Origin
Dissotis grandiflora (Sm.) Benth. var. grandiflora, commonly known as Pink Lady, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the genus Dissotis and the family Melastomataceae. The specific epithet grandiflora is derived from Latin, meaning big flowers.
Common Names
Pink Lady is known by different common names in various parts of the world. In East Africa, it is referred to as Mdamoe, Mwachaleng'e, or Mwanamke Mzuri. In Nigeria, it is called Etiponla or Aborode. In southern Africa, it is known as the Large Dissotis or the Spreading Dissotis. Pink Lady is also sometimes called the Pink Lady Melastoma.
Uses
Pink Lady has several uses, both medicinal and ornamental. In traditional African medicine, the leaves of the plant have been used to treat various ailments such as abdominal pains, dysentery, and diarrhea. The plant also contains several chemical compounds that possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, Pink Lady is grown as an ornamental plant due to its vibrant, pink flowers that attract butterflies and bees.
General Appearance
Pink Lady is a perennial herb that grows up to 1.5 m tall. It has a spreading habit and forms dense, clumping mats that can cover large areas. The plant has large, oval-shaped leaves that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are dark green on the upper surface and lighter green on the lower surface. Pink Lady produces showy, pink flowers that have six petals and grow up to 5 cm in diameter. The fruit of the plant is a small, round capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Light Requirements
The plant Dissotis grandiflora (Sm.) Benth. var. grandiflora requires bright and indirect light. The plant can tolerate some shade, but prolonged low-light exposure will result in poor growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the plant Dissotis grandiflora (Sm.) Benth. var. grandiflora is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The plant can tolerate higher temperatures but will wilt quickly if the temperatures exceed 32°C (90°F). The plant cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to cold temperatures and frost.
Soil Requirements
The plant Dissotis grandiflora (Sm.) Benth. var. grandiflora requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and nutrients. A soil mix of 3 parts peat moss, 2 parts loamy soil, and 1 part perlite or sand is ideal for the plant. The plant is sensitive to waterlogging, and the soil should be kept moist but not wet, allowing for good drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Dissotis grandiflora (Sm.) Benth. var. grandiflora is an evergreen shrub and is easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It prefers a sunny location, but it can also survive in partial shade. The plant prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Dissotis grandiflora (Sm.) Benth. var. grandiflora requires a pH range between 5.5-7.5 to thrive. It's essential to ensure that the soil is moist but not water-logged to prevent root rot.
Watering Needs
Dissotis grandiflora (Sm.) Benth. var. grandiflora requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Water the plant deeply to encourage deep rooting. Avoid watering the plant excessively, as this may cause root rot. A good indicator of when to water the plant is when the top inch of soil becomes dry. It's advisable to use a watering can or a drip irrigation system to avoid overwatering.
Fertilization
Dissotis grandiflora (Sm.) Benth. var. grandiflora requires fertile soil to grow healthy. Apply a complete fertilizer, which contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in early spring. The application should be followed by a generous watering. During the growing season, apply a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks to boost growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Dissotis grandiflora (Sm.) Benth. var. grandiflora, but it can help maintain a compact shape and promote branching. Prune back any dead, damaged, or diseased growth at any time during the year. The best time to prune the plant for maintenance purposes is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It's advisable to sterilize the pruning tools with alcohol to prevent the spread of diseases.
Plant Propagation of Dissotis grandiflora (Sm.) Benth. var. grandiflora
Dissotis grandiflora (Sm.) Benth. var. grandiflora is commonly known as the Pink Lady. It is a beautiful ornamental plant used both for landscaping and domestic purposes. Propagation of the Pink Lady can be done by several methods including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seeds is the simplest and most common method used for propagating the Pink Lady. Collection of seeds from the parent plant is done when the fruit capsules are ripe and dry. The seedlings should be transplanted to the field when they are about 5-7cm tall. Germination of seeds takes about 14 to 21 days depending on the environmental conditions.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation by cuttings is another method used in propagating Dissotis grandiflora (Sm.) Benth. var. grandiflora. Cuttings should be taken from the healthy branches that are about 10-15cm long. Cuttings should then be dipped into rooting hormone and planted into well prepared potting soil. Rooting hormone will help the cuttings to root quickly. Cutting propagation produces vigorous plants with good quality flowers.
Division Propagation
Propagation by division involves dividing a mature plant into small portions. This method is best done during the dormant season. The root ball should be carefully removed from the soil and divided into several portions. Each portion should have at least two leafy stems and a good root system. The divided plants should then be planted into well-prepared growing media and watered adequately to promote survival.
Layering Propagation
Propagation by layering involves bending a low hanging branch of the parent plant to the ground and covering it with soil. The covered branch will develop a new root system at the node point when covered with soil. Once significant roots have been formed, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to the growing field.
It is essential to ensure that propagation is done in the right time and in the correct manner to ensure the best results. The use of well-prepared growing media, the right propagation techniques, and the right environmental conditions play a vital role in the success of propagation of the Pink Lady ornamental plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Dissotis grandiflora (Sm.) Benth. var. grandiflora
Dissotis grandiflora (Sm.) Benth. var. grandiflora is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Africa and is commonly known as Pink Lady. The plant is generally easy to grow and maintain. However, it can be affected by a few diseases and pests that can cause damage to its leaves, stems, and flowers. Therefore, proper disease and pest management practices should be implemented to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Dissotis grandiflora is powdery mildew. It is a fungal disease that causes a greyish-white powdery coating on the leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth and development. To manage powdery mildew, regular monitoring of the plant is necessary, and infected parts should be removed and destroyed. Using fungicide sprays on infected plants can also aid in disease management.
Another common disease that affects the plant is leaf spot, which is caused by fungal pathogens. The disease results in the formation of brownish-black circular spots on the leaves. Infected leaves should be removed, and a fungicide spray should be used to control further spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids are a common pest that attack Dissotis grandiflora, particularly during warm weather. These tiny insects suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and deformation of the leaves. To manage aphids, a jet of water can be used to dislodge them, or insecticidal sprays can be used.
Spider mites are another common pest that cause damage to the leaves of Dissotis grandiflora, causing them to have a yellowish appearance. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and acaricides can be used to control further spread of spider mites.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management is crucial to ensure the health and growth of Dissotis grandiflora. Regular monitoring of the plant, removal of infected parts, and use of fungicides and insecticides to control pests and diseases can help keep the plant healthy and thriving.
