Origin
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek. is a plant species belonging to the family Rubiaceae. This plant is native to tropical and subtropical Africa.
Common Names
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek. is commonly known as Microcarp Oldenlandia or Tiny-fruited Mistletoe.
Appearance
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek. is a woody, perennial herb that grows up to 1m tall. The leaves are thin, lance-shaped and 1-9cm long. The flowers are small and white, borne in clusters at the end of the stems.
The fruit is an oval-shaped capsule that measures about 1.5mm in diameter. The plant's stem is covered with soft white hairs.
Uses
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek. is used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments. Extracts from this plant have been shown to exhibit antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant is also used to treat malaria, fever, and diarrhea.
Additionally, Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek. is used in landscaping as an ornamental plant. It can be grown as a ground cover or border plant, and its small size makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens or small flower beds.
Light Requirements
Oldenlandia lancifolia var. microcarpa prefers light conditions that are bright but indirect. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching and damage to the plant. Therefore, positioning the plant in an area that receives partial to full shade is ideal.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Oldenlandia lancifolia var. microcarpa is between 20°C to 28°C. It is sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations, and the temperature should not drop below 15°C. The plant is frost-sensitive and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have adequate moisture-holding capacity. Adding compost or organic matter to the soil can help improve soil structure and the plant's overall health. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can cause root rot and other soil-borne diseases.
Cultivation of Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek.
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek. is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that grows well in tropical regions. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can grow in various soil types, including loamy soil, sandy soil, and clay soil. However, it thrives and blooms better in rich, fertile soil.
The plant grows well in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It requires full sun exposure to thrive, but you can grow it under partial shade if you live in a hot and dry area.
Watering Needs of Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek.
The watering needs of Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek. largely depend on the weather conditions and soil type. The plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate short periods of dryness. Overwatering the plant can lead to root rot and other diseases.
It is best to water the plant once or twice a week during the hot and dry season and reduce the frequency during the rainy season. Provide enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization of Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek.
To keep the plant healthy and encourage blooming, you can fertilize Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek. once every two to three weeks using a balanced fertilizer or organic compost. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage leaf growth rather than blooming.
You can also mix slow-release fertilizer into the soil during planting to provide a steady supply of nutrients to the plant throughout the growing season.
Pruning of Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek.
Pruning is not necessary for Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek., as the plant has a natural growth habit and does not grow too tall or bushy. However, you can prune the plant to control its shape and size or remove any dead or damaged stems and leaves.
To prune the plant, use clean and sharp pruning shears and make clean cuts just above a leaf node. Avoid cutting into the woody stem, as this can damage the plant and encourage disease and pests.
Propagation of Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek.
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek. can be propagated through vegetative and sexual means depending on the desired number of plants, time, and available resources.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves the use of plant parts such as leaves, stems, roots, or bulbs to produce new plants. Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek. can be propagated vegetatively through cuttings and division.
Cuttings: Stem cuttings can be obtained from healthy parent plants. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should contain at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower node and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in a soil medium. Water the plant and cover it with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. After four weeks, the new plants should have developed roots and can be transplanted to a larger container or bed.
Division: This method involves separating plant clumps into smaller parts, each of which can grow into a new plant. Dig up the clump and divide into smaller parts using a sharp knife or spade. Each part should have a healthy root and stem section. Transplant each part into a suitable growing medium, water it adequately and wait for the plant to become established.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds to grow new plants. This method is useful in creating a large number of plants but requires more time, resources, and effort.
Seed collection: Collect the seeds directly from the parent plant when they are ripe. The seeds of Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek. are small and can be easily dispersed by wind. Collect the seeds in a paper bag or envelope. Store them in a cool, dry place for future use.
Seed propagation: Sow the seeds in a seedling tray filled with a suitable soil medium. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of the same medium and water the tray. Place the tray in a warm, well-lit area or use a propagation mat. Keep the soil moderately moist and watch out for signs of germination. Once the seedlings emerge, water them regularly and transplant to a larger container or bed when they become established.
Propagation of Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek. can be achieved through any of the above-listed methods but must be carried out correctly to achieve success.
Disease Management
Oldenlandia lancifolia (Schumach.) DC. var. microcarpa Bremek. is a relatively disease-resistant plant under optimal growing conditions. However, there are some diseases that may still affect the plant.
Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust are common in Oldenlandia lancifolia. To manage these diseases, it is important to ensure good air circulation around the plants and control humidity. Remove any infected leaves and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease. Use fungicides as a last resort if other methods are ineffective.
Viral diseases such as leaf curl and mosaic virus can also affect Oldenlandia lancifolia. The best way to manage these diseases is to ensure healthy plant growth by providing optimal growing conditions and removing infected plants immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Oldenlandia lancifolia is also relatively pest-resistant, but there are a few pests that may still pose a problem.
Aphids are a common pest that may attack Oldenlandia lancifolia. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can also help control aphids.
Spider mites may also infest Oldenlandia lancifolia, particularly in dry conditions. To manage spider mites, ensure proper humidity and keep the plant well-watered. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as a last resort.
Thrips are another potential pest for Oldenlandia lancifolia. To manage thrips, remove heavily infested plant parts and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regularly inspecting the plant for pests and diseases is important to catch any issues early and prevent their spread.
