Origin
Hibiscus surattensis L. var. villosus Backer, also known as the hairy Surat hibiscus, is native to India but has also been found in other parts of Asia, including the Philippines and Malaysia.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the hairy Surat hibiscus due to the fine hairs that cover its leaves and stems, but it is also called the buffalo hibiscus and cotton hibiscus in some areas.
Appearance
Hibiscus surattensis L. var. villosus Backer is a deciduous shrub that typically grows up to 1.5 meters tall with a spread of 1 meter. It has oval-shaped leaves that are dark green and have fine hairs covering both sides. The flowers of the plant are quite striking with a bright pink or red color and a diameter of around 5cm. The blooms have a typical hibiscus shape with five petals and a prominent stamen, and they appear in clusters at the end of branches. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Uses
The hairy Surat hibiscus has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, including treating skin infections and reducing fever. The leaves and roots of the plant are also used as a remedy for various ailments such as coughs, diarrhea, and dysentery. In addition, this hibiscus species is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive blooms and foliage.
Light Requirements
The Hibiscus surattensis L. var. villosus Backer plant requires bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. It should be placed in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. However, direct sunlight can be too harsh for the plant and cause the leaves to burn. Therefore, it is recommended to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The Hibiscus surattensis L. var. villosus Backer plant is native to tropical regions and thrives in warm temperatures. It should be kept in an area with temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) during the day and above 50°F (10°C) during the night. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Hibiscus surattensis L. var. villosus Backer plant prefers to grow in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH between 6.0-7.0 is ideal for this plant type. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as too much water can cause root rot. It is recommended to use a potting mix containing perlite or vermiculite to ensure proper drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Hibiscus surattensis L. var. villosus Backer, commonly known as the hairy-leaved hibiscus, is a tropical plant that prefers a warm and humid climate. This plant can be grown either in containers or in the ground. The plant requires a well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and partial to full sunlight exposure.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. If propagated through seeds, the seeds need to be scarified before planting. Scarification is the process of breaking or softening the seed coat to promote germination. If propagated through cuttings, the cuttings should be taken from a healthy and mature plant, and then placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they develop roots.
Watering Needs
The hairy-leaved hibiscus requires regular watering, especially during the hot and dry season. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot and other diseases. The best way to determine the watering needs of the plant is to check the soil moisture level. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. A good way to know that the plant needs to be watered is when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization during the growing season, which is usually between spring and fall. A balanced fertilizer with an equal N-P-K ratio should be used. The fertilizer should be applied every two to three weeks, according to the package instructions. Overfertilization should be avoided as it can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can be harmful to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is important to maintain the size and shape of the plant, as well as to promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done in the early spring before the plant starts to produce new growth. The plant should be pruned lightly to remove any dead or damaged branches. The new growth should be pinched back regularly to promote bushy growth and more blooms.
Propagation of Hibiscus surattensis L. var. villosus Backer
Propagation of Hibiscus surattensis L. var. villosus Backer can be done using various methods like seed propagation, stem cutting, and layering. The following are the methods of propagation:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a simple and cost-effective way to propagate Hibiscus surattensis L. var. villosus Backer. The seeds are usually sown in a pot or seedling tray filled with well-drained soil mix and kept in a warm and bright area. Germination usually takes one to two weeks, and once the seedlings are big enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots or to the ground.
Stem Cutting
Stem cuttings are a popular method of propagating Hibiscus surattensis L. var. villosus Backer, especially in commercial nurseries. The cuttings are taken from the matured stems with at least two to three nodes. The leaves are then removed from the lower part of the cutting, and the cutting is dipped into a rooting hormone. The cutting is then planted in a pot filled with soil mix and placed in a warm and bright area. Roots will start developing within two to four weeks, and once rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or to the ground.
Layering
Layering is another method of propagating Hibiscus surattensis L. var. villosus Backer, which is commonly used for woody-stemmed plants. This method involves bending one of the lower stems of the plant to the ground while still attached to the mother plant. The stem is buried in a shallow hole and held in place with a wire or stake. After a few weeks, the stem will produce roots, and once it is well established, it can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted to the ground or to a pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Hibiscus surattensis L. var. villosus Backer
Hibiscus surattensis L. var. villosus Backer, commonly known as hairy hibiscus, is prone to various diseases and pests which can affect its growth and flowering. Managing these pests and diseases is crucial to maintain the health and vigor of the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the hairy hibiscus and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: The most common disease that affects the hairy hibiscus is leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora hibiscina. It appears as brown or yellow circular spots on the leaves which can merge and create larger blotches. Managing leaf spot involves using fungicide sprays containing copper or sulfur as well as removing the affected leaves to prevent further spreading of the disease.
Rust: Another common disease that can affect the hairy hibiscus is rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia malvacearum. It appears as orange or brown powdery spots mainly on the undersides of the leaves. Managing rust involves removing the affected leaves and applying a fungicide spray containing copper or chlorothalonil.
Root Rot: Hairy hibiscus is also susceptible to root rot, caused by the water mold Phytophthora spp. It appears as brown or black roots which turn soft and mushy, eventually leading to wilting of the plant. Managing root rot involves avoiding over-watering and using well-drained soil. If root rot still occurs, apply fungicide containing metalaxyl or mefenoxam.
Common Pests
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are common pests that attack the hairy hibiscus, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves, as well as reducing the plant's vigor. To manage whiteflies, spray the plant with insecticide containing acephate or imidacloprid.
Mites: Spider mites are another common pest that attack the hairy hibiscus, causing speckled leaves, webbing, and leaf drop. Managing mites involves controlling the humidity around the plant and using miticide containing bifenthrin or lambda-cyhalothrin.
Thrips: Thrips are small insects that attack the hairy hibiscus, causing distorted leaves, stunted growth, and reduced flowering. Managing thrips involves removing the affected parts of the plant and using insecticide containing spinosad or imidacloprid.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is essential to maintain the health and vigor of the hairy hibiscus. By identifying and addressing these problems promptly, gardeners can enjoy a beautiful and healthy plant.
