Englerina macilenta Polhill & Wiens
Englerina macilenta Polhill & Wiens is a small, perennial plant that belongs to the family of Orchidaceae. It is commonly known as the Spindly Englerina or Spindly Cleistochilum, and is native to the forests of eastern and southeastern Africa. The plant grows best in moist and shady places, such as streamsides, riverbanks, and swampy areas.
Appearance
The Spindly Englerina plant has a slender stem that can reach up to 10-25 cm in height, with a few leaves clustered at the base. The leaves of the plant are succulent and linear, measuring around 4 cm in length. The flowers of the plant are small, about 1 cm in diameter, and are typically greenish-yellow or cream in color. They grow in dense, terminal racemes, which bloom from March to August.
Uses
Englerina macilenta is not widely used for medicinal or culinary purposes. However, it is heavily cultivated as an ornamental plant, owing to its attractive appearance and the ease with which it can be grown indoors in a pot. This species can also be used in the garden landscape as an understory plant, where it adds an exotic touch to the scenery.
In conclusion, Englerina macilenta Polhill & Wiens is a small, attractive plant with limited medicinal and culinary uses, yet widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. With its slender stem, succulent leaves, and small, greenish-yellow flowers, it adds an exotic touch to any indoor or garden landscape.
Light Requirements
Englerina macilenta is a plant that requires plenty of sunshine to grow. It typically grows in areas with full sunlight or partial shading. In shaded areas, the plant tends to stretch towards the direction of the sun, which can affect its strength and growth. Therefore, it is recommended to grow this plant in areas with plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature requirement for Englerina macilenta varies depending on the season. During the growing season, which is typically from spring to fall, the plant thrives in temperature ranges between 20°C and 33°C. On the other hand, during the dormant season, which is typically from late fall to early spring, the plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°C.
Soil Requirements
Englerina macilenta grows well in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, preferably with a mixture of peat and sand. The plant also requires soil that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged, as overly wet soil can cause root rot. Perfect soil drainage is necessary for the plant, and it should not stand in stagnant water to maintain healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods for Englerina macilenta Polhill & Wiens
Englerina macilenta Polhill & Wiens, commonly known as the African cowpea, is a drought-tolerant plant that is well suited to hot, dry conditions. It thrives in full sun and can be grown in containers or in the ground. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can adapt to poor soils with low fertility. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it easy to grow.
Watering Needs for Englerina macilenta Polhill & Wiens
Englerina macilenta Polhill & Wiens has low to medium water needs. It is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods of dryness. However, it is essential to keep the plant's soil moist to encourage healthy growth. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the climate and how well the soil retains moisture. It is crucial to avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization for Englerina macilenta Polhill & Wiens
Englerina macilenta Polhill & Wiens does not require a lot of fertilizer. If the soil is poor, add organic matter to improve soil fertility. A slow-release fertilizer applied in the early growth stages can help the plant grow and produce more blooms. However, avoid feeding the plant with too much nitrogen as it can result in lush foliage growth, but fewer blooms.
Pruning Englerina macilenta Polhill & Wiens
Englerina macilenta Polhill & Wiens is a low-maintenance plant that does not require extensive pruning. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage the growth of new flowers and keep the plant looking neat. Pruning the plant at the beginning of the growing season can help to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. It is crucial to avoid pruning the plant during its dormant period as it may stunt its growth.
Propagation of Englerina macilenta Polhill & Wiens
Englerina macilenta Polhill & Wiens, commonly known as the African violet, is a plant that is relatively easy to propagate. There are a few methods that can be used to propagate Englerina macilenta, including:
Propagation by cuttings
The most common way to propagate Englerina macilenta is through stem cuttings. Cut a 3-4 inch section of stem from a healthy, mature plant with a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Remove the bottom leaves, leaving only the top few leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder, tapping off any excess. Place the stem cutting into a pot filled with moist potting soil and water thoroughly. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or container to create a humid environment and place it in a warm, bright location. Within a few weeks, new growth should appear, indicating that the cutting has rooted and is ready to be transplanted into its own pot.
Propagation by division
Englerina macilenta can also be propagated by dividing mature plants. Simply remove the plant from its pot, and gently separate the root ball into two or more sections. Pot each section up into a small container filled with fresh potting soil, water thoroughly, and place in a warm, bright location. Within a few weeks, new growth should appear, indicating that the plant is happily settled into its new home.
Propagation by leaf cuttings
Another way to propagate Englerina macilenta is through leaf cuttings. Cut a leaf from a healthy, mature plant and insert it halfway into a pot filled with moist potting soil, making sure the cut end of the leaf is in contact with the soil. Water thoroughly and cover the pot with a plastic bag or container to create a humid environment. Keep the pot in a warm, bright location. Within a few weeks, new growth should appear, indicating that the leaf has rooted and a new plant is starting to grow.
Disease Management
Englerina macilenta Polhill & Wiens is a resilient plant that is not prone to many diseases. However, there is a possibility of these diseases affecting the plant:
- Leaf spot: This disease causes black or brown spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. Fungal spores cause this condition. Remove and discard infected plant parts, then use a fungicide to protect the plant from future infestations.
- Root rot: Overwatering the plant or waterlogged soil can cause root infections. The plant's roots turn brown and mushy. The plant may turn yellow or brown, wilt, or die. Implement proper watering techniques to avoid root rot.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Remove and discard the affected plant parts, then apply a fungicide to treat the plant.
Pest Management
Englerina macilenta Polhill & Wiens plants are relatively pest-resistant. However, the following pests can affect the plant:
- Aphids: These pests can be identified by the presence of sticky, clear residue on the leaves. They can be removed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water. Reapply as needed.
- Spider mites: These pests produce white webbing around the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be removed with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Increase the humidity around the plant and avoid dry soil conditions to avoid any future infestations.
- Thrips: They are tiny insects that can cause stunted growth, distorted leaves, and silvery white scars. Regular irrigation and good cleaning and sanitation practices, including the removal of weeds and debris, may be helpful in controlling them.
