Overview
Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr. is a shrub found in various parts of Africa. It belongs to the family Malvaceae, commonly known as the mallow family. This plant is a close relative of Hibiscus sabdariffa, which is used for making the popular hibiscus tea.
Common Names
The plant has various common names depending on the region it is found. Some of the common names include Maasai hibiscus, Sudanese hibiscus, glabrous hibiscus, Nubian hibiscus, and white cotton roselle among others.
Appearance
The plant has a woody stem and can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has lobed leaves that are 5-15 centimeters long and 4-12 centimeters wide. The flowers are pale yellow to cream and have a diameter of around 6 centimeters. The plant blooms from August to November and has a fruit that is oval and around 2.5 centimeters long.
Uses
The plant has various uses in different parts of Africa. The Maasai people use it for treating various ailments such as headaches, stomachaches, and fever. The root extract is also used to treat kidney and bladder problems. The plant is also used for making dye for textiles, and the bark is used for making paper. The oil extracted from the seeds is used in making soap and cooking oil.
Light Requirements
Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr. prefers full sun exposure, meaning that they require at least six hours of direct sun exposure daily. Plants grown in partial shade produce fewer flowers and have weaker stems. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant in an area with an abundance of light, especially in the morning and early afternoon.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr. is between 18°C to 30°C. This plant cannot tolerate frost, so it should be grown in an environment that is free from frost and cold drafts. In addition, it is crucial to ensure that the nighttime temperature does not drop below 15°C, as low temperatures affect the growth and development of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr. grows well in fertile, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH of 5.5 to 7.5). The soil must have good moisture retention capacity, but it should not be waterlogged. To improve the soil's drainage, sand, perlite, or vermiculite can be added. Organic matter, such as compost or manure, can also be incorporated into the soil to provide essential nutrients.
Cultivation Methods for Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr.
Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr. is a shrub that prefers a warm and sunny climate. It requires well-drained soil and can grow up to 6 feet tall. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. For seed propagation, the seeds should be soaked in water overnight before planting, while for stem cuttings, they should be cut from the parent plant and planted in a well-draining soil mixture.
Watering Needs for Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr.
Watering is an essential aspect of plant care, and Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr. requires regular watering to thrive. During the growing season, the plant should be watered once a week, while during the dormant season, the watering frequency can be reduced to once every two weeks. Watering should be done in the morning or evening to avoid leaf burn due to sunlight.
Fertilization of Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr.
Regular fertilization is crucial for the healthy growth of Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 composition, during the growing season. Fertilizing should be done once every two weeks, and it is essential to follow the recommended dosage to avoid fertilizer burn.
Pruning of Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr.
Pruning helps to promote the growth of a healthy Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr. plant. This should be done during the dormant season to prevent the plant from developing weak branches. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be pruned to encourage the growth of new and healthy branches. It is also essential to prune any branches that cross or rub against one another, as this can cause damage to the bark and increase the risk of disease.
Propagation of Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr.
Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr. can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings and grafting.
Seed propagation
Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and should be covered with 1-2 cm of soil. The seeds need a warm and humid environment to germinate. It is recommended to keep the soil moist until the seedlings have emerged. The germination process may take up to 2-3 weeks. After the seedlings have five true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the early growth period. Cuttings should be taken from the tip of the stem and should be around 10-15 cm long. The leaves on the lower half of the stem should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept in a warm and humid environment. It is recommended to keep the soil moist until the cuttings have developed new leaves, which may take up to 2-3 weeks.
Grafting
Grafting is the process of joining two plants together, where a branch or bud of one plant is grafted onto another plant. It is a common propagation method for Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr. as it allows for the production of plants with desirable characteristics. The graft union should be wrapped with a grafting tape to hold the two plants together while they heal. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm and humid environment until the graft has taken and the plant is growing on its own.
Disease Management
The plant Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr. is generally healthy and resistant to many diseases. However, it can still be affected by some common diseases that include:
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant leaving white powdery spots on them. To manage this disease, remove the infected parts of the plant and spray with a fungicide like neem oil.
- Leaf Spot: This is another fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant causing yellow spots with dark edges. To manage this disease, remove the infected parts of the plant and spray with a fungicide like copper-based fungicides.
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant causing wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this disease, make sure the plant is planted in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.
Pest Management
The plant Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr. can also be affected by some common pests like:
- Spider Mites: These are small pests that suck sap from the plant causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage this pest, spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Whiteflies: These are small, white, flying insects that suck sap from the plant causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage this pest, spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These are larvae of butterflies and moths that feed on the leaves of the plant causing holes in them. To manage this pest, handpick the caterpillars or spray the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis.
Regular monitoring and prompt management of diseases and pests can help keep Hibiscus sudanensis Hochr. var. glabrescens Hochr. healthy and productive.
