Origin of Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild.
Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild., or commonly known as the hairy creeping herb, belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to African countries such as Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria.
Common Names of Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild.
The Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild. is commonly known as the hairy creeping herb in English and herbe glissante in French.
Uses of Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild.
The hairy creeping herb is known to be used in traditional African medicine. It is used to treat various conditions such as stomach ailments, headaches, and fever. The plant extracts are also used as a natural insecticide. In addition, the plant is used as a ground cover in gardens and is highly recommended for landscaping due to its attractive nature and ease of growth.
General Appearance of Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild.
The hairy creeping herb is a low growing perennial plant with small green leaves. It grows up to 10cm high and can spread up to 200cm wide. The plant produces small white flowers that are about 5mm in diameter. The stems and leaves of the plant are covered in fine hairs, which is where it gets its name from.
Light Requirements
Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild. requires a moderate amount of sunlight to grow properly. It prefers partial shade to avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This specific plant thrives in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growth is around 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 15°C (60°F) can significantly harm the plant, leading to stunted growth or even death. High humidity levels also benefit the growth of this plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil quality is an important factor that affects the growth of Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild. The ideal soil should be well-draining, nutrient-rich, and slightly acidic. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is considered optimal for its growth. The presence of organic matter in the soil is beneficial for the plant. It also prefers soil that is slightly moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can further stunt the growth of the plant.
Cultivation methods for Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild.
Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild. commonly referred to as creeping Charlie, is a low-growing ground cover that thrives in warm, humid environments. To cultivate this plant, you can take cuttings or plant seeds. It's best to plant them in a well-draining soil mixture that contains organic matter.
When planting, space the cuttings or seeds about six inches apart and maintain a consistent moisture level until they establish roots and begin to grow.
Watering needs of Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild.
Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild. requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not wet. When watering, it's best to soak the soil to the plant's root level. To prevent waterlogging, ensure that the soil is sufficiently drained to avoid water accumulation and root rot.
Fertilization of Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild.
Fertilizing Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild. is not a requirement, but it can help improve the plant's overall health and growth. A balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 ratio or similar can be applied about once a month during the growing season.
Be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can cause burns and damage to the plant's roots.
Pruning of Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild.
Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild. does not require extensive pruning, but trimming is necessary to maintain its shape and control its spread.
Regular pruning also helps to prevent the plant from overgrowth and promotes the development of a well-structured and healthy plant. Trim any overgrown leaves or stems with a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears. Aim to perform trimming and pruning once every six months.
Propagation of Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild.
Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild. can be propagated through various methods which include:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild. is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the ripe fruits and sown immediately. The seeds should be sown on soil that is moist and well-drained. The seedlings will emerge in a few weeks. Care should be taken to ensure that the newly emerged seedlings are not exposed to direct sunlight.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings are a reasonable method to propagate Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild. Cuttings should be taken from the tip of the stem and should be 4-6 inches long. The cuttings should then be placed in soil that is moist and well-drained. The soil should be kept moist, but care should be taken not to overwater. The cuttings will root in about four weeks, and once this happens, they can be transplanted to individual pots.
Division Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the mature plant into smaller parts, and planting each of them as a new plant. The division should be done during the onset of the growing season when the plant is starting to emerge from dormancy. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the root system should be gently separated into the desired portions. The separated parts should then be planted in moist and well-draining soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Geophila Hirsuta Benth. Forma Brevifolia De Wild.
Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild. is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect the plant growth and its productivity. It is important to recognize the signs of damage early to implement effective management strategies.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular spots on the leaves. The spots may be grey, brown, or black, and they usually have a yellow halo around them. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It causes the roots to rot, which can lead to wilting and death of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a powdery white coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy infected plant parts and improve air circulation around the plant.
Common Pests
Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, wash the plant with a strong jet of water or spray with insecticidal soap.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick them from the plant or use a pesticide specifically designed to target caterpillars.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant, causing yellowed and stippled leaves. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong jet of water or use a pesticide specifically designed to target spider mites.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of diseases and pests and implementing proper management strategies can help ensure the health and productivity of Geophila hirsuta Benth. forma brevifolia De Wild.
