Origin
Dorstenia mannii Hook.f. var. humilis (Hijman & Berg) Hijman, commonly known as the African peg plant, is native to Cameroon and other regions in West Africa.
Common Names
In addition to African peg plant, Dorstenia mannii Hook.f. var. humilis (Hijman & Berg) Hijman is also known as the Dorstenia humilis, Dorstenia zahlbruckneri, and Dorstenia camerooniana.
Uses
The African peg plant has a wide range of uses in traditional African medicine. It is used to treat cuts and wounds, respiratory infections, and stomach ailments. The plant is also used in spiritual ceremonies as an offering to ancestors or to aid in divination. In addition, the African peg plant is also used in the production of dyes and in traditional weaving.
General Appearance
The African peg plant is a small, succulent shrub that grows up to 40 cm tall. The leaves are small, triangular, and thin, with a green to light brown color and a velvety texture. The stems are thick, fleshy, and branching, with a woody base. The flowers of the African peg plant are small and white, with a distinctive brown peduncle that resembles a peg. The plant prefers dry, sandy soils and can be found growing in rocky, open areas.
Growth Conditions for Dorstenia Mannii Hook.f. Var. Humilis (Hijman & Berg) Hijman
Light
Dorstenia mannii Hook.f. var. humilis (Hijman & Berg) Hijman prefers to grow in partial to full shade. It is best to avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves and cause damage to the plant. Place the plant in a location where it can receive filtered light or bright indirect sunlight.Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Dorstenia Mannii Hook.f. Var. Humilis (Hijman & Berg) Hijman is between 18°C to 26°C (65°F to 80°F). It is important to protect the plant from extreme temperatures as it can cause stunted growth and damage to the leaves. The plant can tolerate occasional drops in temperature as long as it does not fall below 10°C (50°F).Soil Requirements
The soil for Dorstenia Mannii Hook.f. Var. Humilis (Hijman & Berg) Hijman should be well-draining, loose, and rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, compost, and perlite can be used to provide the ideal growing conditions. It is important to avoid using heavy clay soils as they can retain too much moisture and cause root rot.Watering
Dorstenia Mannii Hook.f. Var. Humilis (Hijman & Berg) Hijman prefers to grow in moist soil but it is important to avoid overwatering. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. During the winter months, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.Fertilizer
Fertilizer can be applied to Dorstenia Mannii Hook.f. Var. Humilis (Hijman & Berg) Hijman once a month during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is recommended. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing as it can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.Humidity
Dorstenia Mannii Hook.f. Var. Humilis (Hijman & Berg) Hijman prefers to grow in humid conditions. It is important to maintain a humidity level of 50% or higher to ensure healthy growth. Misting the plant regularly or placing it on a tray filled with pebbles and water can help increase humidity levels.Cultivation Methods
Dorstenia mannii Hook.f. var. humilis (Hijman & Berg) Hijman is a tropical plant that thrives in warm climates. It can be grown indoors in pots or outdoors in gardens, provided the soil is well-draining and rich in nutrients. The plant prefers partial shade and should be protected from direct sunlight, particularly during the hottest part of the day.
When caring for this plant indoors, make sure to place the pot in a well-lit area but avoid exposure to direct sunlight. The plant can be grown in a mix of peat moss and perlite to enhance the moisture retention capacity of the soil. If planting it outside, add some compost or well-rotted manure to the soil.
Watering Needs
The Dorstenia mannii Hook.f. var. humilis (Hijman & Berg) Hijman is not a drought-resistant plant. It requires regular watering to keep its soil moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on the prevailing environmental conditions, with the plant requiring more watering in hot and dry weather.
When watering, avoid overhead irrigation as this can lead to waterlogging the stem and leaves. Instead, use a watering can to deliver water at the base of the plant. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and that excess water is drained off to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is crucial for the growth and development of the Dorstenia mannii Hook.f. var. humilis (Hijman & Berg) Hijman plant. Use a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season, starting from spring until the end of summer.
When applying the fertilizer, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil. Salts can cause damage to the roots and inhibit the plant's growth.
Pruning
Dorstenia mannii Hook.f. var. humilis (Hijman & Berg) Hijman does not require regular pruning. However, removing dead or damaged leaves from the plant can prevent the spread of diseases and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
If the plant outgrows its pot or the garden, you may need to prune it back to prevent overcrowding. You can use a sharp pair of pruners to cut back the plant to the required size. Ensure that you sterilize the pruners before and after use to avoid spreading diseases from one plant to another.
Propagation of Dorstenia mannii var. humilis
Dorstenia mannii Hook.f. var. humilis (Hijman & Berg) Hijman, commonly known as African pipe thorn, is a succulent plant native to Africa. It is commonly propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
The propagation by seeds is the most common method used to propagate Dorstenia mannii var. humilis. The seeds are usually collected when they are ripe and sown immediately in a well-draining seed-raising mix. They should be sown shallowly and should not be covered with soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should be kept warm at a temperature of around 20-25 degrees Celsius.
African pipe thorn seeds usually germinate within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they should be transplanted into small individual pots. The soil should be well-draining, and the pots should be placed in a warm, bright location.
Propagation by Cuttings
The propagation by cuttings is another method used to propagate Dorstenia mannii var. humilis. Cuttings should be taken from healthy stems and should be around 10-15 cm in length. The cuttings should be allowed to dry out for a few days before planting to allow the cut edges to dry and callus over.
The cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining rooting mix. The soil should be kept lightly moist and the cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright location. Roots should appear within a few weeks, and once the cuttings have developed a good root system, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Division
Dorstenia mannii var. humilis can also be propagated by division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and stems.
The plant should be carefully removed from its pot and the roots gently teased apart. Each division should be potted up into its own pot, using a well-draining soil mix. The divisions should be kept in a warm, bright location and watered regularly until they become established.
