Overview
Oplismenus undulatifolius is a creeping perennial grass that belongs to the family Poaceae (Grass family). Its common names are wavyleaf basketgrass, wavyleaf grass, and basketgrass. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
General Appearance
The plant grows up to 40 cm tall and spreads extensively through its creeping stems. The stems are slender, wiry, slightly hairy, and can produce roots when in contact with soil. The leaves are oval or elliptical and may grow up to 14 cm long and 6 cm wide. They have wavy margins, taper to a pointed tip, and are slightly hairy. The plant produces insignificant flowers, and the seeds are mostly sterile.
Uses
Oplismenus undulatifolius is grown primarily as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage. Its creeping stems make it an excellent groundcover plant, which helps to prevent erosion and weed growth. It is also suitable for growing in shady areas like under trees, where other plants may struggle to grow. Its lightweight stems are used in basket-making and for lining plant pots. Additionally, it is used in traditional medicine to treat stomach aches and fever in some regions of the world.
Light Requirements
Oplismenus undulatifolius prefers moderate to high levels of light, but can still tolerate some shade. It grows well under partial shade to full sun conditions for optimal growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm temperatures between 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C), but can also tolerate cooler temperatures between 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C). Temperatures below 50°F can cause damage to the plant, while temperatures above 86°F may hinder its growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy soils. However, it prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. Soil should be kept consistently moist and not allowed to dry out to prevent stress on the plant.
Addition of organic matter such as composted leaves or manure can significantly improve soil quality and plant growth, as well as help retain moisture.
Cultivation
Oplismenus undulatifolius, also known as wavyleaf basketgrass, is a low-growing perennial grass that is native to Southeast Asia but can now be found in many parts of the world. It is an easy plant to grow and is often used as a ground cover or as an accent plant in shaded gardens.
The plant prefers a shaded or partially shaded area and will not do well in direct sun. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, as long as the soil is well-draining. It is recommended to plant Oplismenus undulatifolius in the spring or early fall when the temperatures are cooler.
When planting, ensure that the soil is moist and that the plant has enough room to spread. It is essential to keep the soil moist during the first few weeks after planting to help establish the plant's root system. After this, the plant should be watered regularly but not excessively to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Needs
Wavyleaf basketgrass thrives in moist soil and requires frequent watering, especially during the summer season. However, over-watering must be avoided as it may damage the plant's root system and promote fungal growth.
It is best to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent evaporation and reduce water loss. During periods of rainfall, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent waterlogging the soil.
Fertilization
Wavyleaf basketgrass does not require excessive feeding, but applying a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season can promote healthy growth.
The fertilizer should have balanced macronutrients, and a 10-10-10 formulation is suitable. Apply the fertilizer at the recommended rate as too much fertilizer can burn the plant leaves.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Oplismenus undulatifolius, but it can help maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth.
Dead or damaged foliage should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the plant from wasting energy on repairing diseased parts. It is best to use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts and prevent damaging the plant.
Propagation of Oplismenus undulatifolius (Ard.) Beauv.
Oplismenus undulatifolius (Ard.) Beauv., commonly known as wavyleaf basketgrass or wavyleaf grass, is a warm-season perennial grass native to Africa and Asia. It is a popular ornamental plant grown for its decorative leaves and low-maintenance requirements. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including division, stem cuttings, and seed propagation.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is a simple and effective way to propagate Oplismenus undulatifolius. The best time to divide the plant is during the spring when it begins to produce new growth. To propagate, carefully dig up the plant and separate it into smaller divisions, making sure that each division has a good root system and several stems. The divisions can then be planted in prepared soil at the same depth as the parent plant.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cutting propagation is another simple way to propagate Oplismenus undulatifolius. The best time to take stem cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, take a 4-6 inch stem cutting from the parent plant, making sure that the cutting has at least 2-3 nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in moist soil and keep it in a warm, humid location with filtered light. After a few weeks, the cutting should begin to root and new growth should appear.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a popular method for propagating Oplismenus undulatifolius. The best time to sow seeds is in the spring after the last frost. To propagate, sow the seeds in a prepared soil mix, covering them with a light layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and seedlings should emerge within a few weeks. Once the seedlings grow to a sufficient size, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Oplismenus undulatifolius is susceptible to several diseases that can greatly affect its growth and yield. The most common diseases affecting this plant include:
- Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease is characterized by small, circular spots on the leaves that gradually enlarge and merge, causing reduced plant vigor and productivity. It can be managed by removing and destroying infected leaves, practicing crop rotation, and applying fungicides.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms include leaf spots, stem cankers, and shoot dieback. It can be managed by practicing good sanitation, using disease-free planting materials, and applying fungicides.
- Bacterial Wilt: This disease is caused by the bacterium Erwinia carotovora. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and death of leaves and shoots. Infected plants should be immediately removed and destroyed to prevent further spread of the disease. Crop rotation and good sanitation practices also help in managing the disease.
Pest Management
Oplismenus undulatifolius is also susceptible to several pests that can cause severe damage to the plant. The most common pests affecting this plant include:
- Armyworms: These are the larvae of certain moths and can cause severe defoliation of the plant. They can be managed by handpicking and destroying the larvae, applying insecticides, and using pheromone traps to monitor and control their population.
- Grasshoppers: These are chewing insects that can cause severe damage to the leaves and stem. They can be managed by handpicking and destroying the insects, using insecticides, and planting trap crops that attract and distract them from the main crop.
- Mites: These are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry up. They can be managed by applying acaricides, practicing good sanitation, and using predatory mites to control their population.
