Overview of Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana var. prostrata (Thonn.) Jacq.-Fél.
Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana var. prostrata (Thonn.) Jacq.-Fél. is a low-growing tropical perennial shrub that belongs to the Melastomataceae family. This plant species is commonly known by various common names, including creeping dissotis, trailing princess-flower, round-leaf fountainbush, and many more. This beautiful species is known for its vibrant pink or purple flowers and its spreading growth habit.
Origin and Distribution
Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana var. prostrata (Thonn.) Jacq.-Fél. is native to tropical regions of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. This plant species thrives in warm and humid climates and grows in a variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, and forests. It is also commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world, including Asia and the United States.
Appearance
Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana var. prostrata (Thonn.) Jacq.-Fél. is a low-growing shrub that typically reaches up to 30 cm in height and can spread up to 1 meter in width. Its round-shaped leaves are dark green and glossy, measuring around 4-5 cm in diameter. The plant blooms mainly during the summer with showy, pink or purple flowers that emerge from the leaf axils and have a diameter of 2-3 cm. Its fruit is a small capsule containing numerous tiny seeds.
Uses
Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana var. prostrata (Thonn.) Jacq.-Fél. is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its vibrant flowers and spreading growth habit. It is particularly popular for hanging baskets, containers, and ground covers. The leaves of this plant species are also occasionally used in traditional medicine in some African countries, as they are said to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Light requirements:
Dissotis rotundifolia var. prostrata prefers partial to full sunlight, making it an ideal plant for tropical and subtropical regions. However, it can also grow well in shaded areas, but with reduced flowering. Therefore, it's recommended to grow this species in a location where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature requirements:
This plant species thrives in warm and humid conditions, with a tolerance for a wide range of temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growth and development is between 20°C to 28°C. It can withstand minimum temperatures of up to 10°C and maximum temperatures of up to 35°C. However, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can be detrimental to the plant's health.
Soil requirements:
Dissotis rotundifolia var. prostrata can grow in a variety of soil types, including well-drained sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers organic-rich soils with a pH range of neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0 to 7.5). Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting can help improve nutrient content and drainage. It's also important to ensure adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana var. prostrata (Thonn.) Jacq.-Fél. is a low growing plant that thrives well in warm conditions. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Propagation through cuttings is the easiest method as it takes less time and labor. The cutting should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist.
Watering Needs
The Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana var. prostrata (Thonn.) Jacq.-Fél. requires consistent watering for optimal growth. However, the soil should not be waterlogged as this can lead to the rotting of the roots. Water the plant twice a week in warm weather and reduce watering to once a week in cooler weather.
Fertilization
The Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana var. prostrata (Thonn.) Jacq.-Fél. should be fertilized twice a month during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer for optimum growth. Over-fertilization can cause harm to the plant, so be sure to follow the recommended guidelines on the fertilizer packaging carefully.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the plant's compact shape and to promote new growth. Prune the plant after flowering and remove all the dead and diseased parts. You should also cut back any long and straggly stems to maintain a neat and tidy appearance.
Propagation Methods of Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana var. prostrata (Thonn.) Jacq.-Fél.
Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana var. prostrata (Thonn.) Jacq.-Fél. can be propagated through various methods which include:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana var. prostrata (Thonn.) Jacq.-Fél. can be obtained from mature fruits. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned and sown in pots filled with good quality seedling mix. The pots should be placed in a warm shaded area and kept moist. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots after they have developed two to three true leaves.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation of Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana var. prostrata (Thonn.) Jacq.-Fél. can also be done through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season, preferably in the morning or late afternoon. They should be about 5-10 cm long and should have a few leaves attached to them. The cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a pot filled with a suitable rooting medium. The pot should be placed in a warm, shaded area and kept moist. After a few weeks, roots should start to develop, and the new plants can be transplanted into larger pots.
Division of clumps
Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana var. prostrata (Thonn.) Jacq.-Fél. can also be propagated through the division of clumps. The clumps can be carefully dug up during the growing season and divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a few healthy shoots and a good root system. These sections can then be planted separately in pots filled with good quality soil. The pots should be placed in a warm and shaded area and kept moist until the new plants become established.
Disease Management
Dissotis rotundifolia var. prostrata is generally resistant to diseases. However, it can be affected by fungal, bacterial, or viral infections that can cause leaf spots, root rot, and stunted growth. Here are some of the most common diseases that can affect Dissotis rotundifolia var. prostrata and how to manage them:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects Dissotis rotundifolia var. prostrata. It causes small, circular spots on the leaves, which can merge and cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage leaf spot, remove and discard the infected leaves, avoid watering the leaves, and apply a fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the roots of Dissotis rotundifolia var. prostrata. It causes the roots to rot and the plant to wilt and die. To manage root rot, remove and discard the infected plant, avoid overwatering, and apply a fungicide to the soil according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Viral Infections
Viral infections can also affect Dissotis rotundifolia var. prostrata. They can cause stunted growth, distorted leaves, and mottling on the leaves. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral infections. To manage viral infections, remove and discard the infected plants to prevent the disease from spreading to other plants.
Pest Management
Dissotis rotundifolia var. prostrata is also susceptible to pest attacks, which can weaken the plant and cause damage to the leaves and flowers. Here are some of the most common pests that can affect Dissotis rotundifolia var. prostrata and how to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems. They can cause stunted growth, distorted leaves, and transmit viral infections. To manage aphids, wash the plant with a high-pressure spray of water, release beneficial insects such as ladybugs, or apply an insecticide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths. They can feed on the leaves of Dissotis rotundifolia var. prostrata and cause defoliation. To manage caterpillars, remove and discard the infested leaves, release parasitic wasps, or apply a biological pesticide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to turn brown and fall off. They thrive in warm and dry conditions. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a high-pressure spray of water, release beneficial insects such as predatory mites, or apply an acaricide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
