Englerastrum scandens (Gürke) Alston: An Overview
Englerastrum scandens, also known as the climbing Englerastrum, is a member of the family Apocynaceae. This woody-stemmed plant is native to Africa and is found in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
Common Names
The climbing Englerastrum goes by different common names depending on the region. In South Africa, it is commonly known as blaar-bos (meaning leaf bush), while in Zimbabwe, it is referred to as mupompwe. It is also known as the African stars creeper, as well as the climbing milkweed or climbing rubber vine due to its white latex sap.
Appearance
The climbing Englerastrum is a climbing or scrambling shrub that can grow up to 3 meters in length. The plant's leaves are dark green and glossy, and generally, the plant has a rather neat and manicured appearance. However, in the wild, the climbing Englerastrum can often be found growing in thickets, and its stems can be quite tangled. The plant produces small, fragrant, white flowers that develop into a fruit with two elongated pods containing numerous seeds.
Uses
The climbing Englerastrum has many traditional medicinal uses in Africa, including the treatment of fever, stomach problems, snakebites, and heart disease. The plant is also used for its strong, elastic fibers which are used for making baskets, fishing nets, and rope. In addition, the plant's leaves are used to provide dense foliage for natural garden trellises, and its attractive appearance makes it a popular ornamental plant among gardeners.
Light Requirements for Englerastrum scandens
Englerastrum scandens prefers to grow in partial shade or filtered sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but it is best to provide it shade during the hottest part of the day. When grown indoors, it should be placed near an east-facing window where it can receive bright, indirect light.
Temperature Requirements for Englerastrum scandens
Englerastrum scandens likes warm temperatures and will thrive in an environment where the temperatures range between 20 to 35°C. The plant cannot withstand freezing temperatures and should be protected from cold drafts. Make sure the temperature is not too low by placing the plant in a room where the temperature is regulated.
Soil Requirements for Englerastrum scandens
Englerastrum scandens prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be in the slightly acidic to neutral range, between 6.0 to 7.0. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, but it prefers a sandy loam or clay loam soil. Make sure the soil remains moist, but not water-logged. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between watering to avoid root rot.
Cultivation of Englerastrum scandens
Englerastrum scandens, commonly known as the climbing milkweed, is a tropical plant that requires a warm environment for proper growth. It can be cultivated indoor in areas with colder climates.
The plant thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to ensure healthy growth.
Englerastrum scandens requires a humid environment, and it is essential to maintain a relative humidity of about 50-60% in the area where the plant is cultivated.
Watering Needs of Englerastrum scandens
The climbing milkweed requires regular watering to maintain optimum growth. It is recommended to water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to waterlogged soil, which may cause root rot, a common problem with this plant.
The water used for irrigation should be of good quality, preferably clean and free of chemicals such as chlorine or fluorine, which can affect the plant's growth.
Fertilization of Englerastrum scandens
Regular fertilization is essential to maintain the health and vitality of Englerastrum scandens. It is recommended to fertilize the plant monthly, using a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
The fertilizer should be diluted to half strength to prevent burning the plant's roots. It is best to fertilize the plant during the growing season, typically from early spring to fall.
Pruning Englerastrum scandens
Englerastrum scandens requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy. It is recommended to prune the plant during the early spring or late winter before the growing season.
The plant can be pinched back or trimmed with a pair of shears to promote bushier growth. Deadheading the spent flowers can also help promote new blooms.
When pruning, ensure that the tool used is sharp and clean to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Englerastrum scandens
Englerastrum scandens (Gürke) Alston, commonly known as climbing snake-vine, is a beautiful tropical plant with distinctive corky bark and glossy leaves. It is relatively easy to propagate and can be done through various methods such as seed propagation, stem cutting, and air layering.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common way to start a new Englerastrum scandens plant. It is a relatively easy process that requires minimal equipment, making it ideal for beginners. The seeds should be harvested from the plant when they are fully matured and have a dark-brown color. Once collected, the seeds should be allowed to dry in a well-ventilated space before sowing them in a potting mix. It is important to keep the soil moist and well-draining during the germination period, which takes between two to three weeks.
Stem cutting
Stem cutting is another popular method of propagation for Englerastrum scandens. The best time to take a cutting is during the spring and summer seasons. Choose a healthy stem that is about 4-6 inches long and contains at least two nodes. Cut the stem just below the node and remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes. Dip the cut stem in rooting hormone powder to enhance root formation before planting it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and humid using a cover or misting the plant regularly, and within a few weeks, new roots should start to form.
Air layering
Air layering is a propagation technique that involves inducing the plant to create new roots while still attached to the parent plant. This method can be used for mature plants and is ideal for hard-to-root species such as Englerastrum scandens. Choose a healthy and robust stem, make a small cut at the bottom and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss and plastic wrap until the roots are formed. Once roots are seen, cut the rooted section and plant it into a pot filled with well-draining soil.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is crucial to maintain proper moisture and humidity levels to ensure success. Once the new plants have established roots and growth, they can be transplanted into the desired location or container.
Disease Management
Englerastrum scandens is generally a healthy plant, but it can still succumb to various diseases that affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases associated with the plant, and ways to manage each:
Canker
Canker is a fungal disease that manifests itself as open sores on the plant's stems, which result in stem dieback and a stunted growth habit. To manage canker, prune off the affected areas and burn them away from the plant to avoid spreading the spores. Apply an organic fungicide on the affected areas.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungus that leaves a white powdery coat on the plant's leaves, which can stunt their growth and cause them to drop eventually. To manage this disease, maintain good air circulation around the plant, as high humidity encourages growth of powdery mildew. Apply a fungicide when the initial signs of powdery mildew appear.
Root and Stem Rot
This is a fungal disease that affects the roots and stems of the plant, causing it to wilt and eventually die. To manage root and stem rot, ensure that the plant is growing in well-draining soil, and avoid over-watering it. If the plant is already infected, remove the affected areas and apply a fungicide to the remaining sections.
Pest Management
Englerastrum scandens is also susceptible to pest attacks, which can cause considerable damage to the plant. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap out of the plant's leaves, leading to its deformation and yellowing. To manage aphids, spray the affected areas with equal parts of water and neem oil combined. This solution is effective in killing aphids that are feeding on the plant.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that pierce the plant's leaves to extract plant sap, causing the leaves to become discolored, stippled, and mottled. To manage spider mites, spray the affected areas with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap. Be sure to spray the undersides of the leaves, where spider mites hide.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white insects that cluster on new growth and stems. They produce honeydew, which attracts ants and sooty mold. To manage them, rub the mealybugs off the plant with a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in alcohol or a mixture of water and dish soap. Repeat the process weekly until they are gone.
