Ipomoea parasitica (Kunth) G.Don
Ipomoea parasitica, also known as the morning glory, is a species of vine in the Convolvulaceae family. Its native range extends from Southern United States to South America and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Common Names
Ipomoea parasitica is known by various common names such as morning glory, bush morning glory, railroad creeper, bayhops, giant potato vine, and runner potato vine.
Uses
Morning glory has various uses in traditional medicine. It is used to treat stomach ailments such as gastric ulcers, migraines, and hypertension. Infusion of its leaves can also be used as a diuretic, laxative, and emetic.
The plant is also used for ornamental purposes, mainly as a climbing plant in gardens and landscapes. It can beautify trellis, verandas, and pergolas due to its bright green foliage and attractive white flowers. Its seeds are also used as decoration for crafts and jewelry.
General Appearance
Ipomoea parasitica is a perennial vine that can grow up to 30 feet high. Its leaves are cordate, which means they have a heart-shaped base with pointed lobes. The leaves also have a glabrous or smooth surface and usually measure 5 to 12 cm long.
The flowers of Ipomoea parasitica are tubular and funnel-shaped with five overlapping petals that are white or pale yellow in color. The flowers bloom in clusters and often open in the early morning, hence the name morning glory.
The fruit of the plant is a globular capsule containing four seeds that are shiny and black in color.
Overall, the Ipomoea parasitica is a beautiful plant with various uses and benefits. However, it should be noted that the plant is considered invasive in some areas and can be harmful to indigenous plants and wildlife if not controlled.
Light Requirements
Ipomoea parasitica grows well under full sun exposure. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. However, it can tolerate partial shade but with reduced flowering and foliage production.
Temperature Requirements
Ipomoea parasitica is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, where it thrives well within the temperature range of 25 to 35°C (77 to 95°F). It cannot withstand frost and is susceptible to cold temperatures. Thus this plant is ideally grown in warm climates or during summer months outdoors. In cool temperate regions, it can be grown as a summer annual or as a houseplant that is kept indoors during winter months.
Soil Requirements
Ipomoea parasitica prefers well-draining loamy soil with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the planting site should be free of rocks, weeds, and debris. Fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) can be added to the soil before planting to improve soil fertility and help promote vigorous growth.
Cultivation of Ipomoea parasitica (Kunth) G.Don
Ipomoea parasitica (Kunth) G.Don, commonly known as the rattan vine, is a tropical plant that can be cultivated in a garden or patio. It prefers full sun and a well-draining soil with high organic matter content. The plant is a slow grower, and it may take some time to establish, so patience is essential.
Watering needs of Ipomoea parasitica (Kunth) G.Don
Proper watering is crucial to the health of the rattan vine. It should be watered regularly but not excessively. It is important to water it deeply so that the roots get hydrated, but allow the soil to dry out partially before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and this can be detrimental to the plant's growth.
Fertilization of Ipomoea parasitica (Kunth) G.Don
The rattan vine benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Fertilizer can be applied during the growing season, approximately once a month. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth, fewer flowers and reduce hardiness.
Pruning of Ipomoea parasitica (Kunth) G.Don
Regular pruning is essential to ensure that the plant produces a vigorous growth and an abundance of flowers. Prune the rattan vine at the end of the growing season or when needed to maintain its shape. You can also prune lateral shoots to encourage bushy growth and more flowers.
Propagation of Ipomoea parasitica
Ipomoea parasitica is commonly propagated by stem cuttings and seeds.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from healthy, mature plants during the growing season. A 6-inch cutting with at least two nodes can be used for propagation. Cuttings are planted in potting soil or a mixture of peat moss and sand. The soil should be kept moist and cuttings should be placed in a shaded area until roots have formed. Rooted cuttings can then be transplanted to larger containers or directly into the ground.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown directly into the soil or started indoors. To start seeds indoors, they should be soaked in water for 24 hours prior to planting. Sow seeds in moist potting soil and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep soil moist and warm, and seedlings should emerge in 7-14 days. Once seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted to larger containers or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Ipomoea parasitica
Ipomoea parasitica, commonly known as the princess vine, is a tropical plant that is relatively easy to grow and maintain. However, it is susceptible to a few diseases and pests that can cause serious damage if not treated promptly. Effective disease and pest management practices can help to prevent and control these problems.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Ipomoea parasitica is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and instead water at the base of the plant. Remove any infected plant material immediately, and treat the plant with a fungicide designed for powdery mildew.
Another disease that affects Ipomoea parasitica is leaf spot, which is caused by a bacterial infection. Leaf spot appears as brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and instead water at the base of the plant. Remove any infected plant material immediately, and treat the plant with a bactericide designed for leaf spot.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that affects Ipomoea parasitica is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that often appear in large numbers and can cause significant damage to the plant. To prevent spider mites, regularly spray the plant with water to keep the leaves moist and remove any infested plant material immediately. You can also treat the plant with an insecticide designed for spider mites.
Another pest that affects Ipomoea parasitica is the aphid. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can form large colonies on the plant. They can cause stunted growth and distortions in the leaves and stems of the plant. To prevent and control aphids, regularly spray the plant with water to keep the leaves moist and remove any infested plant material immediately. You can also treat the plant with an insecticide designed for aphids.
Overall, maintaining good plant health and practicing proper sanitation are the best ways to prevent and manage disease and pest problems. By regularly inspecting your Ipomoea parasitica and taking appropriate action when necessary, you can help ensure that it remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.
