Overview
Lobelia dichroma Schltr. is a flowering plant in the Campanulaceae family. It is native to Papua New Guinea, specifically in the East Sepik province.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Two-Colored Lobelia or the Bicolor Lobelia due to its distinct flower colors.
General Appearance
The Lobelia dichroma Schltr. is a small, herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 30 centimeters tall. The plant's leaves are oval-shaped and grow up to 5 centimeters long and 2.5 centimeters wide. The flowers are arranged on a spike-like inflorescence, and each flower is tubular with two lips, giving it a distinct two-color appearance. The upper lip is white while the lower lip is purple to violet. The flowers typically bloom in the late summer to early fall months.
Uses
Lobelia dichroma Schltr. has been traditionally used by the Papua New Guinea indigenous communities for medicinal purposes. The plant contains alkaloids, which have been used to treat respiratory ailments, including asthma, cough, and bronchitis. However, the plant's medicinal benefits have not been extensively studied, and it is not widely used in modern medicine today. The flowers of the plant are also sometimes used in floral arrangements and decorations.
Growth Conditions for Lobelia dichroma Schltr.
Light: Lobelia dichroma Schltr. grows well in full sun or partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. When grown indoors, it needs bright, indirect light.
Temperature: Lobelia dichroma Schltr. prefers moderate temperatures. It thrives in a temperature range of 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but may struggle in extreme heat.
Soil: Lobelia dichroma Schltr. prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in soil that is slightly acid to neutral, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. The soil should be kept moist but not water-logged.
Fertilizer: Lobelia dichroma Schltr. benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 is recommended. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season, then stop fertilizing once the plant has finished blooming.
Water: Lobelia dichroma Schltr. needs regular watering, especially during periods of drought. Water the plant deeply at least once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather. Be sure not to over-water, as this can lead to root rot.
Pruning: Lobelia dichroma Schltr. benefits from occasional pruning to encourage full, bushy growth and to remove any dead or damaged branches. Prune in early spring or after the plant has finished blooming.
Cultivation of Lobelia dichroma Schltr.
Lobelia dichroma Schltr. grows best in well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It is a sun-loving plant and requires good sunlight for optimum growth. However, it can tolerate partly shady areas as well.
Watering Needs for Lobelia dichroma Schltr.
The Lobelia dichroma Schltr. plant needs regular watering to keep its soil moist, especially during the summer. However, it is important to avoid overwatering, as excess water can damage its roots. On the other hand, under-watering can cause leaf dropping and affect its overall growth.
Fertilization of Lobelia dichroma Schltr.
To keep the Lobelia dichroma Schltr. plant healthy, it requires regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. The recommended frequency is once a month during the growing season. However, you should avoid overfertilizing the plant, as this can lead to weak growth and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Pruning Lobelia dichroma Schltr.
Pruning is essential to keep Lobelia dichroma Schltr. compact and promote bushier growth. You should prune it back by one-third at least once a year after the blooming period. Deadheading is also necessary to encourage the plant to produce more flowers. You should pinch off the spent flowers as soon as they start to wither, and this will encourage new buds to form.
Propagation of Lobelia dichroma Schltr.
The plant Lobelia dichroma Schltr. can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds for Lobelia dichroma Schltr. can be collected from mature pods that have turned brown in color. These seeds can be stored in dry, cool conditions until they are ready to be sown.
To sow the seeds of this plant, prepare a well-draining soil mix and sprinkle the seeds on the surface. Do not cover the seeds with soil, as they require light to germinate. Keep the soil moist and warm by covering it with plastic or placing it in a greenhouse or warm room.
Once the seeds germinate, they can be thinned out and transferred to larger pots or planted directly in the ground when they have developed enough to withstand outdoor conditions.
Propagation through cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from the stem tips of Lobelia dichroma Schltr. plants and rooted in water or moist soil. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer.
To take a cutting, choose a stem tip that is about 10-15 cm long and has a few leaves attached. Cut the stem below a node, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting in water or moist soil and keep it warm and humid.
Rooting should occur within 3-4 weeks. Once the cutting has developed a healthy root system, it can be transferred to a larger pot or planted directly in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Lobelia dichroma Schltr.
Lobelia dichroma Schltr. is a beautiful, flowering plant that is commonly grown for its attractive, blue flowers. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and appearance.
Common Diseases
Some of the common diseases that can affect Lobelia dichroma Schltr. include:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small, brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It can be controlled by removing infected leaves and applying a fungicide.
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. It can be prevented by ensuring the plant is not over-watered and is grown in well-drained soil.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. It can be controlled by removing infected leaves and applying a fungicide.
Common Pests
Some of the common pests that can affect Lobelia dichroma Schltr. include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to wilt and yellow. They can be controlled by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant, leaving behind large holes. They can be controlled by handpicking them off the plant or applying a biological insecticide.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny insects that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a forceful stream of water or applying a miticide.
To keep Lobelia dichroma Schltr. healthy and free from diseases and pests, it is important to maintain good growing conditions. This includes providing the plant with adequate water, sunlight, and proper nutrients, as well as practicing good hygiene by removing dead plant material and keeping the area around the plant clean and free from debris. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your Lobelia dichroma Schltr. remains a beautiful and healthy plant.
