Overview: Pelea grandifolia (Hbd.) St. John & Hume var. ovalifolia (Hbd.) St. John
Pelea grandifolia (Hbd.) St. John & Hume var. ovalifolia (Hbd.) St. John, also known as the large-leaved pelea, is a flowering plant in the family Rutaceae. This plant is native to Hawaii and can be found in wet or mesic forests at elevations between 3,000 to 4,000 feet.
Appearance:
The Pelea grandifolia plant can grow up to 20 feet tall, and it has a broad, bushy form with a diameter of up to 15 feet. The leaves of this plant are large, oval-shaped, and glossy green in color, measuring up to 10 inches long and 5 inches wide. The leaves are smooth on the upper surface, while the undersurface is covered with fine hairs. The plant produces small, fragrant, and inconspicuous flowers that grow in clusters at the branch tips.
Common Names:
The Pelea grandifolia (Hbd.) St. John & Hume var. ovalifolia (Hbd.) St. John is commonly known as the large-leaved pelea, or simply as Pelea.
Uses:
The Pelea grandifolia plant has been used in traditional Hawaiian medicine for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. The bark of the plant was also used to make a red dye for fabric. Today, the plant is primarily used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive and distinctive appearance, particularly in landscaping and decorative gardening.
Light Requirements
Pelea grandifolia var. ovalifolia requires bright indirect light to thrive. They cannot tolerate direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.
Temperature Preferences
The plant prefers warm temperatures, with a range of 65-80°F (18-27°C) during the day and 60-65°F (15-18°C) at night. It doesn't tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature well.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. A good soil mix for Pelea grandifolia var. ovalifolia could include a combination of peat moss, perlite, and compost. The plant needs good drainage, so adding sand to the soil mix can be beneficial.
Watering Needs
Pelea grandifolia var. ovalifolia prefers consistently moist soil but can be prone to root rot if over-watered. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering, and make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent standing water.
Cultivation and Care of Pelea Grandifolia (Hbd.) St. John & Hume var. Ovalifolia (Hbd.) St. John
Pelea Grandifolia (Hbd.) St. John & Hume var. Ovalifolia (Hbd.) St. John, commonly known as the Hawaiian Pelea, is a rare and endangered native plant of Hawaii. It is a slow-growing shrub that grows up to 20 feet tall, and it produces yellowish-white flowers. Here are some cultivation methods and care instructions for the Hawaiian Pelea.
Soil and Watering Needs
The Hawaiian Pelea prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It needs regular watering but doesn't like to be overwatered. During the growing season, water it regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to avoid waterlogging. During the dormant season, reduce watering but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Fertilization
Use slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to provide the Hawaiian Pelea with the necessary nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can cause damage to the plant. Fertilize the plant twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for recommended dosages.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Hawaiian Pelea, but it can be done to shape the plant or remove dead or diseased branches. Prune the plant after it has finished flowering and before the new growth begins in the spring. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Remove any dead or diseased branches and cut back any overgrown or out-of-shape branches. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the total plant growth in a single season.
With proper care and attention, the Hawaiian Pelea can thrive and add beauty to any garden or landscape. Keep it healthy by providing the necessary nutrients, watering regularly, and pruning correctly.
Propagation of Pelea grandifolia (Hbd.) St. John & Hume var. ovalifolia (Hbd.) St. John
Pelea grandifolia (Hbd.) St. John & Hume var. ovalifolia (Hbd.) St. John can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.
Propagation by Seeds
The recommended method for sexual propagation of Pelea grandifolia (Hbd.) St. John & Hume var. ovalifolia (Hbd.) St. John is through seeds. To propagate the plant using seeds, the fruits which contain the seeds should be collected when they are completely ripened. The fruits can be opened to remove the seeds. The seeds should then be placed in water to remove any fruit pulp or debris that may be sticking to them.
After cleaning the seeds, they should be placed on a seed bed. The seed bed should be well drained and should have a soil mixture that contains enough organic matter. The seeds should be planted in shallow holes, lightly covered with soil to prevent birds, and the soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate.
Propagation by Cuttings
Asexual propagation of Pelea grandifolia (Hbd.) St. John & Hume var. ovalifolia (Hbd.) St. John can be done through stem cuttings taken from healthy and mature plants. The recommended time for taking stem cuttings is during the early spring when the plant is actively growing.
The stem cuttings should be taken using a sharp, sterile knife and should be approximately 8-10 cm long. The leaves and buds at the bottom of the cutting should be removed. The cutting should be planted vertically in a pot of well-draining and moist soil mixture. To retain moisture, the pot should be covered with a transparent plastic bag and kept in a shaded area to let roots grow within a few weeks.
When the roots have grown to an adequate length, the plastic bag should be removed from the pot and the cutting should be transplanted into a larger pot or in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Pelea Grandifolia Var. Ovalifolia
Pelea grandifolia var. ovalifolia (Hbd.) St. John & Hume is generally a healthy plant. However, it is vulnerable to certain diseases and pests, which can hinder its growth and productivity. Disease and pest management is crucial for maintaining the plant's health and vitality.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Pelea grandifolia var. ovalifolia are root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot disease. Root rot is caused by a waterlogged soil condition that leads to the decay of the plant's roots. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that manifests as a white powdery coating on the plant's leaves and stems. Leaf spot disease is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection that causes yellow or brown spots on the plant's leaves.
Disease Management
To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered, improve soil drainage, and remove any affected roots. In severe cases, it may be necessary to repot the plant in fresh soil. To manage powdery mildew, spray the plant with a mixture of water and neem oil or a fungicidal soap. For leaf spot disease, remove any affected leaves and reduce water splashing on the foliage.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Pelea grandifolia var. ovalifolia are spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown. Mealybugs are small, white, fluffy pests that also suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems. Scale insects are small, scale-like pests that attach themselves to the plant's stems and suck the sap.
Pest Management
To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a mixture of water and neem oil or insecticidal soap. Mealybugs can be removed manually, or the plant can be sprayed with a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap. Scale insects can be also removed manually or sprayed with insecticidal soap or oil.
Regular monitoring of the plant for any signs of disease or pests is crucial for early detection and management. It is also important to maintain good cultural practices, such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning, to keep the plant healthy and strong, which can help prevent disease and pest infestations.
