Overview
Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm., also known as Humpata lobelia, is a flowering plant native to Angola in southwestern Africa. It belongs to the Campanulaceae family and is commonly found in rocky areas and ravines.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 50 cm tall and has dark green leaves that are arranged alternately. Its flowers are blue-purple in color and have a tubular shape with five petals, appearing in small clusters at the ends of branches. The plant blooms in the summer months from November to February.
Uses
The plant is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes, though some indigenous groups in Angola have used it for treating cuts and bruises. Its striking blue-purple flowers are often grown as ornamental plants in gardens and landscapes. Additionally, Lobelia humpatensis is an important plant for the ecosystem as it provides shelter and food for various species of birds and insects.
Overall, Lobelia humpatensis is a beautiful and unique plant that is native to Angola and has multiple uses and benefits.Light Requirements
Lobelia humpatensis thrives in partial shade or full sun. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal for this plant since it cannot tolerate hot afternoon sun.
Temperature
This plant grows best in moderate temperatures between 18°C to 21°C. It cannot tolerate very hot or very cold temperatures, and thus it is advisable to avoid planting in areas with extreme temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Lobelia humpatensis prefers well-draining soils, not too sandy or too heavy. The plant can grow in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.5 -7.5. It is also essential to plant it in a location with good air circulation, as this plant is prone to mildew and fungal diseases that thrive in stagnant air environments.
Cultivation Methods for Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm.
Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm. is a delicate plant that requires carefully cultivated soil conditions and adequate lighting to thrive. It is best grown in soil with a pH between 5.5-6, in a location that has partial shade.
It is suggested that the plant is sown between early spring and summer in well-draining soil.
Watering Needs for Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm.
Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm. has moderate watering needs. It prefers moist soil, but it is essential not to overwater it, which can lead to root rot. It is best to water it around the base of the plant, which is where the roots are likely to be most concentrated.
The soil should be kept evenly moist, and it is recommended to water it every two to three days during periods of drought.
Fertilization Needs for Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm.
Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm. will benefit from being fed. This should occur two to three times each month, using a high nitrogen fertilizer such as 10-8-4.
To prevent over-fertilizing, which can cause damage to the plant, it is recommended to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging carefully.
Pruning Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm.
Pruning Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm. will help promote healthy growth and an attractive appearance. It is best to remove any dead or diseased leaves as early as possible to prevent the spread of diseases to healthy parts of the plant.
Regularly trimming back the plant will encourage branching and help promote a fuller, more abundant appearance. It is best to trim a maximum of one-third of the plant's foliage at any one time to avoid stressing the plant.
Propagation of Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm.
Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm. can be propagated both by seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation via seeds is the easiest and most common method. Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm. seeds should be sown during the spring to early summer months when the temperatures are warm. In its natural habitat, the plant prefers growing in semi-shaded areas, so keep the seeds out of direct sunlight.
Prepare a soil mixture that is rich in nutrients and has good drainage. Sow the seeds on top of the soil mix and press them gently into the soil. Water the soil slightly, and cover the container with a plastic bag to keep the humidity level high. Expect germination to take between 2 to 4 weeks.
Once the seedlings are about 3 to 4 inches tall and have developed enough foliage, you can transplant them into their own pots.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation via cuttings is another way to grow Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm. This method can be used when the plant has grown excessively and needs to be trimmed down, or when you want to propagate a new plant.
Take a cutting from new growth during the summer months. Cut a 3 to 4-inch stem and remove the bottom leaves of the stem. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone, and insert it into a pot filled with a well-draining mixture. Water the soil mixture, and cover the pot with a plastic bag to keep the humidity level high. Place the pot in a semi-shaded area, and mist the cutting daily.
The cutting should take about 2 to 3 weeks to root. Once the roots have fully developed, you can transplant the cutting into its own pot with soil that has good drainage.
Disease Management for Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm.
Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm. is susceptible to several diseases which can cause significant damage to the plant. The common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Crown rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the crown of the plant. It can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected plant and its surroundings (including soil) and destroy them. Avoid planting susceptible plants in the same location.
- Leaf spot: This is another fungal disease that causes circular brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
- Blackleg: This is a bacterial disease that causes the stem to rot. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant and its surroundings (including soil) and destroy them. Rotate the plants, including non-susceptible plants, in the infected area with crops that work well in that area.
Pest Management for Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm.
Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm. can attract a range of pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The common pests that can affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that can feed on the sap of the plant. To manage this pest, it is recommended to regularly spray the plant with insecticidal soap or petroleum-based oil such as neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These are larvae of butterflies and moths that can feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. To manage this pest, it is recommended to handpick and remove the caterpillars from the plant or use an insecticidal spray that contains bacillus thuringiensis.
- Spider mites: These are small, reddish-brown insects that can cause the plant to appear speckled. To manage this pest, it is recommended to spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or use a commercial insecticidal soap.
Regularly monitoring the Lobelia humpatensis E.Wimm. is crucial in early detection and management of diseases and pests to minimize damage to the plant.
