Origin
Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard is commonly known as the Orange River Acrea and is native to the Orange River drainage basin in South Africa. It is a subspecies of the Manulea rhodantha Hilliard plant.
Common Names
In addition to the Orange River Acrea, this plant is also commonly referred to as the Orange River Blue-eyed Daisy or the Orange River Acrea Daisy.
Uses
The Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard plant is often grown as an ornamental plant due to its stunning orange and yellow flowers. It can add a splash of color to gardens, borders, and rockeries. The plant is also adapted to arid conditions and is drought-resistant, which makes it a suitable plant for xeriscaping and landscaping in dry areas with little rainfall.
General Appearance
The Orange River Acrea grows up to 50 cm tall and has woody stems. The leaves are narrow and elongated, measuring around 7cm long. The orange and yellow flowers have a diameter of around 3-4 cm, and they bloom from spring to autumn.
Typical Growth Conditions for Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard
Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard is a plant species that requires specific environmental conditions to grow correctly. Below are some of the growth conditions that are necessary for the growth and development of this plant:
Light
Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard requires bright but indirect light to grow. Exposure to direct sunlight may cause scorching of the leaves or wilting. It is best to place the plant in a location where it can receive sunlight for a few hours daily, or you can use artificial lighting to supplement natural light if needed.
Temperature
The growth and development of Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard are significantly influenced by temperature. The plant prefers to grow within a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C, but temperatures lower than 10°C and above 40°C can lead to stunted growth. When the temperature drops below 10°C, the plant may become dormant to conserve energy.
Soil Requirements
Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral. These plants thrive in soils that are moist but not waterlogged because waterlogged soils can lead to root rot and damage the plant. It is also essential to ensure proper soil aeration to enhance the plant's productivity.
Overall, providing the right growing conditions for Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard will ensure that the plant grows healthy and productive. By taking care of the light, temperature, and soil requirements, you can enjoy the beauty of this plant in your garden or indoor spaces.
Cultivation
Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard, commonly known as the 'golden violet,' is a perennial plant native to South Africa. It thrives in well-drained soils with a neutral pH level and requires full sun exposure to produce vibrant blooms.
The plant is best propagated using stem cuttings, which should be taken in spring and summer and allowed to root in well-draining soil in a warm, sheltered position. Once established, the plant can be transplanted into a larger container or planted directly into the ground.
Watering Needs
The Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard requires moderate watering during the growing season to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
In winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to a minimum, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and flowering, it is crucial to fertilize the Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard once a month during the growing season, using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
During the dormant season, it is not necessary to fertilize the plant, as it will not be actively growing.
Pruning
Pruning the Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard is essential to keep it healthy and promote even growth. Deadheading the plant after flowering will encourage the production of new blooms, while cutting back leggy or overcrowded growth will stimulate new growth.
It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season to avoid damaging new growth, and it is important to use clean, sharp tools to prevent the introduction of disease.
Propagation of Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard
Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard are quite small and should be sown in a well-draining medium at a shallow depth. The ideal time to sow the seeds is during the spring or summer, which ensures optimal germination of the seeds.
It is recommended to cover the planting with a clear plastic sheet or a propagator lid. This increases humidity and encourages the germination process. The planting should be placed in a warm, bright location, and it usually takes from two to four weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Vegetative Propagation
Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard can be propagated through basal cuttings taken during the growing season. The cuttings should be taken from the base of the stem where there is usually a node, and the cutting should be approximately 5 - 7 cm in length.
The cuttings should be placed in a rooting hormone before planting them in a well-draining medium. The planting should be covered with a clear plastic sheet or a propagator lid and placed in a warm, bright location. The rooting process usually takes from three to four weeks.
After the rooting process is complete, the new plants can be transplanted to larger containers, or planted directly into the garden if the conditions are suitable.
Disease Management
Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard is susceptible to some common diseases that often affect plants of the Asteraceae family. Some of the most common diseases that may affect this plant are:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stem, and flowers. It can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off, resulting in stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage this disease, it is advisable to maintain good airflow around the plant, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes circular dark spots on the leaves, which may coalesce to form large patches leading to defoliation and reduced yield. The disease thrives in wet and humid conditions. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove and dispose of infected leaves, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides.
- Root rot: This fungal disease affects the roots, causing them to rot, turn brown, and slimy. It can result in wilting, stunted growth, and death in severe cases. To manage this disease, it is advisable to maintain well-drained soil, avoid waterlogged conditions, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Manulea rhodantha Hilliard subsp. aurantiaca Hilliard is generally relatively pest-resistant, but it may be affected by some common pests that feed on plants of the Asteraceae family. Some of the most common pests that may affect this plant are:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects attack the leaves, stem, and flowers, causing yellowing, distortion, and stunted growth. They also produce honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage this pest, it is advisable to use natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps, or applying insecticidal soap or oil.
- Thrips: These tiny insects feed on the leaves and flowers, causing silvery-white scars, brown spots, and distorted growth. They also transmit viruses. To manage this pest, it is advisable to use natural predators such as mites or minute pirate bugs, or applying insecticidal soap or oil.
- Slugs and snails: These mollusks feed on the leaves, stem, and flowers, causing irregular holes and damage. To manage this pest, it is advisable to remove debris and hiding places around the plant, handpick and dispose of them, or apply snail and slug baits.
