Lobelia Repens Thunb. Forma Anceps E.wimm.

Overview

Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm. is a species of plant that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. Commonly known as creeping lobelia, it is a trailing or creeping herbaceous perennial that grows in rocky habitats and along streambanks in southern Africa.

Appearance

Creeping lobelia is a delicate plant with slender stems that can grow up to 30 cm long. The leaves are small and lance-shaped, measuring 1-3 cm long and 1-3 mm wide. The plant produces blue, tubular flowers that are approximately 1 cm in length and have five petals. The flowers appear in the summer months and are held on short stalks above the foliage.

Origin

Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm. is native to southern Africa and can be found in countries such as South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland. It grows in rocky areas, on slopes, and along stream banks in grasslands and savannahs.

Common Names

Creeping lobelia is also known by several other common names, including mat lobelia, trailing lobelia, creeping bellflower, and creeping bluebell. In South Africa, it is called umalahle or imbowa.

Uses

The plant has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions such as coughs, colds, and chest infections. It is also used to treat snake bites and to relieve pain. The leaves and stems of the plant are crushed and boiled to make a tea, which is then used as a natural remedy.

Growth Conditions for Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm.

Light: Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm. is a shade-loving plant species that grows best in partial shade to full shade conditions. It does not tolerate direct sunlight for extended periods and can perish if exposed to it for extended durations. Therefore, it is ideal to place it under a canopy or tall trees.

Temperature: Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm. thrives in a cool environment and prefers temperatures within the range of 10°C to 18°C. Temperatures above 21°C can have a negative impact on its growth. This makes it an ideal choice for regions that experience mild temperatures throughout the year.

Soil: This plant species prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH range between 6.5 to 7.5. It grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter, with good water retention capacity. It can also tolerate sandy or loamy soils, but it is not suitable for heavy soils with poor drainage capacity.

Moisture: Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm. thrives in moist but well-drained soils. It is not suitable for soils that retain water for extended periods, as this can lead to root rot and ultimately the death of the plant. Therefore, it is necessary to water the plant frequently, but avoid waterlogging at the same time.

Fertilizer: This plant species requires regular fertilization during its growing season from spring to autumn. A balanced fertilizer with equal portions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal for its growth. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive growth and poor flowering.

Cultivation Methods

Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm. is a low-growing, spreading perennial plant that thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. Plant lobelia in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. The plant is not cold hardy and will not survive freezing temperatures.

Watering Needs

Water lobelia regularly throughout the growing season. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. The plant is not drought tolerant and may die under prolonged dry conditions.

Fertilization

Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm. is not a heavy feeder and does not require a lot of fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.

Pruning

Prune lobelia regularly to encourage healthy growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. Pinch back the tips of the stems to promote branching and a fuller shape. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period and encourage new blooms.

Propagation of Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm.

Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm. can be propagated through several methods such as:

Seeds

Seeds can be collected from the plant and propagated in the following manner:

1. Collect matured seeds from the plant.
2. Clean the seeds from any impurities.
3. Prepare the seedbed by mixing sand, compost and garden soil in the ratio of 1:1:1.
4. Plant the seeds in the prepared seedbed and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
5. Keep the soil moist and the seedbed in partial to full shade.
6. The seeds will germinate in 10-14 days.
7. Transplant the seedlings to a desired location after they've grown to about 4 inches tall.

Division

Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm. can be propagated by division through the following process:

1. Carefully uproot the plant and observe the root system.
2. Identify and separate the young shoots that have a good root system.
3. Separate the shoots by cutting them off using a sharp knife or pruning shears.
4. Plant the separated shoots at appropriate spacing.
5. Keep the soil moist and the plant in partial to full shade.
6. The plant will establish after a few weeks.

Cuttings

Propagating Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm. through cuttings can be done as follows:

1. Collect healthy cuttings of about 4-6 inches long from the parent plant.
2. Prepare a rooting hormone according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Dip the cuttings into the rooting hormone.
4. Prepare the rooting medium by mixing sand, peat, and perlite in the ratio of 2:1:1.
5. Insert the cuttings into the rooting medium up to two-thirds of their length.
6. Keep the medium moist and the cuttings in partial to full shade.
7. The roots will develop in about 3-4 weeks.
8. Transplant the rooted cuttings into the desired location.

Disease and Pest Management for Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm.

Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm. is a beautiful plant that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. However, with proper care and management practices, it is possible to prevent and control these problems.

Common Diseases

One of the common diseases affecting Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm. is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, ensure proper air circulation around the plant by spacing them appropriately. Additionally, avoid overhead watering and instead, water the plant at the base. Fungal sprays can also be used to control powdery mildew.

Another common disease is root rot, which is caused by overwatering and poorly drained soils. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil drains well. You can also improve drainage by adding organic matter to the soil.

Common Pests

Spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies are common pests that can infest Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm. Spider mites appear as tiny red or yellow spots on the leaves, while aphids and whiteflies are small insects that suck sap from the plant. To manage these pests, you can use insecticidal soap spray, neem oil, or horticultural oil. It's important to apply treatments early, before pests infest the entire plant.

Thrips can also be a problem for Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm. These insects cause curled and distorted leaves and can transmit viruses. To manage thrips, remove affected plant parts and use sticky traps or sprays containing spinosad or pyrethrin.

Lastly, slugs and snails can also feed on Lobelia repens Thunb. forma anceps E.Wimm. To manage them, handpick them and remove any hiding places, such as stones and debris, around the plant.