General Description
Lefebvrea longipedicellata Engl. var. levisticifolia H.Wolff is a small flowering plant that belongs to the family Gesneriaceae. This plant is known for its attractive foliage and bright flowers that bloom profusely in late spring and early summer. It is a popular ornamental plant that is grown for its aesthetic value and is often used in gardens and parks.
Origin and Distribution
Lefebvrea longipedicellata Engl. var. levisticifolia H.Wolff is native to the tropical regions of East Africa, particularly the areas of Tanzania and Kenya. This plant prefers warm and humid climates and is typically found in forest clearings, on rocky outcrops or cliffs, and along riverbanks.
Common Names
Lefebvrea longipedicellata Engl. var. levisticifolia H.Wolff is commonly known by several names including the African violet, flame violet, and bush violet.
Uses
The African violet is a popular houseplant that is cherished for its ornamental value. It is often grown in hanging baskets, pots or containers and is used to add colour and texture to indoor spaces. Some cultivars of the African violet are also grown for their edible leaves, which are used as a vegetable in some African cuisines. Traditional healers have also used the plant for its alleged medicinal properties, particularly for healing wounds and treating respiratory ailments.
Appearance
The African violet is a small herbaceous plant that typically grows up to 6-8 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Its leaves are oval-shaped and are fuzzy in texture, with a dark green colour. The leaves are typically 2-3 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The flowers of the African violet are brightly coloured and grow in clusters on long, thin stalks that rise above the foliage. The flowers come in a variety of colours, including pink, purple, blue, red, white, and bi-colour combinations.
Light Requirements
Lefebvrea longipedicellata Engl. var. levisticifolia H.Wolff is a sun-loving plant and requires plenty of bright light to grow properly. It should be grown in an area that receives full sun or partial shade. When grown indoors, it should be placed near a window that receives bright light for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers warm temperatures that do not fall below 18°C (64°F) at night. During the day, the temperature should be between 20°C and 28°C (68°F and 82°F) for optimal growth. When grown in cooler temperatures, growth will slow down, and the plant may become dormant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. When planting in a pot, a mixture of peat moss and perlite will work well to promote drainage. The plant is tolerant of a range of soil types but will not do well in soils that are waterlogged or compacted.
Cultivation methods
Lefebvrea longipedicellata Engl. var. levisticifolia H.Wolff, commonly known as the Chinese poppy or horned poppy, is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in well-draining soil. When planting, ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter to enhance the growth of the plant. Good aeration is necessary, and the soil pH should range between 6.0 and 7.5. The Chinese poppy grows better in full sun but can still survive in opaque shade.
Watering needs
The Chinese poppy is drought-resistant, but proper watering facilitates tender growth and flowering in the plant. Generally, the plant requires moderate watering to prevent the soil from becoming too dry or waterlogged. During the growing season, watering the plant once or twice a week is sufficient. However, during the dry spells, the plant requires frequent watering, probably twice or thrice a week.
Fertilization
The Chinese poppy can thrive in nutrient-poor soils, but the application of a balanced fertilizer will enhance its growth and flowering. You can apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer or compost to the soil in spring before new growth appears and repeat the fertilization process mid-season. Nitrogen is essential for foliage growth while phosphorus promotes flowering. Poor soil fertility will lead to a stunted growth and underwhelming flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the health of the plant, improve the flower quality, and control its size. You should cut off any dead or damaged stems as it promotes the regeneration of new growth and prevents the spread of diseases. Additionally, cutting back one third of the plant height in mid-summer is essential for encouraging a more compact and bushy growth form and promoting flowering in the next growing season.
Propagation of Lefebvrea longipedicellata Engl. var. levisticifolia H.Wolff
Lefebvrea longipedicellata Engl. var. levisticifolia H.Wolff, commonly referred to as the "green velvet plant," is a semi-succulent perennial plant that is typically propagated by stem cuttings or division.
Stem Cuttings
To propagate the plant using stem cuttings, select a healthy stem segment that is at least 4-6 inches long. Make a clean angled cut just below a node, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Then, insert the cutting into a well-draining moist potting mix.
Enclose the pot with the cutting in a plastic bag or cover it with plastic wrap to create a high-humidity environment and promote rooting. Place the pot in bright, indirect light and maintain a constant level of moisture in the soil. After 4-6 weeks, the cutting should establish roots and new growth
Division
The plant can also be propagated through division, which involves separating healthy, established sections of the plant's root system. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently tease apart the root ball into small sections, making sure each has some roots and healthy foliage. Then, replant each section in a fresh potting mix and water well. The new growth will emerge in a few weeks.
Propagation of Lefebvrea longipedicellata Engl. var. levisticifolia H.Wolff can occur throughout the year, but the best time is in the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.
Disease and Pest Management for Lefebvrea longipedicellata Engl. var. levisticifolia H.Wolff
Lefebvrea longipedicellata Engl. var. levisticifolia H.Wolff is a hardy plant that can adapt to a wide range of growing conditions. However, like other plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can cause damage to the plant and affect its growth and development. Effective disease and pest management practices are critical to ensure that the plant thrives and produces healthy foliage and flowers.
Common Diseases
Lefebvrea longipedicellata Engl. var. levisticifolia H.Wolff is relatively resistant to diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections, particularly during periods of high humidity or dampness. The most common fungal diseases that affect this plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora and appears as brown spots with yellow margins on the plant's leaves.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by several fungi and appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that affect the roots of the plant, causing them to become soft and mushy.
Disease Management
The following are some effective disease management practices that can help prevent and control fungal infections in Lefebvrea longipedicellata Engl. var. levisticifolia H.Wolff:
- Ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil that is not too wet, as excess moisture can encourage the growth of fungi.
- Prune any infected leaves or stems from the plant using sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Avoid watering the plant from overhead, as this can encourage fungal growth. Instead, water the plant at the base to keep the leaves and stems dry.
- Treat the plant with a fungicide if necessary, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Common Pests
Lefebvrea longipedicellata Engl. var. levisticifolia H.Wolff is also relatively resistant to pests. However, it can be affected by common garden pests, including:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to curl and distort.
- Whiteflies: These tiny insects feed on the undersides of the plant's leaves, causing yellowing and stunting of growth.
- Caterpillars: These pests can chew holes in the plant's leaves, affecting its overall appearance and health.
Pest Management
The following are some effective pest management practices that can help prevent and control infestations in Lefebvrea longipedicellata Engl. var. levisticifolia H.Wolff:
- Inspect the plant regularly for signs of pests, such as curled or yellowed leaves.
- Remove any pests from the plant by hand, if possible.
- Spray the plant with a homemade insecticidal soap or a commercial insecticide, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
- Introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to the garden to help control pest populations.
