Overview
Dolicholus totta (Thunb.) Kuntze, commonly known as "Yellow Necklacepod," is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is an upright shrub that originates from South Africa. This species is widely cultivated in the United States as an ornamental garden plant.
Appearance
The Yellow Necklacepod plant grows up to 1 meter in height and spreads to the same length. The leaves of the plant have 4 to 8 pairs of oblong leaflets that are bright green in color. The flowers of this plant are bright yellow in color, and they grow in clusters. The fruit of the Yellow Necklacepod is a long pod that matures from green to brown.
Common Names
The Yellow Necklacepod plant is commonly known as "Pea Bush," "Yellow Broom," and "Yellow African Necklacepod."
Uses
The Yellow Necklacepod plant is primarily grown as an ornamental garden plant. It is used as a showy shrub in gardens and landscapes. It can also be grown as a hedge or boundary plant. In addition, the bark of the plant is used to make rope. The plant is also known to be used for traditional medicinal purposes in South Africa.
Light Requirements
Dolicholus totta (Thunb.) Kuntze requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. It cannot tolerate shade or partial shade, as it needs direct sunlight to carry out photosynthesis and produce energy. Therefore, it is recommended to grow this plant in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The preferred temperature range for Dolicholus totta (Thunb.) Kuntze is between 20-30°C (68-86°F). It is a warm-season plant and cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C (50°F) for an extended period of time. The plant may experience stunted growth or even die if exposed to extreme temperatures, such as heat waves, for a prolonged period.
Soil Requirements
Dolicholus totta (Thunb.) Kuntze grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5-7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soils or those with poor drainage, as the roots may rot and hinder the uptake of water and nutrients. Regularly adding compost or organic matter to the soil can improve its overall structure, moisture retention and nutrient content.
Cultivation Methods for Dolicholus Totta
Dolicholus totta is a plant species that is native to Japan and Korea. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is commonly known as “heavenly bamboo.” The plant is well-suited for cultivation in subtropical and mild-temperate climate zones and requires partial to full shade to flourish.
When planting Dolicholus totta, it is essential to use well-draining soil and ensure that the roots have enough room to develop. The ideal pH level for the soil should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. Plant Dolicholus totta in a spot that is protected from strong winds, as they can damage the foliage and hinder its growth.
Watering Needs
Dolicholus totta requires moderate watering, with the soil being kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil has dried out. Always ensure that the water penetrates deep into the soil to reach the plant's roots.
During periods of drought, ensure that the plant receives adequate water to prevent dehydration and enhance its growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, so be cautious and maintain a proper watering schedule.
Fertilization
Dolicholus totta requires regular fertilization to maintain its vibrant color and healthy growth. Apply a slow-release fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil at least once a month during the growing season. When applying the fertilizer, ensure that it is evenly distributed around the plant's base.
Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be used to fertilize the plant. Store-bought chemical fertilizers should always be applied following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep Dolicholus totta in shape and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring before the start of the growing season. Regular trimming will encourage the plant to produce more foliage and prevent it from becoming overgrown.
When pruning, use sharp and sterile tools to prevent the spread of diseases. Remove any dead or diseased branches and cut back any excessive growth to keep the plant in check. Be cautious not to cut too much foliage, as this can reduce the plant's ability to produce energy and grow properly.
With proper cultivation methods and care, Dolicholus totta can grow into a beautiful and vibrant plant that will enhance any garden or landscape.
Plant Propagation of Dolicholus totta (Thunb.) Kuntze
Dolicholus totta (Thunb.) Kuntze, commonly known as the snake bean or yardlong bean, is an edible and nutritious climbing plant. Propagation is essential for the plant to reproduce and continue its species. Here are some of the methods by which Dolicholus totta can be propagated.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is the most common method for Dolicholus totta. These plants produce long, cylindrical seed pods that contain several seeds. To propagate using seeds, wait for the seed pods to mature and dry on the vine. Harvest the seed pods by gently pulling and twisting them from the vine. From these pods, collect the seeds, and soak them overnight in warm water. Plant the seeds in prepared soil, about 1-2 cm deep. Keep the soil evenly moist, and the seedlings will emerge within 7-10 days.
Stem Cuttings Propagation
Propagation by stem cuttings is a relatively easy method to develop roots on the cuttings to form new plants. To propagate Dolicholus totta through stem cuttings, cut a section of the stem, about 10-15cm long, from a healthy plant. Strip off the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the stem cutting into a prepared soil mix, 2-3 cm deep and keep the soil moist. The cutting will develop roots within 2-4 weeks.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting can be a beneficial method for propagating Dolicholus totta. Grafting is the method of joining two plants to create one. This method is chosen when the plant is a hybrid or has weak roots. This method also allows the plant to produce fruit sooner than growing naturally. For grafting, choose a vigorous rootstock and a scion that is about the same diameter of the rootstock. The rootstock and scion must be cut at the same angle. Join them together using tape or grafting material and wait for the union to heal, which usually takes around three weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Dolicholus totta (Thunb.) Kuntze
Dolicholus totta (Thunb.) Kuntze is a flowering plant with the potential to be affected by various pests and diseases in different growth stages. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant:
Common Diseases
Mildew: Mildew is a fungal disease that appears on the leaves' surface of the plant. It causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow or brown. To manage mildew, remove all infected leaves as soon as they appear on the plant and dispose of them. Apply a fungicide made explicitly for mildew prevention to protect against future outbreaks.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a disease that infects the plant's leaves and stems. It is caused by a fungus and can cause the leaves to shrivel and turn brown. The best way to avoid anthracnose is to keep the plant dry and use a fungicide as a preventative measure. Remove all infected plant matter, and dispose of it.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap out of the plant. They are attracted to the soft tissue of the plant and cause a lack of essential nutrients affecting the overall plant growth. To control aphids, use a strong blast of water to dislodge them and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to the environment.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny bugs that suck the plant's moisture out by piercing the leaves' surface. They cause the leaves to become stippled in color and ultimately die. To control spider mites, prune off all infected leaves, apply neem oil to the affected parts, and introduce natural predators to the environment.
Regular monitoring and proper care practices reduce the risk of the plant affected by pests and diseases significantly. Additionally, when using pesticides or fungicides, always follow the label's instructions carefully to avoid damage to the plant and surrounding environment.
