Overview
Ornithogalum hispidum Hornem. subsp. hispidum is a herbaceous plant species that belongs to the Hyacinthaceae family. It is native to the Cape Province of South Africa, where it grows in sandy and rocky soils. This plant is commonly known as star of Bethlehem, sowbread, hispid star-of-Bethlehem, or green star-of-Bethlehem.
Appearance
The plant grows from small bulbs that produce stems that can reach up to 60 cm in height. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring up to 1 cm in width and 20 cm in length. The flowers are produced in a dense raceme that can contain up to 25 white star-shaped flowers with green stripes. They bloom in the late spring or early summer and can last for up to three weeks.
Uses
Ornithogalum hispidum Hornem. subsp. hispidum is mostly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is often grown as a cut flower in the floriculture industry due to its long-lasting blooms. However, the plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The bulbs have been used as a diuretic, a purgative, and as a remedy for cough, cold, and fever. However, caution must be taken as the plant is toxic when consumed in large quantities.
Cultivation
The plant is easy to grow and prefers well-drained soils with direct sunlight exposure. It can tolerate some light shade and moderate drought conditions. The bulbs are usually planted in the fall, and the plant can be propagated through offsets or seeds. However, the plant can be invasive in some areas due to quick spreading through bulb offsets. Therefore, it is advised to monitor its growth and remove any unwanted bulbs that may cause overcrowding.
Light Requirements
The Ornithogalum hispidum Hornem. subsp. hispidum is a plant that grows well in partial to full sunlight. The plant can tolerate partial shade but needs to receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow optimally. It's important to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day as it may cause damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can grow in hot and dry conditions. It is recommended to keep the temperature between 20-25°C for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate low temperatures of about 0°C but only for a short period. A frost-free environment is therefore essential for the Ornithogalum hispidum Hornem. subsp. hispidum to thrive.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil, that is rich in organic matter. A sandy loam soil is ideal, however, the plant can grow on sandy soils with low organic content. A pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal for the plant. The plant should be planted in a location that is protected from strong winds as it can cause damage to the delicate leaves.
Cultivation Methods
Ornithogalum hispidum Hornem. subsp. hispidum, also known as star-of-Bethlehem, has small white flowers that resemble stars. This plant is native to South Africa and can thrive both indoors and outdoors. To cultivate this plant, it is best to plant it in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant requires full sun to partial shade and should be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. It is recommended to plant the bulbs in the fall, and they will require six to eight weeks to develop roots before the growing season.
Watering Needs
Ornithogalum hispidum Hornem. subsp. hispidum requires moderate watering. It is best to water deeply once a week and allow the soil to dry partially between watering sessions. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to avoid root rot. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, it requires less water. Ensure the bulbs are not sitting in standing water, as this can be detrimental to the plant's growth.
Fertilization
It is recommended to fertilize Ornithogalum hispidum Hornem. subsp. hispidum during its active growing season, which is from spring to summer. Use a balanced fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two to three weeks. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season, which is from fall to winter, as it will not require the additional nutrients when it is not actively growing.
Pruning
Ornithogalum hispidum Hornem. subsp. hispidum does not require any pruning, but you can remove any dead or damaged leaves as they happen. The bulbs can be dug up and divided every three to four years, and this should be done during the plant's dormancy season. Ensure that each new division has a small piece of the basal plate attached to ensure the bulb will grow successfully.
Propagation of Ornithogalum hispidum Hornem. subsp. hispidum
The plant Ornithogalum hispidum Hornem. subsp. hispidum can be propagated by various methods, including through seeds, bulbs, offsets, and division. The propagation method employed depends on the grower's preferred method and the plant's growing conditions.
Propagation through Seeds
The propagation of Ornithogalum hispidum Hornem. subsp. hispidum through seeds is a feasible method for growers who want to expand their collection. The seeds need to be sown in a well-draining soil mix with adequate nutrients and kept in a warm, moist environment. The plant will germinate in 2-3 weeks, and it may take several years for the plant to mature.
Propagation through Bulbs
The quickest method to propagate Ornithogalum hispidum Hornem. subsp. hispidum is through bulbs. The bulbs should be planted in well-draining soil with good organic matter. The bulbs should be planted three to four times their depth to prevent rot. Water regularly, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. The bulbs will start producing offsets, resulting in new plants.
Propagation through Offsets
Ornithogalum hispidum Hornem. subsp. hispidum produces offsets regularly through the life cycle of the plant. The offsets can be removed from the mother plant and planted separately in a well-draining potting mix. Water the offsets frequently, and avoid over-watering to prevent rot. The offset will mature into a new plant with time.
Propagation through Division
The propagation method through division is similar to offset propagation, where the bulbs are dug up and separated. However, the division method requires a sterile knife or blade to avoid bacterial and fungal contamination. The bulbs are separated to form smaller clumps, each with roots and crown. The separated clumps are planted in a well-draining soil with good organic matter and root hormone to assist with root formation. Water regularly, and avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
Disease and Pest Management for Ornithogalum hispidum Hornem. subsp. hispidum
Ornithogalum hispidum Hornem. subsp. hispidum is a hardy plant that can withstand adverse conditions and is generally free from pests and diseases. However, fungal infections and pests may still occur, and it is essential to take preventive measures to control them.
Common Diseases
Gray Mold: Gray mold is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea and typically occurs in humid conditions. This disease infects the flowers, leaves, and stems of the plant, causing them to turn brown and wilt. To manage it, remove infected plant parts and improve ventilation by spacing the plants to prevent overcrowding. Fungal sprays can also help control the disease.
Rust: Rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia ornithogali, and it appears as yellow-orange to reddish-brown spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Rust typically occurs in warm, humid conditions. To manage rust, remove and destroy all infected plant parts and avoid overhead irrigation to prevent the spread of spores. Fungicide sprays can also control rust.
Bulb Rot: Bulb rot is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum and typically affects the lower part of the plant. The leaves turn yellow, and the bulbs become soft and mushy. To manage bulb rot, avoid overwatering the plants and apply a fungicide to the soil before planting. Destroy all diseased bulbs and sterilize the soil with hot water or fungicide before replanting.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant sap and cause the leaves to have a stippled appearance. They also secrete a sticky substance that attracts sooty mold. To manage spider mites, spray the plants with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, and ensure the leaves are well-watered to prevent them from becoming dry and brittle.
Thrips: Thrips are small, winged insects that feed on the flowers, leaves, and stems of plants. They cause the leaves to become distorted and discolored. To manage thrips, keep the area free from weeds and debris to reduce their breeding habitat. Use yellow sticky traps to capture adult thrips and spray the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Snails and Slugs: Snails and slugs are mollusks that can cause damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage snails and slugs, remove any debris or hiding places near the plants, handpick them using gloves, and dispose of them away from the garden. Use copper barriers around the plants or apply iron phosphate baits to the soil to deter them.
