Origin
Ipomoea papilio Hallier f. forma pluriflora Merxm., commonly known as the butterfly morning glory, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. This species is native to Mexico and Central America.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including butterfly morning glory, morning glory, and flying saucer. It is also known as Ipomoea leucantha, as it was once considered a separate species.
Uses
The butterfly morning glory plant has a few different uses. Its attractive flowers make it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and as a potted plant. The plant has also been used traditionally in Mexican folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, fever, and rheumatism.
General Appearance
The butterfly morning glory plant is a fast-growing vine that can reach up to 10 feet in length and 4 feet in width. Its leaves are heart-shaped and can reach up to 4 inches in length. The plant's showy flowers are white and measure up to 8 inches in diameter. The flowers have a distinct butterfly shape with pointed petals and a yellow center. The butterfly morning glory plant blooms from mid-summer to early fall.
Light Requirements
Ipomoea papilio Hallier f. forma pluriflora Merxm. grows best in full sunlight. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient sunlight can cause the plant to stretch or become leggy, affecting its bloom and aesthetic appeal.
Temperature Requirements
Ipomoea papilio Hallier f. forma pluriflora Merxm. prefers warm temperatures ranging from 18-30°C. It's important to note that although the plant tolerates heat, too much heat can damage the plant. Temperatures below 10°C can harm the plant, therefore it's best to keep them within their preferred temperature range for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. Soil texture should range between sandy loam and loamy soil. The soil pH should be between 6.0-7.0, and high in nitrogen. The soil must be kept moist, but not soaked, as this can result in root rot. It's also essential to avoid flooded conditions that can lead to a lack of aeration.
Cultivation Methods
Ipomoea papilio Hallier f. forma pluriflora Merxm. plant is a perennial climber that prefers a sunny location with well-draining soil. Ensure that the soil is rich in organic content, and avoid planting it in compact soils.
For outdoor cultivation, use a trellis or similar structures as support for the vines. The plant requires space to grow, so plant them at least 45cm apart. This plant can also be cultivated indoors but should be kept in well-lit areas.
Watering Needs
Ipomoea papilio Hallier f. forma pluriflora Merxm. plant requires regular watering to thrive. Water the plants deeply at least once a week, but adjust the frequency of watering depending on the prevailing weather conditions. During the dry season, you can supplement the watering with misting, especially on hot days.
Avoid leaving the plant with too much water sitting around its roots, as this can cause root rot which can lead to its death. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
This plant requires regular feeding to promote growth and flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during its growing period. Alternatively, add well-rotted manure to the soil during the planting process. Phosphorus-rich fertilizers should be added to encourage root and flower development.
Pruning
Ipomoea papilio Hallier f. forma pluriflora Merxm. plant requires regular pruning to control its growth and prevent tangling. The best time to prune is during the early spring at the beginning of its growing period. Remove all the dead and diseased foliage, and also trim off any tangled or misshapen growth.
Pruning helps to promote healthy growth and encourages flowering, so ensure that it's done regularly.
Propagation of Ipomoea papilio Hallier f. forma pluriflora Merxm.
Ipomoea papilio Hallier f. forma pluriflora Merxm. commonly known as butterfly morning glory is propagated using several methods including:
Seed propagation
Butterfly morning glory can be propagated by seed. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits and sown immediately. The seeds can also be stored in a dry cool place for later sowing. The seedlings take approximately 14 to 28 days to germinate, and they can be transplanted to the garden once they have two sets of true leaves.
Cutting propagation
Butterfly morning glory can also be propagated by taking cuttings from the stem. Take a 10cm cutting from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Water the plant frequently and keep the soil moist until the cutting starts to grow roots. Transplant the rooted cutting to the garden once the roots are established.
Division
Division is another propagation method for butterfly morning glory. This is done by dividing the plant during the dormant season. First, the plant is dug up from the ground and the stem is separated into smaller pieces. Each piece should have a healthy stem and roots. Then, these smaller pieces are planted in well-drained soil and watered frequently until new growth is established.
Disease Management
Ipomoea papilio Hallier f. forma pluriflora Merxm. is generally resistant to diseases and pests due to its thick, waxy leaves. However, certain environmental conditions may cause the plant to be susceptible to the following diseases:
- Leaf Spot: This disease causes brown or black spots to appear on the leaves, and may lead to leaf drop. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Root Rot: Overwatering or poor drainage may cause root rot, which can be identified by the presence of a foul smell and brown roots. To manage root rot, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings and improve drainage.
Pest Management
Despite its resistance to pests, there are still a few common pests that may affect Ipomoea papilio Hallier f. forma pluriflora Merxm.:
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests may cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves and a fine webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong stream of water or apply a pesticide.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars may feed on the leaves of Ipomoea papilio Hallier f. forma pluriflora Merxm. and cause holes or distortion. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or apply a pesticide.
Overall, maintaining good cultural practices, such as providing proper watering and fertilization, can help to prevent both diseases and pests from affecting the plant.
