Origin and Common Names
Ipomoea lachnosperma Choisy, commonly known as "velvet seed morning glory," is a species of flowering plant in the family Convolvulaceae. This plant is native to Central America and Mexico and is commonly found in dry, open areas such as savannas and scrublands.General Appearance
Ipomoea lachnosperma is a perennial plant that can grow up to 3 meters in length. Its stems are slender and green, with leaves that can range from 1 to 7 cm in length. The leaves are heart-shaped and have a velvety texture on both sides. The flowers of I. lachnosperma are trumpet-shaped and can be pink, purple, or white in color. The plant's fruit is a capsule that contains small, black, and velvety seeds.Uses
Ipomoea lachnosperma is primarily used for medicinal purposes. The plant has been traditionally used in Mexico to treat different ailments, including bronchitis, fever, and kidney diseases. The velvet-like seeds of the plant contain a resinous substance that has a bitter taste and is used as a purgative. The plant is also cultivated as an ornamental plant and used in landscaping and gardening. The attractive flowers and foliage of Ipomoea lachnosperma make it a popular choice among gardeners. However, it is important to note that the plant can become invasive if not properly managed. In conclusion, Ipomoea lachnosperma Choisy, or velvet seed morning glory, is a beautiful and useful plant. Its medicinal properties and ornamental value make it a valuable addition to any garden or landscape.Light
Ipomoea lachnosperma Choisy requires a significant amount of sunlight for its proper growth and development. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it prefers full sun exposure for at least 6-8 hours daily. Therefore, it is advisable to grow this plant in an area where it can receive ample sunlight.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Ipomoea lachnosperma Choisy is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, and it will not grow well in areas with extremely cold weather conditions. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant in areas with a warm and humid climate.
Soil Requirements
Ipomoea lachnosperma Choisy prefers a well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients to support the plant's growth. It is advisable to add organic compost or manure to the soil before planting to enhance its fertility.
Cultivation methods
Ipomoea lachnosperma Choisy, also known as bush morning glory, is a perennial plant that requires full sunlight to thrive. It can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.
When propagating from seeds, scarification is necessary to enhance germination rates. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil moist until germination occurs.
For stem cuttings, take cuttings from mature plants during the dormant season and plant them in well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist until roots are established.
Watering needs
While Ipomoea lachnosperma Choisy can tolerate some drought, it requires regular watering to bloom regularly and maintain healthy foliage.
Water the plant deeply but infrequently to prevent soil waterlogging and root rot. Monitor the soil moisture content regularly to determine the best watering schedule for your plant and adjust as necessary.
Fertilization
Ipomoea lachnosperma Choisy is a moderate feeder that benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and bloom production.
Be careful not to over-fertilize your plant, as this can lead to increased foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps keep Ipomoea lachnosperma Choisy tidy and encourages bushy growth. Prune the plant to shape it after the blooming season ends, removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
Pinching back the stems periodically during the growing season can encourage bushiness and more abundant blooms.
Propagation of Ipomoea lachnosperma Choisy
Ipomoea lachnosperma Choisy can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation or cutting, and layering. The following are brief descriptions of each method:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method of propagating Ipomoea lachnosperma Choisy. The seeds should be collected from the matured pods, which are usually after six to eight weeks of flowering. The pods should be allowed to dry for a few days before taking the seeds. Once collected, the seeds can be directly sown into pots or seedbeds, which should be filled with friable and well-draining soil. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination, which usually takes around 10 to 14 days. After germination, the seedlings can be thinned out and transplanted to their permanent location.
Vegetative Propagation or Cutting
Vegetative propagation involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and growing them into a new plant. This method is suitable for plants with woody stems. The cuttings should be taken from the mature, healthy plants. The cuttings should be around 10 to 15cm long, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a shaded area until growth is observed. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Layering
Layering is another vegetative propagation method for Ipomoea lachnosperma Choisy. This method involves bending a low-hanging stem to the ground and burying a portion of it in the soil. The buried portion of the stem should be about 5cm long and should have several leaves. The stem should be secured in place with a small peg. The buried stem will usually root in a few weeks. Once the stem has rooted, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Ipomoea Lachnosperma Choisy
Ipomoea lachnosperma Choisy is a beautiful plant that is affected by various diseases and pests. Appropriate measures need to be taken to ensure that the plant is healthy, strong, and always in good condition. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect the plant and their management.
Common Diseases
Leaf spot: It is one of the most common diseases that mostly affects the leaves of the plant. The symptoms are the presence of small, brown spots on the leaves. On the severe side, these spots extend all over the leaves, leading to their death and eventually kill the plant.
Powdery Mildew: It is another common disease in Ipomoea lachnosperma, which can be identified by the appearance of a white, powdery or fluffy substance on the leaves. The presence of this substance on the leaves makes them appear unsightly and can reduce the plant's overall productivity.
Management of Diseases
The first step in managing any disease is to ensure proper plant hygiene. Always clean any infected plant tissue or parts and dispose of them properly. Also, practice crop rotation to avoid soil-borne diseases. For mild infections, fungicides can be applied regularly to prevent further spread and severity.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are some of the most common pests that negatively affect Ipomoea lachnosperma by sucking sap from the leaves, flowers, and stems. The sap lost results in the plant's yellowing, losing vigor, and leaves drop. These are small pests with visible webbing around leaves and buds.
Aphids: They are small insects that are known for feeding on the plant’s sap, leading to stunted growth and reduced leaf size. Foam-like substances on the undersides of leaves identify an aphid infestation.
Management of Pests
The most effective method of controlling pests is to prevent them from attacking the plant. Inspect the plant regularly, watch out for pests, and control using appropriate recommended insecticide-application methods and frequencies. The use of biological control methods such as predatory mites and ladybugs is an efficient way to naturally control pests.
Preventing diseases and controlling pests is better than curing. Proper cultural practices such as providing optimal growing conditions, maintaining soil quality, and planting resistant varieties go a long way in keeping Ipomoea lachnosperma Choisy healthy and robust.
