Overview
Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata is a plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. It is commonly known as "morning glory" or "wild sweet potato vine" and is native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The plant is an important medicinal plant with several health benefits and is also used for ornamental purposes due to its beautiful appearance.
General Appearance
The Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata plant is a perennial herb that grows up to 70 cm in length. It has a trailing or twining growth habit and has hairless stems with a slightly woody base. The leaves are heart-shaped or slightly lobed and are about 2 to 8 cm long and 2 to 6 cm wide. The flowers are pink or purple and are 2 to 3 cm wide. The fruit is a capsule that contains several seeds.
Uses
The root of Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. The plant also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, and other inflammatory conditions. In addition, the plant is used to treat cough, cold, and fever. The leaves and roots of the plant are also eaten as a vegetable in some parts of Southeast Asia.
Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata is also used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive appearance. The plant is often used in hanging baskets, containers, or trained to climb up trellises or walls. The flowers of this plant attract bees and butterflies, making it an ideal plant for pollinator gardens.
Growth conditions for Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata
Light: Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate dappled shade, but too much shade can affect flowering and overall growth. It is best to provide at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature: This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in warm, humid conditions. A minimum temperature of 15°C and a maximum temperature of 35°C is suitable for optimal growth. Cooler temperatures will slow down growth and decrease the opportunity to bloom.
Soil: Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy loams and clays, but does best in those are rich in organic matter. In terms of pH, the ideal range for the plant is between 5.5 to 7.0. Inadequate drainage can cause root rot, so it's essential to ensure proper drainage.
Water: Young plants require regular watering until they become established. Once established, they can tolerate drought for short periods. However, for optimal growth, regular watering is advised. Irrigation should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent the foliage from burning.
Fertilizer: Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata is a light feeder and does not require heavy fertilization. Adding organic matter to the soil before planting can provide adequate nutrition. Infrequent feeding with low-nitrogen fertilizer (or balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium - NPK) can also help in overall growth.
Humidity: High humidity is essential for good growth of Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata. This plant may suffer in very dry or arid environments if adequate moisture is not provided. To create sufficient humidity, water plants regularly and consider misting foliage occasionally.
Propagation: Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown directly into the well-prepared soil after the last frost in spring. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and preferably rooted in a mixture of sand and soil.
Cultivation methods
Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata is a perennial plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It can be grown from seeds or stem cuttings planted in well-draining soil. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and requires adequate space to spread as it can grow up to 2 meters in length.
Watering needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. However, care should be taken not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid water stress due to evaporation during the day.
Fertilization
Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata benefits from regular fertilization with balanced NPK fertilizer. Fertilization should be done every two to three weeks during the growing season. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning of Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata can be done to control its growth and improve its shape. Pruning should be done after the blooming season to avoid removing potential buds. Any dead, diseased, or damaged parts of the plant should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata
Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata can be propagated by both sexual and asexual means.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds collected from mature fruits can be used for sexual propagation. The fruits should be collected when they turn brown and start to split open. The seeds should be cleaned, dried and stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be sown.
Sow the seeds in a seed tray or germination containers filled with well-drained soil mix. Cover them with a thin layer of soil, water sparingly, and place them in a bright shaded area. The seeds will germinate within a week or two and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots when they have developed their second set of true leaves.
Asexual Propagation
Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings and layering.
Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants during the growing season. Cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should be taken from the top of the plant. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder, and insert it in a moist soil mix or perlite. Cover the pot with a transparent plastic bag to create a humid environment and place it in a bright shaded area until roots develop.
In layering, a low growing branch is bent and covered with soil while still attached to the mother plant. After a few weeks, roots will develop from the covered part of the stem. Once rooted, the branch can be cut from the mother plant and potted separately.
Propagation through division is also possible. Overgrown Ipomoea pileata Roxb. subsp. pileata clumps can be divided into smaller sections and planted individually.
