Overview of Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm.
Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm., commonly known as sticky everlasting or Volk's everlasting, is a perennial plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to the high-altitude regions of East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania, where it thrives in open rocky grasslands and rocky outcrops.
Description and Characteristics
The plant features a woody base with branches shooting out up to 30cm long(reach up to 1.5 meters tall). The leaves, which are of a different shape and color depending on where they are located on the plant. The height of the plant varies with some being small and bushy, while others are tall and slim. The flowers are yellow, small in size, and tightly packed together in round flower heads called capitula. These capitula form dense clusters that sit atop a slender and wiry stem that reach about 20-25 cm long. The plant's surface is covered with a sticky substance; hence the name sticky everlasting.
Uses
Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. has several cultural, medicinal, and economic values to the East African coastal region and other areas where it's found. Locals use the plant as mosquito repellent by burning the dried leaves or use it to clear the air of stale smells. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to heal wounds and ease respiratory issues such as coughs and asthma. It's also used as an essential oil in cosmetics and perfumes and is considered to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
The plant has also gained popularity among gardeners as an ornamental plant due to its striking appearance, easy cultivation, and hardiness in different environmental conditions.
Light Requirements
The Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. typically needs full sun to grow well. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight is necessary for proper growth and development. Inadequate lighting will cause the plant to wilt and lose its vibrant colors.
Temperature Requirements
The Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. thrives in a warm environment with temperatures between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. The plant is not frost-resistant, so it is essential to keep it away from chilly conditions. Cold temperatures can cause the plant's color and vitality to fade.
Soil Requirements
The Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. prefers well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. The plant does not do well in heavy soil or soil that retains too much moisture. It is best to add organic matter to the soil to improve its quality and drainage ability. The plant must be adequately irrigated, but it cannot tolerate waterlogged soil.
Cultivation Methods
Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. is a herbaceous plant that is best cultivated in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. It prefers full sun exposure and is tolerant to drought conditions. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings, with the best time for planting being during the spring and summer seasons.
Watering Needs
It is essential to provide adequate water to Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm., especially during the early stages of growth. Watering should be done sparingly to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to the development of root rot. The frequency of watering can be reduced once the plant establishes a healthy root system.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with a composition of 10-10-10 is recommended, and the application should be done every two to three weeks during the growing season. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to the burning of leaves and stunted growth.
Pruning
Pruning Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. is a necessary step in maintaining its shape, promoting bushier growth, and removing any damaged or diseased parts. The best time for pruning is during the late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. It is essential to use sterile pruning tools to avoid the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm.
Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. is commonly known as the sticky everlasting. It is a native plant to South Africa and belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant can be propagated by various methods. Some of the common propagation methods are:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. is by seed propagation. The seeds produced by the plant are relatively large and easy to handle. Sow the seeds in seed trays or small pots filled with well-draining soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them gently. Keep the soil moist and place the pots in a warm, brightly lit area. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown big enough, they can be transplanted to their permanent position in the garden.
Cuttings
Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. can also be propagated by cuttings. Take cuttings of semi-hardwood or hardwood from the parent plant in late summer or autumn. Dip the cuttings into rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. Water the cuttings and keep them in a warm, bright place. After a few weeks, the cuttings should start to develop roots. Once the roots have formed, transplant the cuttings to their permanent position.
Division
Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. can also be propagated by division. This method involves dividing the rhizomes of the parent plant. Dig up the parent plant and separate the rhizomes into smaller sections. Replant the rhizomes in well-draining soil and water them. Keep the soil moist and place the plants in a warm, sunny position.
Disease and Pest Management for Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm.
Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. Like most plants, this species is susceptible to a wide range of pests and diseases that can damage their growth and eventually cause their death. Proper disease and pest management techniques are therefore essential for managing this plant. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. and some management techniques for each.
Diseases
A number of diseases can infect Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm., including root rot, powdery mildew, and rust. Here are some techniques that can be used to manage these diseases:
Root Rot
Root rot can be caused by fungi that thrive in wet soil. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and make sure the soil is well-draining. If the plant is already infected, remove and destroy the affected parts and avoid overwatering in the future.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves of Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. To manage powdery mildew, prune affected parts and increase air circulation by spacing the plants properly. You can also apply fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that appears as small orange or yellow specks on the leaves of Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. To manage rust, remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid watering the plant from above.
Pests
There are also several pests that can feed on Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm., including aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Here are some techniques for managing these pests:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap out of the leaves of Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. To manage aphids, you can use a strong stream of water to knock them off the plant or use insecticidal soap to kill them.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, spray the plants with a strong stream of water to knock them off or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing them to wilt and die. To manage mealybugs, prune affected parts and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
It is important to monitor Helichrysum viscidissimum Hutch. var. volkii Merxm. regularly for any signs of pests or diseases and to take prompt action if any are detected. Early management is key to preventing major damage to the plant.
