Origin
Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii (Baker) Marais & Goldblatt is a flowering plant species of the family Iridaceae. It is endemic to South Africa and can be found in the rocky places and grassy slopes of the Western Cape, from the Cedarberg Mountains to Potberg in the Overberg region.
Common Names
Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii is commonly known as Burchell's Lapeirousia or Burchell's Pride-of-the-Mountain.
Uses
The plant has no known use economically or industrially due to its small size and rarity. However, it is highly valued by botanical gardens and plant collectors for its striking beauty, and is sometimes cultivated in botanical gardens for its ornamental value.
General Appearance
Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii is a geophyte species that grows to a height of 15-40cm. Its leaves are narrow, with a length of 10-40cm. The plant usually blooms from August to November and produces several nodding flowers on a cylindrical spike. The flowers are fragrant and can be pink to mauve in color, with a white throat and yellow markings. The seeds are small and black, and the plant can reproduce asexually through its corms.
Growth Conditions for Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii (Baker) Marais & Goldblatt
Light Requirements: Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. In ideal conditions, it prefers more sunlight than shade, which helps in the production of flowers.
Temperature Requirements: The plant can grow well in an average temperature range of 15-20°C, and it is tolerant of low temperatures of up to -5°C. Low temperatures aid in the germination process of the seeds.
Soil Requirements: Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii grows well in well-drained soils that contain high amounts of organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be moderately acidic, with a range of 5.5-7.5. The plant is relatively tolerant of dry or moist soil conditions but prefers medium soil moisture.
The plant typically grows in rocky or sandy soils, such as those found in grasslands, savannas, and well-drained mountain slopes. The ideal soil texture for the species is sandy loam or gravelly loam, which provides adequate drainage and aeration for the roots.
By providing the ideal soil, sunlight, and temperature conditions, Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii can grow to heights of up to 80cm. The plant is known for its beautiful and charming flowers, which range in color from pale pink to deep purple.
Cultivation Methods
The Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii is best grown in well-drained soil under full sunlight and warm temperatures. It prefers soils that are nutrient-rich, slightly acidic, and loamy. Plant the bulbs in the early fall or early spring, and place them about two or three inches deep in the soil, with the growing tip facing upwards. Water the plant regularly throughout the growing season and avoid waterlogging the soil.
Watering Needs
The Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii should be watered regularly to promote healthy growth and flowering. However, overwatering the plant may lead to root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant's survival. Water the plant deeply about once or twice a week during the growing season, depending on the level of rainfall in the area. Watering can be reduced gradually as the plant approaches the dormant season.
Fertilization
The Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii requires periodic fertilization to support its growth and flowering. You can apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, to the soil in the early spring, right after planting, and then again in mid to late spring. Fertilization should be done sparingly to avoid burning the roots or harming the plant. Be sure to mix the fertilizer with water before applying it to the soil.
Pruning
The Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii does not require much pruning, but deadheading the flowers can help promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season. You can remove spent flowers by cutting them off just above the base of the stalk using a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears. It is important to be careful not to damage the surrounding foliage or other flowers when pruning to avoid infections by fungal or bacterial pathogens.
Propagation of Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii (Baker) Marais & Goldblatt
Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii (Baker) Marais & Goldblatt can be propagated by two methods: seeds and corms. The plant produces viable seeds, which can be sown directly in the garden or in pots. Corms, on the other hand, can be divided to produce more plants.
Propagating by Seeds
The seeds of Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii (Baker) Marais & Goldblatt ripen in late summer, and they are shed when the capsules split open. The seeds should be collected before they are shed and should be sown immediately as they do not remain viable for a long time.
The plants prefer a well-draining soil mix that contains perlite and sand. The soil mix should be moistened before sowing the seeds. The seeds should be sown on top of the soil mix and covered lightly with a thin layer of vermiculite. The pots should be kept in a place with bright light, and the soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge.
The seedlings should be transplanted into larger pots when they are large enough to handle. The pots should be filled with a soil mix that is similar to the one used for sowing the seeds. The plants should be watered regularly, and they should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer twice a month.
Propagating by Corms
Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii (Baker) Marais & Goldblatt corms can be divided in autumn after the foliage dies down. The corms should be carefully dug up and cleaned to remove any soil and dead foliage. The corms should be inspected for any signs of disease or damage and should be discarded if they are not healthy.
The corms can be divided using a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. Each division should have at least one growing point and should be dusted with a fungicide. The divisions can be planted in pots or directly in the garden in a soil mix that is similar to the one used for sowing the seeds.
The plants should be watered regularly, and the soil should be kept moist until the plants become established. The plants should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer twice a month, and they should be protected from slugs and snails.
Disease Management
Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii (Baker) Marais & Goldblatt can be affected by several diseases, including:
- Bulb rot: This disease is caused by various fungal pathogens that infect the bulbs, causing them to decay and rot. Bulbs affected by bulb rot should be removed immediately and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease to healthy plants.
- Mosaic virus: This viral disease causes yellow mottling or streaking on the leaves, and stunts plant growth. The virus can be transmitted by aphids or through infected plant material. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread of the virus.
To prevent diseases, it's important to practice good hygiene by removing any dead or infected plant material and avoiding over-fertilizing or over-watering plants. Additionally, planting disease-resistant varieties and rotating crops can help prevent disease outbreaks.
Pest Management
Lapeirousia caudata Schinz subsp. burchellii (Baker) Marais & Goldblatt may be attacked by several pests, including:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the plant sap and excrete honeydew, which can attract other pests and lead to the growth of black sooty mold. Aphids can be controlled by spraying plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that feed on plant sap and can cause the leaves to become distorted or stippled. They can be controlled by spraying plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause leaf yellowing and webbing on the plant. They can be controlled by spraying plants with a strong spray of water or a miticidal soap.
To prevent pest problems, it's important to monitor plants regularly and remove any affected plant material. Additionally, maintaining good plant health through proper watering and fertilization can help prevent pest infestations.
