Overview
Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. is a low-growing, creeping plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This plant is known for its use in traditional medicine and is popularly grown as an aquarium plant.
Origin
Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. is native to South America, where it is found in countries such as Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It is believed that the plant also grows in parts of Brazil.
Common Names
This plant has several common names, including 'Starry Night', 'Dwarf Baby Tears', 'Cuba Pearl Grass', 'Oldenlandia', and 'HC'.
Appearance
Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. is a small plant that typically grows to a height of 1-2cm. The plant features small, round, and bright green leaves that are about 2mm wide. The leaves are closely spaced on the stem, giving the plant a dense and compact look. The plant often features a carpet-like growth, as it spreads horizontally by sending out runners.
Uses
Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. has various uses, both in traditional medicine and horticulture. In traditional medicine, extracts from the plant have been used to treat various ailments, including respiratory infections, fever, and diarrhea. Additionally, the plant is popularly grown as an aquarium plant, as its compact growth and bright green color make it an attractive addition to any aquarium.
Light Requirements
Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. requires high levels of light for proper growth. It thrives well under high-intensity lighting, such as Metal Halide (MH) or High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps. Lack of adequate light can cause the plant to grow leggy, and its leaves turn yellow.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm temperatures ranging between 20-30°C during the day and 15-20°C at night. The temperatures should not exceed 35°C, as this can cause significant damage to the plant. Additionally, a drop in temperature below 10°C can cause it to lose leaves.
Soil Requirements
Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. requires nutrient-rich substrate with excellent water retention properties. The recommended substrate is aquarium soil mixed with gravel, sand, and peat moss. The soil should be kept moist but not water-logged to avoid rotting. Ideally, the plant requires a pH level of 6.0-7.0, with a moderate hardness level.
Cultivation methods
Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb., or commonly known as star grass, is a great plant to cultivate in an aquarium. You can grow it submerged or emerged. Submerged growth requires it to be planted in the substrate of the aquarium and have access to high lighting and adequate CO2 supply. On the other hand, emerged growth can be done in a moist environment outside of the aquarium. Simply place the plant in a container with moist soil and ensure that it has access to some natural light.
Watering needs
The watering needs of star grass depend on whether it is grown submerged or emerged. If grown submerged, make sure the aquarium has a well-functioning filtration system and regularly replace the water to prevent the buildup of harmful chemicals. In the case of emerged growth, keep the soil moist at all times, but be careful not to overwater and cause root rot.
Fertilization
Star grass requires regular fertilization to thrive. For submerged growth, use fertilizers specifically designed for aquarium plants and follow the recommended dosage instructions. If growing emerged, use a general-purpose fertilizer regularly to keep the plant healthy. However, be careful not to over-fertilize and cause an imbalance in the aquatic ecosystem or burn the plant's leaves.
Pruning
Regular pruning is important to maintain the health and appearance of star grass. Overgrown plants can cause issues such as blocked water circulation, algae growth, and decreased oxygen supply. For submerged growth, remove any yellow or brown leaves to prevent the spread of fungus or bacteria. Trim the plant to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too tall and blocking light to other plants. When growing emerged, trim the plant to keep its shape and encourage thicker growth.
Propagation of Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb.
Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb., also known as HC, is a popular aquatic plant among aquarium enthusiasts. It is native to Cuba and belongs to the coffee family, Rubiaceae. Propagating Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. is quite easy and can be done in various ways:
Division
One of the easiest and most common methods of propagating Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. is through division. This method involves separating a clump of the plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and stems. To do this, gently remove the plant from its pot or aquarium and carefully pull it apart into sections. Replant each section in a new pot or aquascape, making sure to keep the plant roots covered and the stem above the substrate.
Runners
Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. also propagate through runners, which are stems that grow along the substrate and produce new plantlets. When the runners are long enough, they can be snipped off from the mother plant and replanted in another pot or aquarium. Runners can also be encouraged to grow by providing adequate lighting, nutrients, and CO2 supplementation.
Cutting
Cutting is another propagation method for Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. This method involves taking a stem cutting from the main plant and replanting it in a new pot or aquarium. It is important to make sure that the cutting has at least a few leaves and a healthy root system. Cuttings can be planted directly into the substrate or grown in a water-filled container until they develop roots.
Seeds
While Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. can produce seeds, this method is less common due to the difficulty in obtaining viable seeds and growing them to maturity. Additionally, the plant's genetic diversity is reduced through seed propagation. If you do wish to try seed propagation, carefully collect the seeds from the plant and plant them in a well-draining soil mix or nutrient-rich substrate. Keep the soil moist and provide the seeds with adequate light to encourage germination.
Disease Management for Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb.
The Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. plant is generally quite healthy and resistant to most diseases. However, certain circumstances may leave it vulnerable to certain diseases, especially when grown in improper conditions or contaminated soil. Here are some common diseases that may affect Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause circular brown spots on the leaves and stems of Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. plants. It can be caused by improper irrigation and poor air circulation. To manage anthracnose, remove all affected leaves and stems and ensure that the plant receives adequate ventilation and appropriate watering.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can appear as a white, powdery coating on the leaves of Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. When growth is severe, powdery mildew can cause leaves to yellow and drop from the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove all affected leaves and stems and give the plant proper care and attention, including increasing the humidity levels and improving air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management for Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb.
Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. plants can be susceptible to certain pests, especially when they are grown in warm and dry environments. Here are some common pests that may affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that may attack Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. They can cause the leaves to yellow and distort in shape. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a solution of water and mild dish soap or insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves of Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. plants. They often thrive in dry conditions. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity levels around the plant and spray it with a solution of water and mild dish soap or insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause a white, cottony growth on the leaves of Oldenlandia callitrichoides Griseb. They can easily spread from plant to plant. To manage mealybugs, remove all affected leaves and stems and spray the plant with a solution of water and mild dish soap or insecticidal soap.
