Overview of Gladiolus pilosus Eckl.
Gladiolus pilosus Eckl. is a perennial plant from the family Iridaceae. This species of gladiolus is native to southern Africa and is also known as the Hairy Gladiolus.
General Appearance
The plant grows up to a height of about 40 to 70 cm, enough to get noticed in a garden or in the wild. It bears a corm, which is a vertical and compressed stem base that stores food to aid in the plant’s growth and survival. The plant has hairy leaves that grow laterally from the stem and are about 10 to 20 cm long. The flowers of the Hairy Gladiolus are borne on spikes and are red to pink with a white center, measuring about 3.5cm wide. The fruit produced contains small seeds that are dispersed by wind.
Common Names
The Hairy Gladiolus has a diverse name culture, with different regions adopting names that translate to “sword” or “launcher” because of the plant’s sharp feature. It is commonly known as the Hairy Gladiolus, Harige Gladiool, and Isicakathi esithombi.
Uses
Gladiolus pilosus Eckl. is mainly cultivated for ornamental purpose and is a popular cut flower. Its striking and showy flowers make it an excellent choice as a garden feature. Interestingly, the Hairy Gladiolus corm is reputed to be one of the best gladiolus corms for therapeutic purposes, especially for diabetic patients. They contain bioactive compounds that regulate glucose metabolism, improve lipids in the blood and body mass index (BMI) and thus decrease the likelihood of diabetes-related complications. It is also a traditional medicine by the Nama people to treat stomach ailments, bladder infections, and also used as a laxative, and antimalarial as it contains tannins, saponins, and terpenoids.
The Hairy Gladiolus is also used to make perfumes and is suitable for use in green walls due to its upright structure. Additionally, it is an excellent plant for landscapes and is a favorite in public parks and spaces.
Growth Conditions for Gladiolus pilosus Eckl.
Light: Gladiolus pilosus Eckl. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate partial shade but may flower less profusely under such conditions.
Temperature: The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures but prefers warm temperatures between 20-30°C. It cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, so it should be protected in regions with frost or snow during the winter months.
Soil: Gladiolus pilosus Eckl. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH level should be between 6.0 to 6.5 for optimal growth. It is also important that the soil has good aeration as this will help to prevent root rot caused by water-logging.
Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, it is important to avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot. The best way to water is to check the soil’s moisture level to know when to water and avoid watering too frequently.
Nutrients: Gladiolus pilosus Eckl. requires regular fertilization to support growth and blooming. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied during the growing season. Organic fertilizers can also be applied to improve the soil quality, which will help the plant grow and flower better in the long term.
Air humidity: The plant requires moderate humidity levels. High humidity causes an overly wet environment that can lead to fungal growth, so it’s important to ensure good aeration but not to let the plant dry out.
Propagation: Gladiolus pilosus Eckl. is propagated by corms, which are bulb-like structures that store nutrients for the plants. It can also be propagated through seed, but it’s not commonly done. Corms can be divided when the plant is in its dormant phase, usually during winter.
Cultivation
Gladiolus pilosus Eckl. grows well in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6-7.5. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight every day and prefers a warm climate.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or corms. However, corms are the most commonly used method. Plant the corms in the ground about 4-5 inches deep during the spring season.
Watering needs
Gladiolus pilosus Eckl. requires frequent watering, but caution should be exercised not to overwater as it could lead to rotting of the corms. Water once or twice a week, depending on the moisture content of the soil. Ensure that the soil is moist but not saturated.
Fertilization
During the growing season, which is typically from spring to early fall, fertilize the plants every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be low in nitrogen to promote the growth of corms. During winter, stop fertilization as the plant goes dormant.
Pruning
Remove dead leaves and spent flowers regularly to promote the growth of healthy foliage. Cut back the stem to the ground after the first frost in the fall. This promotes a healthy corm and gives the plant a fresh start in the next growing season.
Propagation of Gladiolus Pilosus Eckl.
Gladiolus pilosus Eckl. is a geophyte that can be propagated by several methods. The most common methods of propagation for this plant species are through seeds, cormels, offsets, and corm division.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds can be collected from the ripened seed capsules of the plant. After collection, the seeds should be sown in a well-drained potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist and placed in a warm and bright location. The seeds should germinate in about two to three weeks. Plants grown from seeds will take several years to reach maturity and produce flowers.
Propagation by Cormels
Cormels are small corms that grow around the base of the parent corm. Cormels can be carefully removed from the parent corm and planted in a well-drained potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist and placed in a bright location. Cormels will sprout and produce flowers in the first year of growth.
Propagation by Offsets
Offsets are small corms that grow around the base of the parent corm. Offsets can be carefully separated from the parent corm and planted in a well-drained potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist and placed in a bright location. Offsets will sprout and produce flowers in the first year of growth.
Propagation by Corm Division
Corms can be divided in the dormant season, during which the plant is not actively growing. Inspect the corms for damage, and dust with sulfur or fungicide to prevent infection. The corms should be divided into smaller pieces, each of which should have at least one bud and a segment of root. The divided corms can be planted in the soil at a depth of around five centimeters and spaced approximately 16 centimeters apart. Water the newly planted corms well, and maintain moderate moisture until the plants begin to sprout. Additionally, the soil can be fertilized with a low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as 5-10-10.
Disease Management
Gladiolus pilosus Eckl. is vulnerable to various fungal and bacterial diseases, including:
- Fusarium wilt: This soil-borne fungus causes wilting of the leaves and stunted growth. The infected plants may have brown discoloration of the stem base. The disease can be managed by planting resistant varieties and avoiding infected soil.
- Botrytis blight: This fungus causes gray mold on the plants, especially on the flower spikes. The disease can be prevented by planting the bulbs in well-draining soil, providing adequate ventilation, and avoiding overhead irrigation.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes yellowing and browning of the leaves and eventually defoliation. The disease can be managed by removing the infected leaves, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying fungicides.
To prevent the spread of diseases, it is important to practice proper sanitation measures, such as cleaning and disinfecting tools and equipment, removing infected plant debris, and rotating the planting site.
Pest Management
Gladiolus pilosus Eckl. is also susceptible to various pests, including:
- Thrips: These small insects feed on the plant sap and cause distorted leaves and flowers. The pest can be managed by regularly inspecting the plants, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying insecticides.
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects cause stunted growth and curled leaves. The pest can be managed by removing the infested parts of the plant, attracting natural predators, and applying insecticides.
- Spider mites: These tiny arachnids feed on the plant sap and cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. The pest can be managed by regularly spraying the plants with water, avoiding dusty conditions, and applying miticides.
It is important to monitor the plants for pest infestations and to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage. It is also important to use pesticides and other pest control measures responsibly and according to the manufacturer's instructions.
