Overview of Lobelia erinus L.
Lobelia erinus L. is an annual plant that belongs to Campanulaceae family. It is native to South Africa, and it typically grows in mountains, rocky areas, and grasslands.
Common Names of Lobelia erinus L.
Lobelia erinus L. is commonly known as edging lobelia, trailing lobelia, and blue lobelia. It is also called "kulibekule" in Zulu, which means "hurry up and die" because of its short lifespan.
Appearance of Lobelia erinus L.
The plant has bilaterally symmetrical blue or violet flowers that bloom from June to October. The flowers have five petals, fused together to form a tube, and a lobed upper lip. The leaves are entire, alternate, and lanceolate. Lobelia erinus L. typically grows up to 15 cm in height, forming mounds of trailing stems that can grow up to 30 cm long.
Uses of Lobelia erinus L.
Lobelia erinus L. is widely used as an ornamental plant in gardens, window boxes, and hanging baskets due to its beautiful flowers and foliage. Its trailing habit makes it an excellent choice for creating borders and ground covers. Moreover, certain species of Lobelia are used in traditional medicine for various ailments such as respiratory infections and pain relief. However, the plant contains toxic compounds such as lobeline, which can cause vomiting, tremors, and even coma if ingested in large quantities.
Light Requirements
Lobelia erinus L. requires full sunlight or partial shade to grow. It is essential to place the plant in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. If grown indoors, it can grow well under fluorescent lights.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Lobelia erinus L. is between 15°C to 25°C. It cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold. If grown in hot climates, partial shade can help to prevent the plant from drying out. In colder regions, it is best grown during the summer season or as an annual.
Soil Requirements
Lobelia erinus L. requires well-draining soil to grow. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter, with good moisture retention. If the soil is not well-drained, it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Lobelia erinus L. is a low-growing, trailing plant that likes to spread out. It is best to plant these in the spring season in well-draining soil and a sunny or partially shaded location. When planting these plants, space them out a few inches apart as they can quickly fill in the area.
Watering Needs
Lobelia erinus L. prefers moderate watering soil that is kept consistently moist. However, one must not overwater as it will cause the soil to become soggy and inhibit root growth. One should water the plants about 2-3 times a week, depending on the soil and temperature.
Fertilization
Lobelia erinus L. is not a heavy feeder, so one must not fertilize too much. One should use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Over-fertilization can cause the plant to become leggy and inhibit blooming.
Pruning
Pruning helps keep the Lobelia erinus L. plant looking neat and tidy while also promoting bushy growth and maintaining a healthy growth pattern. It is best to deadhead the flowers regularly, which means to cut off the spent flowers as soon as they begin to fade. When pruning, remove any damaged, dead, or diseased foliage. One should also trim back any stems that have become too long and leggy to promote dense branching from the base of the plant.
Propagation Methods of Lobelia erinus L.
Lobelia erinus L. is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Campanulaceae. To propagate this plant, there are several methods that one can use to grow new specimens.
Seed Propagation:
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Lobelia erinus L. The seeds are small and easy to handle. The ideal time to sow the seeds is from mid-February to early March. Sow the seeds in a seed tray or pot containing soilless seed compost. Cover the seeds lightly with vermiculite, and maintain a temperature of 18-20°C, keeping the soil moist at all times. Germination should occur in 14-21 days. Once the seedlings have germinated, transplant them into individual pots or cell trays.
Cuttings Propagation:
Another method of propagating Lobelia erinus L. is through cuttings. Take 7-10 cm cuttings from the tips of the plant during the growing season (from late spring to early autumn). Dip the cuttings into rooting hormone powder and plant them in small pots filled with compost. Cover the pot with clear plastic or a propagator lid to maintain high humidity. After one month, the cuttings should have rooted and formed a good rootball.
Division Propagation:
Division is another method of propagating Lobelia erinus L., which is useful for mature plants that have formed a dense clump. Divide the clump into several sections while taking care to avoid damaging the roots. Transplant the divided sections into individual pots or directly into the ground. Water them well to settle the soil around the roots.
Stolons Propagation:
Lobelia erinus L. can also be propagated through stolons. A stolon is an offshoot of the main stem that breaks ground a distance away from the mother plant. The stolon eventually develops its own root system and can be separated from the mother plant. Dig up the stolon, and tease out the roots. The separated piece can then be planted in a pot or directly into the ground.
Using any of these methods, one can propagate Lobelia erinus L. successfully. With proper care, the new plants will thrive and add beauty to any garden.
Disease Management for Lobelia erinus L.
Lobelia erinus L. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and development. Here are some of the common diseases that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Pythium Root Rot
Pythium root rot can be a major problem for Lobelia erinus L. The symptoms of this disease include wilting, stunting, and yellowing of leaves, and the plant might eventually die. To manage pythium root rot, avoid over-watering and make sure that the soil is well-draining. Use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Cercospora Leaf Spot
Cercospora leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, which can be circular with gray centers and yellow or brown margins. The spots might grow together and cause the leaves to rot. To manage cercospora leaf spot, avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves and plants, and use a fungicide.
Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus
Impatiens necrotic spot virus is a virus that can affect Lobelia erinus L. The symptoms include stunted growth, necrotic spots on the leaves, and black streaks on the stems. To manage this virus, use virus-free seeds or plants, and control the thrips vector that can spread the disease.
Pest Management for Lobelia erinus L.
Lobelia erinus L. is also susceptible to various pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some of the common pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, green insects that can suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and distortion of leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, red insects that can cause yellowing of leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant, spray the plant with water to dislodge them, and use a miticide.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, white insects that can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage whiteflies, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or use yellow sticky traps to catch them.
