Origin
Ipomoea sinensis (Desr.) Choisy subsp. sinensis, commonly known as Chinese morning glory or ornamental morning glory, is a plant species that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. This species is native to East Asia, specifically China and Japan.
Common Names
Chinese morning glory is known by several other common names including Calystegia pulchra, Great bell morning glory, Ipomoea nil, Japanese morning glory, and Picotee morning glory.
Uses
Ipomoea sinensis is widely grown for its attractive blooms and is commonly used as a decorative plant in a garden and patio. The flowers of the plant come in a range of colors such as pink, purple, blue, and white, with a prominent star-shaped white center. The plant is also popular in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is used as a purgative, diuretic, and to relieve constipation and headaches.
General Appearance
The plant is an annual or perennial climbing vine that grows up to 2-3 meters long. The leaves are alternate, heart-shaped, and green in color. The flowers of the plant are trumpet-shaped and showy, measuring up to 6-10 cm across. The fruit of the plant is a capsule and contains black or brown seeds that are used for propagation. The plant requires full sun exposure and well-drained soil to grow well.
Overall, Chinese morning glory is a popular plant species due to its attractive appearance and medicinal value. It is commonly grown in gardens and patios all over the world for its showy flowers.Growth Conditions for Ipomoea sinensis subsp. sinensis
Light Requirements: Ipomoea sinensis subsp. sinensis, commonly known as morning glory, thrives in full sun conditions. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to bloom properly.
Temperature Requirements: This plant is hardy and can grow well in a range of temperatures. However, it grows best in warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C but may not produce as many flowers in these conditions.
Soil Requirements: The morning glory plant prefers well-drained soils. It can adapt to a range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
Water Requirements: The plant requires moderate watering, with the soil being evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, the plant requires about an inch of water each week. However, do not overwater as this may lead to root rot.
Fertilizer Requirements: Morning glory plants do not require much fertilization. Adding a slow-release fertilizer during planting can help provide nutrients throughout the growing season. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they may promote leaf growth at the expense of flower production.
Propagation: The morning glory plant can be propagated through seeds. The seeds are usually sown directly into the soil after the last frost. The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Cultivation
Ipomoea sinensis (Desr.) Choisy subsp. sinensis is a species of morning glory that can be grown in both pots and gardens. It prefers warm temperatures and sunlight, but it can also tolerate some light shade. The plant likes well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Sow the seeds in late spring or early summer once the soil has warmed. The seedlings will emerge in 7-10 days.
Watering
Ipomoea sinensis (Desr.) Choisy subsp. sinensis needs frequent watering, especially during hot summers. Never allow the soil to dry out completely or the plant will wilt. A deep watering once a week is enough during the growing season, but the frequency may need to be increased during dry spells. It is advisable to water the plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization
Ipomoea sinensis (Desr.) Choisy subsp. sinensis responds well to regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Additionally, organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, or worm castings can be added once or twice during the growing season to improve the soil quality.
Pruning
Ipomoea sinensis (Desr.) Choisy subsp. sinensis is a vigorous grower that may require pruning to keep it in check. Prune the plant to one or two strong stems and remove any side shoots. This will help the plant produce fewer but larger blooms. Additionally, any dead or diseased parts of the plant should be removed promptly to avoid the spread of disease.
Propagation of Ipomoea sinensis (Desr.) Choisy subsp. sinensis
Ipomoea sinensis (Desr.) Choisy subsp. sinensis, commonly known as morning glory, is a popular ornamental plant that can be propagated through various methods. The propagation methods for Ipomoea sinensis (Desr.) Choisy subsp. sinensis are as follows:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Ipomoea sinensis (Desr.) Choisy subsp. sinensis is through seeds. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. After soaking, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil at a depth of 1-2 cm and spaced 30-40 cm apart. The seeds usually germinate within 7-10 days, depending on the soil and weather conditions.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings can be taken from the plant during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, young stems and should be at least 10 cm long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a moist soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they establish roots, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
Division
Ipomoea sinensis (Desr.) Choisy subsp. sinensis can also be propagated through division. The plant should be dug up carefully, and the root mass should be divided into smaller sections. Each section should have healthy roots and shoots. The divided sections can then be planted in separate containers or directly into the soil.
Overall, Ipomoea sinensis (Desr.) Choisy subsp. sinensis is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and each of the methods mentioned above can be successful if done correctly.
Disease Management
Ipomoea sinensis is a hardy plant, but it can still fall victim to various diseases affecting its growth and overall health. Some of the most common diseases that can affect this plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This disease manifests as brown spots on the leaves, and might continue to spread if not controlled early enough. To manage it, remove infected leaves immediately you notice them and keep the soil aerated and dry.
- Root Rot: This disease occurs due to overwatering, and it is characterised by the plant wilting even when the soil is wet. To control it, monitor the watering schedule and only water when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease manifests as a white powdery layer on the leaves and stems, leading to stunted plant growth. To manage it, increase air circulation around the plant and plant your Ipomoea sinensis in well-draining soil.
Pest Management
Apart from diseases, pests can also attack your Ipomoea sinensis plant, causing irreversible damage. Some of the most common pests that can affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These small bugs consume the plant sap and weaken the plant. To manage them, use an insecticidal soap or an organic pesticide.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests lay eggs under the plant leaves, and their presence is characterised by yellow, speckled leaves. To manage them, regularly wipe down the leaves with a wet cloth, or use an organic pesticide.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves, causing damage to the plant. To manage them, physically remove them from the plant or use Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt) pesticide.
Overall, proper care practices such as timely watering, adequate fertilisation and soil management should help keep your Ipomoea sinensis plant healthy and free from pests and diseases.
