Overview of Gollania turgens (C. Müll.) Ando
Gollania turgens is a rare perennial herb that belongs to the family Gesneriaceae, which is native to Taiwan, Japan, and China. This plant has gained its popularity over the years due to its beautiful striking appearance and unique characteristics.
Appearance of Gollania turgens
Gollania turgens possesses an attractive morphology that makes it stand out among other flowers in its family. This plant grows up to a maximum height of 40 cm, with its leaves arranged opposite to each other. The leaves are broad, shiny, and dark green in color. The flowers bloom from the leaf axils and are typically purplish-blue in coloration, with white stripes on the petals and lobes on the corolla. The blooming lasts for a week, with the petals dropping off after 2-3 days, leaving only lobes.
Common Names of Gollania turgens
Gollania turgens is known to bear various common names depending on the region. Some of the popular names used to refer to this rare specimen include:
- Taiwan native violet
- Ando's violet
- Turgid-leaf Gollania
Uses of Gollania turgens
Asides from its fascinating appearance, Gollania turgens also has some unique uses, which include:
- Gollania turgens is used in traditional medicine as an herbal remedy for bronchitis and other respiratory ailments.
- This rare plant is primarily grown as an ornamental plant, mainly as a houseplant or in botanical gardens.
Light Requirements
Gollania turgens grows best in full sunlight. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. However, it can tolerate partial shade for a few hours during the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Gollania turgens is 20-30°C (68-86°F). It cannot tolerate extreme temperatures above 35°C (95°F) and below 10°C (50°F). In cooler temperatures, Gollania turgens grows slower, and in warmer temperatures, it may become stressed and lose leaves.
Soil Requirements
Gollania turgens prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0). It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil must be rich in organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients for growth. The plant thrives in moist soil, but it cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Cultivation Methods for Gollania turgens
Gollania turgens is an epiphyte that thrives in semi-shaded environments. It requires a well-draining growing medium with adequate air circulation. You can cultivate it on a slab of cork bark, a wooden board, or in a hanging basket with sphagnum moss.
You should position the plant in a location with indirect sunlight or under artificial grow lights that offer 3000-4000 foot-candles every day. It prefers temperatures ranging from 16-22°C.
Watering Needs for Gollania turgens
To prevent the potting medium from drying out, you need to water the plant frequently. You should water Gollania turgens when you notice that the surface of the substrate is dry to the touch. It is advisable to water the plant early in the day and check that there is no standing water in the pot. The ideal range of relative humidity for this plant is 60-70 percent.
Fertilization of Gollania turgens
Gollania turgens requires regular fertilization to stimulate growth, especially during the growing season. You should fertilize it every 2-3 weeks with a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can lead to salt build-up in the potting media and affect the health of the plant.
Pruning Gollania turgens
Pruning Gollania turgens is essential to maintain its size and shape. You can cut back overgrown leaves or stems to encourage more branching. You can use clean, sharp scissors or a pair of pruning shears to remove damaged or dead stems or leaves. You need to avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at any given time to prevent stunting its growth.
Propagation of Gollania turgens
Gollania turgens is a terrestrial, epiphytic, lithophytic, or rarely, a saxicolous fern species native to Southern Japan. The plant is slow-growing but can be propagated through spores or division.
Propagation by spores
Gollania turgens can be propagated through spores, which can be collected from mature sporangia. To collect the spores, allow the sporangia to dry out on the plant and then place them in a container. Once the spores have been collected, they can be sown on a suitable substrate, such as a mixture of peat moss and perlite. The container should be kept moist and covered with plastic to retain humidity until the spores germinate.
Propagation by division
Gollania turgens can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. The best time for division is during the growing season, in the spring or early summer. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the roots and rhizome. Make sure each section has a good amount of roots before replanting in a suitable medium. Keep the new plants moist and in a shady location until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Gollania Turgens
Gollania turgens, also known as the crispy wave, is a popular ornamental plant. Like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage if not managed properly. Here are some common Gollania turgens diseases and pests, along with ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Leaf spot - Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes round or irregular brown spots on the plant's leaves. To manage this disease, remove any infected leaves and ensure adequate air circulation around the plant. Applying a fungicide may also help control the disease.
2. Root rot - Root rot is caused by a fungal pathogen that attacks the plant's roots, causing them to rot and eventually die. This disease can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering. For plants already affected by root rot, it is best to remove the infected parts and repot the plant into fresh soil.
3. Powdery mildew - Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. This disease can be managed by removing any affected leaves and reducing humidity around the plant. Fungicides can also help control the disease.
Pests
1. Spider mites - Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing leaves and a stunted growth. To manage spider mites, use a strong jet of water to wash them off the leaves or apply insecticidal soap. Also, ensure proper air circulation around the plant to prevent their infestation.
2. Mealybugs - Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that secrete a white, waxy substance, causing wilting and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, remove them physically using cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol. Neem oil can also control their population.
3. Scale insects - Scale insects are small, hard-bodied pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, remove them physically using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Use oil or soap-based insecticides to control their population.
By adopting proper plant care practices and being vigilant about any signs of disease or pest infestation, the Gollania turgens can be kept healthy and thriving.
