Overview
Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii (St. John) B.C. Stone is a species of flowering plant in the rue family, Rutaceae. It is native to the Hawaiian Islands and is known by several common names, including Pickering's pelea and 'aiea.
Appearance
Pealea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 20 feet tall. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. The flowers are small and white, and are borne in dense clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit that follows is a three-lobed capsule about 1/2 inch long, containing small seeds.
Uses
The bark, leaves, and flowers of Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii have been used traditionally in Hawaiian medicine for their antiseptic and analgesic properties. The plant has also been used for its timber, as it is durable and resistant to rot. It is also grown as an ornamental plant and is commonly used in landscaping due to its attractive foliage and small size.
Cultivation
Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii is relatively easy to grow and can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant once established, but will benefit from regular watering in dry weather. Pruning can be done to shape the plant, and fertilization is recommended in the spring and fall.
Light requirements
Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii typically grows well under full sunlight exposure. The plant can also tolerate some shade, but it is important to ensure it receives adequate sunlight for proper growth.
Temperature requirements
Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii prefers warm temperatures ranging between 70-85°F (21-29°C), but it can also tolerate slightly cooler temperatures that range between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
Soil requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii prefers slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.5 but it can also tolerate soils with a slightly higher or lower pH. It is important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods for Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii (St. John) B.C. Stone
For successful cultivation, Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii requires well-drained soil, as the plant can suffer from root rot in water-logged soil. It is also essential to provide a warm and humid environment, as the plant is native to tropical regions.
When planting, ensure you have enough space between each seedling, as the plant can grow up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii grows best in a location with full sun or partial shade.
Watering Needs for Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii (St. John) B.C. Stone
Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii requires regular watering to thrive. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, making sure to avoid overwatering. Be mindful not to water the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases and other issues.
Fertilization for Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii (St. John) B.C. Stone
For optimal growth, Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii requires fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer with high nitrogen content in the spring and summer months. In fall, reduce the fertilizer application so the plant can prepare for winter dormancy.
Pruning for Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii (St. John) B.C. Stone
It is essential to prune Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii regularly to maintain its shape and promote optimal growth. Prune the plant in early spring before new growth emerges, removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the tips of young shoots.
Propagation of Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii (St. John) B.C. Stone
The plant Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii (St. John) B.C. Stone can be propagated by seeds and cuttings. Both propagation methods offer various advantages, depending on the desired outcome and resources available.
Propagation by seeds
To propagate Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii (St. John) B.C. Stone by seeds, the following steps are recommended:
- Collect fresh seeds from healthy plants during the wet season.
- Clean the seeds and remove any debris or pulp.
- Soak the seeds in clean water for 24 hours to aid germination.
- Plant the seeds in well-draining soil with good moisture retention.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Place the seeds in a warm and humid environment, ideally at a temperature of 25-30°C.
- Germination typically occurs within 2-4 weeks.
- Transplant the seedlings into individual pots or a prepared nursery bed when they are large enough to handle.
- Continue to grow the seedlings until they reach a suitable size for planting out in the field.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagating Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii (St. John) B.C. Stone by cuttings has the advantage of producing clones of the parent plant, ensuring desirable traits are maintained. Here are the recommended steps for propagation by cuttings:
- Select a healthy parent plant with vigorous growth and disease-free foliage.
- Take cuttings from semi-hardwood stems, approximately 6-8 inches in length.
- Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings, leaving only a few at the tip.
- Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder.
- Plant the cutting in well-draining soil in a pot or prepared nursery bed.
- Water the cuttings thoroughly and keep them in a warm and humid environment with filtered sunlight.
- Roots should begin to form within 4-6 weeks.
- Transplant the cuttings into individual pots or a prepared nursery bed when they are large enough to handle.
- Continue to grow the cuttings until they reach a suitable size for planting out in the field.
Disease Management for Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii (St. John) B.C. Stone
There are a few common diseases that can affect Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and stems, while leaf spot causes circular brown or black spots on the leaves. Root rot, as the name suggests, affects the roots and can cause stunted growth and wilting of the plant.
To manage powdery mildew, it's important to keep the plant's leaves dry, as the fungus thrives in damp conditions. Remove any infected leaves and dispose of them to prevent the spread of the disease. Neem oil can also be effective in controlling powdery mildew.
Leaf spot can be managed by removing any infected leaves and disposing of them, as well as avoiding overhead watering. Copper-based fungicides can also be effective in controlling leaf spot.
Root rot can be difficult to manage, as it is often caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can be used to treat the disease in its early stages, but prevention is key when it comes to root rot.
Pest Management for Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii (St. John) B.C. Stone
There are several pests that can affect Pelea clusiifolia Gray var. pickeringii, including mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony pests on the leaves and stems, while spider mites cause speckling on the leaves and produce fine webs. Thrips are small, flying insects that can cause distortion and discoloration of the leaves.
To control mealybugs, prune away any heavily infested areas and use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove the pests from the plant. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in controlling mealybugs.
Spider mites can be controlled by increasing humidity around the plant and using a sharp stream of water to wash them off the leaves. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in controlling spider mites.
Thrips can be managed by removing any infested leaves and avoiding over-fertilization, which can attract the pests. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in controlling thrips.
