Origin and Common Names
Oldenlandia violacea K.Schum. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to different tropical regions of the world, including Asia, Africa, and South America. This plant is commonly known as Purple False-Madder, Purple Oldenlandia, or Violet Madder.
General Appearance
Oldenlandia violacea is a small, herbaceous plant that can grow up to a height of 30-40 cm. It has a small and oval-shaped leaf, which is around 1.5 cm long and 0.5 cm wide, and a diameter of 2-4 mm. The plant features little, star-shaped, and purple flowers that appear in clusters from the leaf axils. Each flower measures around 1 cm in diameter and has five petals. The plant produces small, elongated capsules that carry numerous tiny, brownish seeds.
Uses
Oldenlandia violacea K.Schum. is widely used for medicinal purposes. The plant contains a vast array of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, that have therapeutic uses. In traditional medicine, the root, leaves, and stems of the plant are used to treat many ailments, including fever, malaria, asthma, cough, and mucosal infections. The plant extracts have shown significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties.
Aside from medicinal use, Oldenlandia violacea has also found some use in the cosmetic industry. The plant's extracts are known to have skin-nourishing properties, which make them suitable ingredients in many skincare products, such as creams and lotions.
Light Requirements
Oldenlandia violacea K.Schum. requires bright and indirect light for optimum growth. It can tolerate a few hours of direct sun during the morning and evening, but exposure to too much direct sun can cause leaf scorching. It is best to place the plant near a bright window with filtered light or under grow lights for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in temperatures ranging between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. Anything below 15 degrees Celsius can lead to stunted growth, while anything above 27 degrees Celsius can cause the plant to wilt and die. Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius are also detrimental to the plant's growth and survival. Consistent temperatures and avoidance of temperature fluctuations are essential for the healthy growth of this plant.
Soil and Watering Requirements
Oldenlandia violacea K.Schum. thrives in well-draining and well-aerated soil that is rich in organic matter. Soil that is too heavy and retains excess moisture can lead to root rot, while soil that is too light can cause the plant to dry out too quickly. It is essential to water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid over-watering which can cause root rot. The ideal watering schedule may vary depending on the plant's location and temperature, so it’s recommended to monitor the plant’s soil moisture levels regularly.
Cultivation of Oldenlandia violacea K.Schum.
Oldenlandia violacea K.Schum. thrives well in a warm and humid environment. Therefore, it is best grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions. It can be grown in both pots and garden beds, depending on the personal preferences of the grower.
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. A soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal. Soil should be rich in organic matter, and the addition of compost or well-rotted manure will improve soil fertility.
Propagation is by seed or stem cuttings. Seedlings should be transplanted into pots or garden beds after reaching a height of 10 cm. In contrast, stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants around September to October and then rooted in a rooting hormone and planted in a suitable potting mix or soil.
Watering Needs of Oldenlandia violacea K.Schum.
The plant requires consistent moisture but does not tolerate water-logged soil. Overwatering can cause root rot and a weakened plant. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged to keep the plant healthy. Watering should be reduced in winter months to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization of Oldenlandia violacea K.Schum.
The plant should be fertilized with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring to summer). Organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion and composted manure provide an excellent source of nutrients for the plant.
It is also good to supplement with a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season.
Pruning of Oldenlandia violacea K.Schum.
The plant requires minimal pruning. However, to encourage bushy, compact growth and enhance flowering, it is advisable to pinch or cut back the tips of the stems. Pruning should be done during the growing season, but avoid pruning during the winter months as this can stress the plant.
Dead or diseased stems should be removed regularly as part of maintenance to keep the plant healthy.
Propagation of Oldenlandia violacea K.Schum.
Oldenlandia violacea K.Schum. is a plant that can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and division of mature plants.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is one of the easiest and most reliable methods of propagating Oldenlandia violacea K.Schum. Seeds should be collected from mature plants. It is important to sow seeds immediately after collection.
Seeds can be sown in seedling trays filled with seedling mix. Seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil. Watering should be done using a fine spray to avoid washing away the seeds. The seeds should be kept moist and away from direct sunlight until germination occurs, which can take up to two weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another effective method of propagating Oldenlandia violacea K.Schum. For this method, it is important to select healthy stems that are green and mature. Cuttings should be taken in the early morning to prevent wilting.
Cuttings with 2-3 nodes are ideal for propagation. Remove the leaves on the bottom node and plant the cutting in a pot filled with potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid area until roots appear, which can take up to 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is suitable when the plant has become overcrowded or mature. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the root system should be divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a good root system and some shoots.
Plant each section in a pot filled with potting mix. Water the plant and keep it in a warm, humid environment until new growth appears, which can take up to two weeks.
Disease Management
Oldenlandia violacea is prone to fungal and bacterial diseases, which can cause significant damage to the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. One common disease that affects this plant is leaf blight, which is a fungal disease that causes small, irregular spots on the plant's leaves. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide. Two good options are Copper Fungicide and Neem Oil which are organic treatments that can help control this disease.
Another disease that can affect Oldenlandia violacea is bacterial wilt. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and browning of the leaves and stems. If your plant is infected, it is best to remove it to prevent the disease from spreading.
Rust is another fungal disease that can affect this plant. Rust appears as yellow, orange, or brown pustules on the leaves. To treat rust, it is necessary to improve air circulation, remove affected leaves, and apply a fungicide that contains copper or sulfur.
Pest Management
Oldenlandia violacea is also susceptible to pests such as aphids, mites, and whiteflies. Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant and can cause damage to the leaves and stems. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Mites are another pest that can affect this plant. To manage mites, you can use a miticide or spray the plant with water.
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that are attracted to the underside of leaves. They can cause damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves. To treat whiteflies, it is important to remove the infected plant parts and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
It is also important to inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests or disease. Early detection is crucial because the earlier you catch a problem, the easier it is to manage it.
