Origin
Geophila neurodictyon (K.Schum.) Hepper subsp. orientalis Verdc. is a species of plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This plant is commonly found in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as "Sedap malam" in Malaysia, which means "fragrant night" in Malay. It is also called "Chak liang" in Thailand and "Setawar" in Indonesia.
Uses
Geophila neurodictyon (K.Schum.) Hepper subsp. orientalis Verdc. has a range of medicinal uses. In traditional medicine, the roots of this plant are used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and headaches. The roots are boiled or soaked in hot water and the resulting liquid is consumed. The plant is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
General Appearance
Geophila neurodictyon (K.Schum.) Hepper subsp. orientalis Verdc. is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 30 cm tall. The leaves of the plant are opposite, elliptic or obovate in shape, and measure around 2-5 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The flowers of the plant are small and white in color, and they appear in clusters at the axils of the leaves. The plant produces small, ovoid fruits that measure around 3-4 mm in diameter.
Growth Conditions of Geophila neurodictyon (K.Schum.) Hepper subsp. orientalis Verdc.
Geophila neurodictyon (K.Schum.) Hepper subsp. orientalis Verdc. is a small herbaceous plant that is found in tropical regions. It requires specific growth conditions to thrive and produce healthy plants.
Light Requirements
Geophila neurodictyon (K.Schum.) Hepper subsp. orientalis Verdc. grows well in partial shade or filtered sunlight. The plant prefers an environment with moderate to low light intensity. It can tolerate full sunlight in the early hours of the day, but exposure to intense sunlight for prolonged periods can damage the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Geophila neurodictyon (K.Schum.) Hepper subsp. orientalis Verdc. requires warm temperatures to grow and produce flowers. The plant grows well in temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C. Temperatures below 18°C can slow down the growth rate and delay flowering.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soils should be loamy, sandy, or a mixture of both. A soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0 is ideal for the growth of Geophila neurodictyon (K.Schum.) Hepper subsp. orientalis Verdc.. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils and prefers soils that are moist but well-drained.
In conclusion, the growth conditions for Geophila neurodictyon (K.Schum.) Hepper subsp. orientalis Verdc. include partial shade, warm temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C, and well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. By providing these specific growth conditions, the plant can thrive and produce healthy plants.
Cultivation Methods
Geophila neurodictyon subsp. orientalis Verdc. is a plant that thrives in a warm, humid environment. It is typically found growing in shady areas in the tropics. When cultivating this plant, it is important to replicate its natural habitat as much as possible.
Start by selecting a location that is sheltered from strong winds and receives indirect sunlight. The soil should be rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic. Prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or leaf mold to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients for growth.
Geophila neurodictyon subsp. orientalis Verdc. can be propagated from seed or cuttings. If planting from seed, sow the seeds in pots or trays filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the seeds should germinate within a few weeks. If using cuttings, select a healthy stem and remove any leaves from the bottom half. Place the cutting in well-draining soil, keep it moist, and provide a warm, humid environment to encourage root growth.
Watering Needs
Geophila neurodictyon subsp. orientalis Verdc. prefers evenly moist soil. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Ideally, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and location of the plant. In general, water more frequently during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.
Fertilization
Geophila neurodictyon subsp. orientalis Verdc. benefits from regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to the accumulation of salt in the soil.
Pruning
Geophila neurodictyon subsp. orientalis Verdc. benefits from pruning to remove any dead or damaged growth and to encourage bushier growth. Prune the plant in the spring as new growth begins. Use sharp, clean pruning shears and make clean cuts just above a node. Avoid cutting too much of the plant as this can reduce its overall health and vigor.
Propagation of Geophila neurodictyon subsp. orientalis Verdc.
Geophila neurodictyon subsp. orientalis Verdc. is a low-growing herbaceous plant that is commonly found in subtropical and tropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia. Propagation of this plant is typically done by seed or vegetatively, through stem cuttings or division.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is a cost-effective and efficient method for producing a large number of plants. To propagate Geophila neurodictyon subsp. orientalis Verdc. by seed, start by collecting ripe seed capsules. When the capsules turn brown and start to split, collect them and remove the seeds. Clean the seeds by removing any debris or chaff, and then sow them immediately in a seed tray or pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the soil gently and keep it moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes place within two to three weeks, and once the plants have developed two to three true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is a quick and easy way to produce new plants. To propagate Geophila neurodictyon subsp. orientalis Verdc. by stem cuttings, take cuttings of about 5-10 centimeters in length from the tips of healthy stems. Make sure the cuttings are taken from new growth, as older stems may not root as easily. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, water it well, and keep it in a bright, shaded spot. After 2-3 weeks, the cutting should start to develop roots and new growth.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is a reliable method for rejuvenating mature plants and creating new ones. To propagate Geophila neurodictyon subsp. orientalis Verdc. by division, dig up the plant and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections. Make sure each section has a healthy root system and a few stems with leaves attached. Replant the sections into pots or directly into the garden, and water well. Keep the newly propagated plants in a bright, shaded location until they become established.
Disease Management
Geophila neurodictyon subsp. orientalis Verdc. is generally a hardy plant that does not suffer from many diseases. However, some common diseases that may affect the plant include:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small, round spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and destroy them. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as the moisture can help spread the fungus.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, often caused by over-watering or poor drainage. To manage this disease, adjust watering practices to prevent waterlogging and provide adequate drainage.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, prune affected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity.
Pest Management
Geophila neurodictyon subsp. orientalis Verdc. is generally not heavily affected by pests. However, some common pests that may attack the plant include:
- Scale insects: These insects are small and round, with a hard, protective shell. To manage these pests, use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to suffocate them.
- Aphids: These insects are small and green and may cause damage by feeding on the leaves and stems. To manage these pests, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, or use a mild insecticide soap.
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny and often difficult to see, but they can cause damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves. To manage these pests, use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, and increase humidity around the plant.
