Overview
Ipomoea micrantha Hallier f. is a perennial vine that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. It is commonly known as slapeweed, smallflower morning glory or mini morning glory.
Origin
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of America and can be found growing in countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras.
General Appearance
The plant's stem is thin, trailing or climbing, and can reach up to 6 meters in length. The leaves are heart-shaped or slightly elongated, usually measuring between 2 and 6 cm, and are arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers are small, tubular-shaped, and range in color from white to pink.
Uses
Ipomoea micrantha Hallier f. is used for ornamental purposes to adorn gardens and terraces, mainly due to the beauty of its delicate flowers and its capacity to cover walls or other surfaces. It is also used in traditional medicine as an astringent, for dressings, and as a remedy for stomach ailments, headaches, and fever. Additionally, some indigenous communities consume the plant as a food crop.
Light Requirements
Ipomoea micrantha Hallier f. plants need full sun to partial shade to grow properly. The ideal amount of light for this plant is six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light may cause stunted growth and poor flowering in this plant.
Temperature Requirements
Ideally, the temperature for growth of Ipomoea micrantha Hallier f. is between 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. Temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius can cause heat stress and inhibit plant growth. Additionally, temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius can be fatal to this plant, and can lead to frost damage and death.
Soil Requirements
Ipomoea micrantha Hallier f. grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be loamy and slightly acidic with a pH range between 6.0 and 6.5. Ensure that the soil has good drainage because this plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. Moreover, the soil should be regularly topped up with organic matter to promote strong growth.
Cultivation methods for Ipomoea micrantha Hallier f.
Ipomoea micrantha Hallier f., also known as Mexican morning glory, is a fast-growing vine that thrives in warm climates. It is a low-maintenance plant that can be easily grown from seeds or cuttings.
The plant requires a well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. It grows best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Provide trellis or support for the plant to climb.
Watering needs for Ipomoea micrantha Hallier f.
It is important to keep the soil of Mexican morning glory consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil type. Make sure to water the plant at the base and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases from spreading.
Fertilization for Ipomoea micrantha Hallier f.
To encourage healthy growth and blooming, fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning of Ipomoea micrantha Hallier f.
Mexican morning glory requires little pruning, but occasionally trimming back the plant can help promote bushier growth and encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Prune back any dead or diseased branches and remove any spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
Propagation of Ipomoea Micrantha Hallier f.
Ipomoea micrantha Hallier f., commonly known as miniature morning-glory, is a perennial subshrub native to Central and South America. The plant boasts clusters of small, lavender-pink flowers with a yellow throat, blooming from summer to fall. A fast-growing plant, this species can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagating Ipomoea micrantha through seeds is the easiest and most common method. Collect mature seeds from the plant's dried pods after the petals have wilted. The seeds can either be directly sown into soil or started indoors in a seed-starting tray. The best time to sow directly into the soil is in the spring once the frost has passed and the soil is warm.
To start seeds indoors, sow them in a seed-starting mix after moistening the soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the container in a warm, well-lit area. Seedlings should emerge within two weeks, after which they can be moved to a larger container or planted outside.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is another viable method for Ipomoea micrantha. Take cuttings of the plant’s stem in the spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be 4-6 inches long and include at least one node. Strip off the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip it into rooting hormone before placing it in moistened soil. Cover the pot with clear plastic and mist it occasionally. After signs of new growth, the plastic can be removed, and the cutting can be moved to a larger container or planted outside.
Propagation through Layering
Propagation through layering is an alternative method that can be done in the fall. Bend a low-growing branch of the plant to the ground, leaving a few inches of the tip exposed. Remove the leaves from the exposed tip and scratch the stem until the inner bark is visible. Apply rooting hormone to the exposed area, cover it with soil, and wait for roots to form. Once the new plant is established, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into a new location.
Regardless of the propagation method, Ipomoea micrantha prefers well-draining soil and regular watering. With proper care, this lovely plant will grow vigorously and reward you with beautiful blooms year after year.
Disease Management
Ipomoea micrantha is prone to fungal and bacterial diseases. One common disease that affects this plant is anthracnose. Symptoms of anthracnose include sunken lesions on the stems, leaves, and flowers. To manage anthracnose, use copper-based fungicides. Avoid overhead irrigation and ensure the plant has adequate airflow to prevent the disease from spreading.
Another fungal disease that affects Ipomoea micrantha is powdery mildew. Symptoms of powdery mildew include white powdery patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, ensure the plant has adequate airflow and avoid overcrowding. Use a fungicide that contains potassium bicarbonate or neem oil.
Pest Management
The most common pest that affects Ipomoea micrantha is the whitefly. Whiteflies are small white insects that suck sap from the leaves, leaving them yellow and stunted. To manage whiteflies, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, encourage natural predators of whiteflies, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Another pest that can affect Ipomoea micrantha is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to become discolored and distorted. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water regularly to increase humidity and use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, encourage natural predators of spider mites, such as ladybugs and predatory mites.
