Origin
Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus (Guill. & Perr.) Hochr. belongs to the family Malvaceae and is native to Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Common Names
Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus (Guill. & Perr.) Hochr. is commonly known as the Sylhet Mallow, White Hibiscus, or the Rostellate Hibiscus.
Uses
The plant has various medicinal uses in traditional Asian medicine. The roots and leaves of the plant are used to treat fever, cold, and cough. The fruit of the plant is effective in reducing phlegm, while the seeds have laxative properties. Additionally, the root of the plant is used in Thailand to treat women's health problems.
Moreover, in Bangladesh, the leaves and flowers of Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus (Guill. & Perr.) Hochr. are popularly used as a natural hair conditioner and hair growth stimulant.
General Appearance
Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus (Guill. & Perr.) Hochr. is a shrub or small tree with an average height of approximately 2-3 meters. The plant's bark is thin, smooth, and grey. The leaves are simple, alternate, and cordate. The white flowers of the plant have a diameter of 6-8 cm and possess a red-purple center with a yellow tinge. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that originates from the persistent calyx.
Light Requirements
The Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus grows best in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause damage to the plant. Therefore, it is best to place the plant near a window that gets bright, indirect light for most of the day. Artificial lights can also be used to provide the necessary light for growth.
Temperature Requirements
These plants prefer warm temperatures between 60-85 °F (15-29 °C) and are not tolerant of frost or cold weather. A temperature range of 70-80 °F (20-27 °C) is ideal for the plant's growth. Keep the plant away from drafty windows or doors, as it can cause temperature fluctuations that can harm the plant's growth.
Soil Requirements
Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus needs a well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients to support the plant's growth. It is recommended to use a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to provide aeration and drainage. Avoid using heavy soils that can retain water, as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus (Guill. & Perr.) Hochr. is a tropical plant that requires a warm and humid climate to grow. It can be grown either indoors in a pot or outdoors in a sunny location. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. It is advisable to plant the seeds or cuttings during the spring season, which provides favorable conditions for the plant.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is crucial for the proper growth of Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus (Guill. & Perr.) Hochr. The plant should be watered regularly and thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is uniformly moist. The frequency of watering would depend on the temperature and humidity levels, but it is generally recommended to water the plant once or twice a week. Overwatering or underwatering can both be harmful to the plant, so it's essential to strike a balance.
Fertilization
Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus (Guill. & Perr.) Hochr. requires regular fertilization during the active growing period, which is generally from spring to fall. A balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) can be given every 2-3 weeks. Organic fertilizers such as compost and vermicompost can also be used to provide nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning helps to encourage bushy growth and promote blooming in Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus (Guill. & Perr.) Hochr. The plant can be pruned during the dormant period, which is typically in winter. Dead, diseased or damaged branches should be pruned immediately. Old or weak growth can also be cut back to promote new growth. Pruning shears should be disinfected before use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus (Guill. & Perr.) Hochr.
Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus (Guill. & Perr.) Hochr. can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, cutting propagation, and air layering. The propagation method to be chosen depends on the availability of resources and the grower's preference.
Seed Propagation
Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus (Guill. & Perr.) Hochr. can be propagated through seeds. The seeds should be collected when the seed pods are mature and dry. The seeds should be sown immediately onto a well-draining seed-raising mix and kept moist. The seeds should germinate within two weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots when they are large enough to handle.
Cutting Propagation
With the cutting propagation method, a branch of the Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus (Guill. & Perr.) Hochr. plant is cut, and the leaves are removed except for the top leaves. The bottom of the cutting is then dipped in a rooting hormone, and the cutting is placed in a pot with well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist until the cutting begins to sprout new leaves, which may take several weeks.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method in which a branch of the Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus (Guill. & Perr.) Hochr. plant's bark is slit and wrapped in a damp material, such as sphagnum moss, which is then wrapped with plastic to retain moisture. Roots will begin to grow from the branch, and once the roots are well-established, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into its pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus
Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus is a beautiful tropical plant that can enhance the beauty of any garden. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to various types of diseases and pests that can cause damage to its growth and appearance. It is essential to ensure proper disease and pest management to maintain the health and beauty of your Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus plant.
Common Diseases
The following are a few common diseases that might affect your Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus plant:
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease appears as small, circular, brown or black spots on the leaves. The infected leaves might drop prematurely, leading to defoliation.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can cause deformities in the flowers and stunted growth.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that appears as orange, yellow, or brown spots on the undersides of the leaves. It can cause the leaves to fall off prematurely.
Disease Management
The following are a few ways to manage the diseases that might affect your Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus plant:
- Ensure proper irrigation by avoiding overwatering and watering only at the base.
- Remove and destroy the infected leaves and stems to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Apply fungicides containing copper or sulfur to control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
The following are a few common pests that might affect your Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus plant:
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing yellowing and curling of leaves. They secrete a sticky substance, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. They can cause significant damage by defoliating the plant.
- Mites: Mites are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause leaves to curl and turn yellow.
Pest Management
The following are a few ways to manage the pests that might affect your Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus plant:
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids and mites.
- Handpick caterpillars, or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide to control their population.
- Use sticky traps or insecticidal soap to control whiteflies and other flying insects that can spread diseases.
By following proper disease and pest management techniques, you can ensure the healthy growth and blooming of your Hibiscus surattensis L. var. rostellatus plant.
