Plant Description:
Neraudia melastomifolia Gaud. var. gaudichaudii Cowan, commonly known as Ohe or neraudia, is a Hawaiian shrub in the family Melastomataceae. It is a small to medium-sized plant that can grow up to 3-6 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. The plant has a multi-stemmed, dense, and rounded growth habit with dark green oval leaves clustered at the stem tips. The plant produces small white flowers that have a pinkish-purple hue, which eventually grows to form small round black berries.
Origin and Distribution:
Ohe is native to Hawaii and is found on Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and the Big Island. It is commonly found in moist to wet forests, stream banks, and on slopes. The plant has been successfully introduced to some gardens in California and Florida.
Common Names:
Ohe, Neraudia, Hawaiian Bush Violet, Neraudia Melastomifolia.
Uses:
The plant has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes like treating wounds, inflammation, and fever. The bark and leaves have sedative properties and are also used in preparing herbal tea. Neraudia is also a source of nectar for honeybees and other pollinators. The plant is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes for its attractive foliage and flowers.
Growth Conditions for Neraudia Melastomifolia Gaud. var. Gaudichaudii Cowan
Neraudia melastomifolia Gaud. var. gaudichaudii Cowan, commonly known as 'Ohe mauka, is a native Hawaiian shrub that is found at elevations ranging from 3500 to 8000 feet in the subalpine zone. Here are the growth conditions required for the plant:
Light
The shrub does well in full sun to partial shade. In its natural habitat, it grows in the understory of koa trees which provide shade. However, it can tolerate significant exposure to sunlight if the soil is kept moist. It is important to provide the plant with ample light for photosynthesis, but not too much that it causes sunburn and dehydration.
Temperature
The shrub thrives in cool and moist environments. The average temperatures in its natural habitat range from 50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. When grown in hotter regions, it will require some shade and watering during dry seasons to prevent wilting. Freezing temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the plant.
Soil requirements
The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The plant grows best in acidic soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The ideal soil texture should be loamy, providing a good balance of sand, silt, and clay. The shrub requires regular watering to maintain consistently moist soil conditions. It cannot tolerate soil that is too dry or too wet for prolonged periods.
Cultivation Methods for Neraudia Melastomifolia Gaud. var. Gaudichaudii Cowan
Neraudia melastomifolia Gaud. var. gaudichaudii Cowan is an evergreen shrub that originated from Vanuatu. It is typically grown for ornamental purposes due to its attractive foliage and flowers. When cultivating this plant, you must ensure that it gets adequate sunlight, well-drained soil, and moderate humidity levels.
Watering Needs of Neraudia Melastomifolia Gaud. var. Gaudichaudii Cowan
In terms of watering, Neraudia melastomifolia Gaud. var. gaudichaudii Cowan prefers consistently moist soil, but not overly saturated. Therefore, you should water the shrub regularly and consistently, ensuring that the soil is evenly moist throughout. However, you should avoid watering too frequently, as this can cause the plant to rot.
Fertilization of Neraudia Melastomifolia Gaud. var. Gaudichaudii Cowan
When it comes to fertilization, Neraudia melastomifolia Gaud. var. gaudichaudii Cowan requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer to thrive. Fertilize the plant every other month, starting in the spring and ending in the late summer. You can use a slow-release fertilizer to ensure that the plant gets a consistent supply of nutrients over time.
Pruning Neraudia Melastomifolia Gaud. var. Gaudichaudii Cowan
Pruning Neraudia melastomifolia Gaud. var. gaudichaudii Cowan is essential to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. It is best to prune the shrub in the early spring before new growth appears. You should prune any dead, diseased, or damaged stems using clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent the spread of disease. You can also shape the plant at this time by selectively pruning stem ends to desired lengths and shapes.
Propagation of Neraudia melastomifolia Gaud. var. gaudichaudii Cowan
Neraudia melastomifolia Gaud. var. gaudichaudii Cowan is a shrub that propagates quickly and easily. Here are some methods to propagate this plant:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Neraudia melastomifolia Gaud. var. gaudichaudii Cowan by seed is the easiest and most common method. Collect seeds from mature fruits that have turned brown or are starting to split. Sow the seeds in a well-drained potting mix and keep them moist. Seedlings will emerge within a few weeks, and once they have outgrown their containers, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Neraudia melastomifolia Gaud. var. gaudichaudii Cowan can also be propagated from stem cuttings. Take cuttings from new growth, making sure each cutting has at least three leaves attached. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a shaded area until roots have formed. Once rooted, transplant the cutting into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Layering Propagation
Another way to propagate Neraudia melastomifolia Gaud. var. gaudichaudii Cowan is through layering. Choose a healthy, low-hanging branch from the main plant, and bend it towards the ground. Make a shallow cut on the underside of the branch where it touches the soil. Secure the branch to the soil with a wire or wooden peg, keeping it in place for several months. Once roots have formed, cut the branch from the main plant and transplant it.
Regardless of the propagation method you choose, it is important to keep the soil moist and in a humid environment until the plants have established themselves.
Disease Management
Neraudia melastomifolia Gaud. var. gaudichaudii Cowan is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease is characterized by circular spots on leaves that may be black, brown, or yellow. To manage this disease, collect and destroy infected leaves and reduce leaf wetness by avoiding overhead watering.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on leaves. To manage this disease, reduce humidity and water stress, and apply fungicides as necessary.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by the pathogenic fungi in soil that infect the roots, causing the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and ensure proper soil drainage.
Pest Management
Neraudia melastomifolia Gaud. var. gaudichaudii Cowan is also vulnerable to insect pests, such as:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects cause yellowing, stunted growth, and distorted leaves. To manage this pest, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Spider mites: These pests cause leaf yellowing, stippling, and webbing. To manage this pest, increase humidity and spray the plant with water to wash away mites, or apply pesticides as necessary.
- Mealybugs: These insects cause stunted growth and honeydew secretion, leading to sooty mold growth. To manage this pest, remove them manually or apply insecticidal soap.
Regularly monitoring the plant for signs of diseases and pests can help prevent their spread and ensure the plant's health.
