properly. Also, avoid overhead watering and promote good air circulation around the plant.
Root Rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot, a disease that causes the roots to decay. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. If the plant is already affected, you may need to repot it with fresh soil, trimming away any affected roots first.
Powdery Mildew: This is a common fungal disease that can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and promote good air circulation around the plant. You can also use a fungicide to help control the spread of the disease.
Pests
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can congregate on the undersides of leaves, sucking the sap from the plant. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them, or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their populations.
Spider Mites: These tiny, spider-like pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can use a predatory mite or insecticidal soap.
Whiteflies: These tiny, winged insects can cause yellowing of the leaves and the spread of viral diseases. To manage whiteflies, you can use yellow sticky traps to attract and trap them, or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their populations.
By being vigilant and implementing proper disease and pest management techniques, you can help keep your Dissotis Elliotii Gilg var. Setosior Keay & Brenan healthy and thriving.
