Origin and Common Names
Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman is a flowering plant of the Moraceae family. It is native to Angola, where it grows as a small shrub on rocky outcrops and sandy soils. Commonly known as the Benguela Dorstenia, this plant is named after the Benguela Province of Angola, where it was first discovered.Appearance
The Benguela Dorstenia is a small, succulent shrub that grows up to 30 cm in height. Its woody stem is covered with green bark, and it produces thin, wiry branches that have clusters of leaves at their tips. The leaves are spoon-shaped, fleshy, and dark green in color. The plant's flowers are small and inconspicuous, and they grow on the tips of the branches.Uses
Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties in Angola. The leaves and stem of the plant are crushed and applied topically to treat various skin conditions, such as wounds and sores. Some local communities also use the plant to treat stomach ailments. The Benguela Dorstenia is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. Its unique shape and texture make it an interesting addition to any collection of succulent plants. In conclusion, Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman, commonly known as the Benguela Dorstenia, is a small succulent shrub native to Angola. It has medicinal uses and is grown as an ornamental plant for its unique appearance.Light Requirements
Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman is a plant species that requires bright, indirect light. It thrives in natural light but can also survive in artificial light sources such as fluorescent or LED lights. However, direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant and may cause its leaves to scorch and turn brown, so it is important to avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman is between 18°C to 24°C. It can tolerate temperature variations and may survive in slightly cooler or warmer conditions, but extreme temperatures should be avoided. Exposure to temperatures below 10°C can harm the plant, and temperatures above 30°C may cause its growth to slow down or stop altogether
Soil Requirements
Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman thrives best in well-drained soil with a pH level of about 6.5 to 7.5. It prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and can hold moisture while still being permeable enough to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged. It is recommended to use a well-draining soil mixture, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand in equal parts. It is also important to note that the plant prefers slightly moist soil, so it is advised to water it regularly.
Cultivation Methods
In its natural habitat, the Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman plant usually grows under the forest canopy. Therefore, when cultivating it, provide partial shade for optimal growth. Being a tropical plant, the ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Also, the plant requires well-draining soils, which should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6 to 6.5. Prepare a potting mix with adequate drainage by adding sand or perlite to the soil.
Propagation is through seed sowing or stem cuttings. To propagate through stem cuttings, dip the cuttings into rooting hormone powder, then plant them into moist, well-draining soils.
Watering Needs
The Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman plant prefers moderate watering. Water it once every week, ensuring the soil is slightly moist. During high temperatures or dry seasons, increase your watering frequency to once every three to four days.
Also, avoid overwatering the plant, as it can lead to root rot that can kill it. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and always empty the excess water from the saucer.
Fertilization
Fertilize your Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, preferably during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and feed the plant once every two weeks.
However, be cautious not to over-fertilize the plant as it can lead to salt accumulation in the soil.
Pruning
The Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman plant does not require much pruning. However, to maintain its neat appearance, you can pinch off any yellow or dead leaves and trim the stems once in a while.
When pruning, use clean and sharp pruning shears to prevent any injuries to the plant. After pruning, remember to water the plant adequately to promote its quick recovery.
Propagation of Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman
Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman is propagated through various methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most commonly used method for propagating Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman. The plant produces small, black seeds that are easy to collect. Once the seeds are collected, they should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to increase their germination rate. Afterward, they can be planted in well-draining soil or a seed starting mix. The container should be kept in a warm, bright area and watered regularly, but not overwatered. Within two to three weeks, the seeds should start to germinate, and within a few months, the plants should be established enough to transplant to the desired location.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them to produce new plants. This method of propagation is used when the plant is too difficult to propagate through seed or when the desired characteristics of the parent plant need to be preserved. To propagate through cuttings, a stem or leaf cutting should be taken from the parent plant, ensuring that the cutting is at least 3-4 inches long. Remove all the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and place it in a rooting hormone. After that, insert the cutting into a well-draining soil mix. The container should be kept in a warm, bright area, and the soil should be kept slightly moist. Within a few weeks, the cutting should start to root, and within a few months, it should be ready to transplant.
Disease and Pest Management for Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman
Dorstenia benguellensis Welw. var. capillaris Hauman, also known as the Longhair African Potato, is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for in terms of disease and pest management. However, there are still some common issues that plant owners might encounter, and it is important to know how to identify and manage them in order to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
The Longhair African Potato can be susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Root Rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can present as yellowing leaves, wilting, and a foul odor. To manage this, remove the plant from its pot and gently wash away any soggy or discolored roots. Trim away any remaining roots and repot in fresh soil, taking care to not overwater going forward.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot can present as brown spots or patches on the leaves, often with a yellow halo. It is usually caused by fungal infections and can be managed by removing the affected leaves and avoiding overhead watering. Applying a fungicide can also help to prevent the spread of the infection.
Common Pests
Longhair African Potatoes are generally not prone to pest infestations, but there are a few to watch out for:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause the leaves to look dry, yellow, or speckled. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil, applied according to the directions on the packaging.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that can appear as white, cotton-like masses on the plant. They can be managed by manually removing them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, or by using an insecticidal soap or neem oil as with spider mites.
Overall, the Longhair African Potato is a sturdy plant that can withstand a variety of conditions. However, being aware of potential disease and pest issues and taking a proactive approach to managing them can help ensure the plant stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.
