Origin
Lapeirousia divaricata Baker var. tenuis Goldblatt is originally from the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Fairy-thimble or Perdebos.
Uses
The plant is mostly grown for its ornamental value due to its delicate appearance and vibrant colors. It is suitable for garden beds, borders, and rock gardens. The flowers are also sometimes used in cut flower arrangements.
General Appearance
Lapeirousia divaricata Baker var. tenuis Goldblatt is a bulbous plant with narrow leaves that grow up to 30 cm long. The plant can grow up to 40 cm tall and produces flowers on stems that resemble thimbles. The flowers are usually pink or purple with slightly curled petals and a trumpet shape with a yellow center. Each stem can produce up to ten flowers.
Light Requirements:
Lapeirousia divaricata Baker var. tenuis Goldblatt typically grows best in full sun conditions. They require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight exposure per day.
Temperature Requirements:
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Lapeirousia divaricata Baker var. tenuis Goldblatt is between 18 to 24°C. They cannot withstand temperatures below 10°C.
Soil Requirements:
Lapeirousia divaricata Baker var. tenuis Goldblatt prefers damp and well-draining soils. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral with a range of 6 to 7.5. They can grow in a wide range of soils types but require moderate to high levels of organic matter in the soil.
Cultivation
Lapeirousia divaricata Baker var. tenuis Goldblatt belongs to the genus Lapeirousia, commonly known as 'freesias.' It is native to South Africa and can be propagated from seeds or bulbs. To grow this plant successfully, ensure that you select a well-drained planting site with adequate access to sunlight.
The ideal time to plant this plant is in the fall when the soil has cooled down to a temperature of about 60°F. The planting depth should be about 2-3 inches with a spacing of 3-4 inches apart. Cover the bulbs with soil and maintain the soil moisture at all times.
Watering needs
Proper watering is essential for the successful growth of Lapeirousia divaricata Baker var. tenuis Goldblatt. This plant requires moderate watering and should not be overwatered. During the growing season, ensure that the soil is consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
The soil surface should dry out slightly between watering. Watering should be reduced in the dormant season to avoid rotting of the bulb. Monitor the soil moisture content regularly and adjust the watering frequency to ensure the soil is consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
It is crucial to fertilize Lapeirousia divaricata Baker var. tenuis Goldblatt to maintain adequate soil nutrient levels. Apply a balanced fertilizer of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 during the growing season to encourage growth and blooms.
During the dormant season, avoid fertilizing this plant. Fertilization should be done at regular intervals as per the manufacturer's instructions to avoid over or under-fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lapeirousia divaricata Baker var. tenuis Goldblatt. However, deadheading spent blooms can help maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal and prevent energy loss in the production of seeds. Cut back the spent flowers after they have completely withered to just above the base of the stem.
Propagation Methods
Lapeirousia divaricata Baker var. tenuis Goldblatt can be propagated through various methods such as by seed, division, and corms.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of the Lapeirousia divaricata Baker var. tenuis Goldblatt can be collected from the plants when the seedpods turn brown and dry. These seeds should be sown immediately in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm and bright location.
Division
The Lapeirousia divaricata Baker var. tenuis Goldblatt can also be propagated through division. This method involves digging up the plant and dividing the corms into smaller clumps with at least one healthy shoot and root. These clumps can then be replanted in fresh soil in a new location.
Corm Propagation
The Lapeirousia divaricata Baker var. tenuis Goldblatt can be propagated through its corms. Corms are underground storage organs that can be separated from the main plant, and then planted in a new location. The corms should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until new shoots emerge.
Disease Management
Lapeirousia divaricata Baker var. tenuis Goldblatt is not known to be prone to any particular diseases. However, the plant may develop fungal diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust, especially in humid conditions or when the plant is stressed. To prevent these diseases, you should follow cultural practices such as proper irrigation and drainage, as well as removing and destroying infected plant material. You can also apply fungicides to control fungal diseases. Be sure to read the label instructions carefully and apply the fungicide according to the recommended dose and frequency.
Pest Management
Lapeirousia divaricata Baker var. tenuis Goldblatt may be attacked by various pests, including aphids, spider mites, slugs, and snails. These pests can cause damage to the plant by sucking out the sap or eating the leaves and flowers. To manage these pests, you can use natural or chemical methods.
One of the natural methods is to introduce natural enemies of these pests. For example, you can release ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps to control aphids. You can also use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oils to control pests such as spider mites, slugs, and snails. These products are readily available in garden centers and are safe to use when applied according to the label instructions.
If natural methods fail to control the pest infestation, you can resort to chemical pesticides. However, you should use them only as a last resort, as they can harm beneficial insects and pollinators. Before applying any pesticide, read the label carefully and follow the instructions, including wearing protective clothing and equipment. Also, be sure to apply the pesticide when the pests are active, as this will increase its effectiveness.
