Origin
Englerina heckmanniana (Engl.) Polhill & Wiens subsp. polytricha Polhill & Wiens, also known as St. Peter's onion, is a bulbous plant that is native to South Africa and Namibia. It can be found growing in arid regions, such as rocky slopes and hills.
Common Names
St. Peter's onion is the most commonly used name for Englerina heckmanniana. It is also referred to as "Ghaap", which is a term used by the San people for plants that grow in desert-like environments. In Afrikaans, it is known as "St. Pieters-uisie".
Uses
The bulbs of the plant are edible and have been eaten for centuries by the San people. The bulbs are also used medicinally to treat a range of ailments such as chest problems, diabetes, and infections. The plant has also been used in traditional African medicine to treat snake bites and scorpion stings.
General Appearance
Englerina heckmanniana grows from a small, round bulb and can reach a height of 20-30 cm. It has narrow, linear leaves that are about 10 cm long and usually curved. The plant produces a tall, slender stem that is topped with a cluster of pink or white flowers. The flowers are bell-shaped, with six petals, and bloom in late winter to early spring.
The subspecies polytricha has an additional characteristic of fine, hair-like fibers on the bulb.
Light Requirements
Englerina heckmanniana subsp. polytricha prefers bright indirect light, but can also tolerate partial shade. It is best to avoid placing this plant in direct sunlight as it can cause its leaves to burn.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows best in temperatures between 18°C (65°F) to 24°C (75°F). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F), but it is best to protect it from frost. Avoid placing this plant in areas with sudden temperature fluctuations as it can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Englerina heckmanniana subsp. polytricha grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5) and has good water retention. This plant can tolerate occasional dry spells, but it is best to keep the soil moist during the growing season.
Cultivation of Englerina heckmanniana
Englerina heckmanniana is an attractive plant species that requires specific conditions for optimal growth. It thrives in a sunny to partially shaded location, and the soil should be well-drained with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
It is imperative to note that the plant is frost-tender and can only be grown outdoors in warm regions with mild environments. As such, indoor cultivation may be the only practical option in areas with harsh climatic conditions.
Watering Needs
The plant should be watered regularly, with the soil kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. It is best to use rainwater or distilled water as Englerina heckmanniana is sensitive to the high levels of dissolved minerals present in tap water.
During the warmest months, the frequency of watering should be increased to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Similarly, during the winter months, watering should be reduced to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Englerina heckmanniana requires regular fertilization for optimal growth, with a balanced N-P-K fertilizer applied at least once every two weeks. Ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on application rate and method.
The application of fertilizer should be reduced significantly during the winter months when the plant is dormant and not actively growing.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep Englerina heckmanniana in an attractive and healthy state. Dead or damaged leaves and stems should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
Additionally, pruning is crucial in shaping the plant and maintaining its ideal size. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season and avoid over-pruning, which can damage the plant and limit its growth potential.
Propagation of Englerina heckmanniana subsp. polytricha:
Englerina heckmanniana subsp. polytricha can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Both methods have been successful in propagating this plant.
Propagation by Seed:
The seeds of Englerina heckmanniana subsp. polytricha can be collected and sown in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be sown thinly and covered lightly with soil. The trays or pots should be kept moist by misting or watering from the bottom. The seeds will take about two to four weeks to germinate depending on the conditions and the freshness of the seed.
Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground. It is important to protect the seedlings from direct sunlight and extreme weather conditions until they become established.
Propagation by Cuttings:
Cuttings from Englerina heckmanniana subsp. polytricha can be taken anytime during the growing season. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The cuttings should be about 7-10cm long and have at least 3-4 leaves on them. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix.
The cuttings should be placed in a bright, warm place and kept moist by misting or watering from the bottom. The cuttings should root in about 3-6 weeks, and once they have developed roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Englerina heckmanniana subsp. polytricha is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it can still suffer from some common fungal diseases, such as root rot and powdery mildew.
To prevent root rot, it is essential to provide the plant with well-draining soil and avoid overwatering it. In case the disease occurs, it is advisable to treat the soil with a fungicide, but it is better to avoid chemicals as much as possible. Instead, a more organic solution would be to remove the affected roots, let them dry, and repot the plant in fresh soil.
Powdery mildew can be prevented by reducing leaf moisture by not overwatering, increasing air circulation, and ensuring proper plant spacing. Avoiding overhead watering, which can cause excess leaf moisture, is also recommended. In case of infection, removing the affected parts and spraying the plant with a mixture of water and baking soda can be effective.
Pest Management
Englerina heckmanniana subsp. polytricha is susceptible to infestation from mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips.
Mealybugs can be removed from the plant by hand or with a soft brush. To prevent further infestation, it is advisable to isolate the affected plant and treat it with a natural insecticide. Repeating this process over several weeks may be necessary to ensure complete eradication.
Spider mites can be controlled by increasing the humidity around the plant. Alternatively, washing the leaves frequently with water and soap, or spraying the plant with insecticidal soap can be effective. It is essential to monitor the plant regularly and treat it as soon as an infestation is detected to prevent its spread.
Thrips can be removed manually or by introducing natural predators such as lacewings, mites, or parasitic wasps. Diluted neem oil, insecticidal soap, or pyrethrum can also be used to control thrips infestations. However, care should be taken to avoid spraying the plant during the flowering period and to follow the instructions provided with the product.
