Overview
Edgeworthia buxifolia Falc., also known as Indian paper bush or Nepalese paper plant, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family. This plant is native to the Himalayas, particularly to Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
Appearance
Edgeworthia buxifolia is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 meters in height. The plant's leaves are simple, alternate, and clustered near the tips of the branches. They are elliptical in shape, around 10 cm long, and have a leathery texture.
The flowers of E. buxifolia are showy, fragrant, and borne in clusters of up to 30. They appear in late winter to early spring even before the foliage emerges. These have a unique texture and resemble orbs made of crumpled tissue paper or cotton balls. Their colors range from pale yellow to creamy-white and light pink. The fruit of this plant is a rounded capsule approximately 1 cm in diameter and is filled with small, brown seeds.
Uses
E. buxifolia is an ornamental plant grown for its fragrant flowers, attractive foliage, and unique textured bark. The bark is peeled off and used to create a type of paper called 'wasli' that is used for calligraphy, painting, and bookmaking. The plant's bark is also used in traditional medicine to treat fever and rheumatism. The leaves of E. buxifolia have insecticidal properties and are used to repel insects.
Light Requirements
Edgeworthia buxifolia Falc. is a plant that prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. It can tolerate morning sun and requires afternoon shading. It is ideal to plant in a location that receives dappled sunlight or with high shade cover.
Temperature Requirements
It is important to note that Edgeworthia buxifolia Falc. is hardy from USDA zones 7-10. This plant prefers to grow in a temperature range that is not too cold or too hot. The optimum temperature for this species is between 55-75 °F. Temperatures above 85°F can be stressful for the plant and can result in leaf scorching and premature fall of the leaves.
Soil Requirements
Edgeworthia buxifolia Falc. prefers to grow in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.5. This plant is not tolerant of waterlogged soil conditions and requires good drainage. Soil moisture should be consistent, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation of Edgewothia buxifolia Falc.
Edgewothia buxifolia Falc. grows well in fertile and well-drained soil. Plant the seedlings in a hole twice as large as their root balls and mix the soil with organic compost. The plant requires a shaded area, especially during the scorching summer months. Avoid planting in exposed areas with direct sunlight.
Watering Needs
Edgewothia buxifolia Falc. requires frequent watering of at least twice a week, especially during the dry seasons. The young plants' soil should be kept moist, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The plant's water needs decrease after maturity, but it still requires regular watering to maintain a healthy growth rate.
Fertilization
Edgewothia buxifolia Falc. is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Use slow-release fertilizers to ensure a steady supply of nutrients to the plants. Fertilize the plants once a month using a 10-10-10 fertilizer ratio to achieve optimal growth. However, avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to the buildup of salt levels in the soil, causing the plant's damage.
Pruning
Edgewothia buxifolia Falc. requires minimal pruning, especially when young. Mature plants require pruning to control their size and shape. Pruning should be done in the dormant season to avoid damaging the neighbor plants. Deadhead the wilted flowers and cut back the overly long branches to encourage branching and a bushier growth habit.
Propagation of Edgewothia buxifolia Falc.
Edgewothia buxifolia Falc., commonly known as paperbush, is a deciduous shrub species native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. Propagation of this plant can be done by seed or vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Edgewothia buxifolia are typically sown in autumn or early spring in a well-draining soil mix. The seed should be sown at a depth of around 1 cm and kept moist during germination. Germination typically takes 4-6 weeks, and seedlings should be kept in a sheltered spot to protect them from wind and frost.
Vegetative Propagation
Edgewothia buxifolia can also be propagated through vegetative methods, including softwood cuttings and layering.
Softwood cuttings are taken from new growth in early summer and should be around 5-10 cm long. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and a rooting hormone can be applied to the cut end. The cutting should be inserted into a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until rooting occurs.
Layering involves bending a low-growing branch of Edgewothia buxifolia to the ground and burying a section of it in soil or a compost mix. The buried section of the branch should be wounded or notched to encourage rooting and then secured in place with a stake or rock. Roots should form in about a year, at which point the rooted branch can be separated from the parent plant.
Disease Management
Edgeworthia buxifolia Falc. is relatively resilient to diseases, but there are a few ailments that may affect the plant. The most common disease affecting Edgeworthia buxifolia Falc. is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew thrives in humid conditions and can be prevented by ensuring proper air circulation around the plant. If powdery mildew does occur, treating the plant with a fungicide can help eradicate the disease.
Another disease that can affect Edgeworthia buxifolia Falc. is root rot. Root rot occurs when the roots are in contact with too much water for too long. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is planted in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Pest Management
There are a few pests that are known to target Edgeworthia buxifolia Falc. One such pest is the aphid. Aphids feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. The best way to manage aphids is to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or use natural predators such as ladybugs to control the population.
Another pest that may affect Edgeworthia buxifolia Falc. is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap out of the plant and can cause yellowing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a miticide and ensure that the plant is kept properly hydrated to prevent stress.
Finally, scale insects are another potential pest that may affect Edgeworthia buxifolia Falc. Scale insects can be challenging to control, but spraying the plant with horticultural oil or using natural predators such as parasitic wasps can help manage the infestation.
