Overview
Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John is a rare and unique plant species that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is commonly known as "Hala uluwehi" or "Hala wahine" and is native to Hawaii.Appearance
Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John is a small to medium-sized shrub that grows up to 6 feet tall. It has a thick, woody stem and sturdy branches that form a dense and rounded crown. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and pinnately compound with 3-7 leaflets. The plant's colorful flowers are small and white, appearing in clusters on the end of the branches.Uses
In Hawaiian culture, Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John is believed to have medicinal properties. The plant's bark, leaves, and roots have been traditionally used to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, and infections. The bark of the plant has also been used to make traditional Hawaiian baskets, while the leaves are used in lei making due to their aromatic and ornamental qualities. The plant is also considered an important ecological species as it provides a habitat for various native birds and invertebrates.Conservation Status
Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John is listed as a critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to habitat loss, invasive species, and over-harvesting for cultural practices. Conservation efforts are currently underway to save this unique plant species from extinction.Growth Conditions for Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John
Light Requirements: This plant is native to sunny areas, which indicates that it requires plenty of bright, direct sunlight to grow adequately. It thrives when provided with full sunlight, but to avoid scorching, it is recommended to place the plant in an area that receives partial shade for a few hours each day.
Temperature Requirements: The ideal temperature range for Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John is moderate to warm. It prefers to grow in temperatures that range from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, it is crucial to keep the plant in an area that provides warmth and protection from cold drafts.
Soil Requirements: Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John requires a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil to grow successfully. It thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral soil that has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5. A soil mix that contains compost, perlite, and peat moss can be used to provide adequate drainage and nutrition for the plant to grow well.
Water Requirements: This plant prefers moderate amounts of water. It is essential not to overwater the plant, as it is susceptible to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering. This plant can tolerate some periods of drought but cannot survive in consistently dry soil.
Fertilizer Requirements: Peleapickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John needs to be fertilized regularly to maintain its growth. A fertilizer that contains higher levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used to promote plant growth. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied once every three to four months.
Cultivation
Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John is a tropical plant that grows well in warm and humid climates. It prefers partial shade and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
It is best grown in a container, as it can reach heights of up to 10 feet and can become difficult to manage in a garden setting. When choosing a container, make sure it is large enough to accommodate the root system and has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the healthy growth of the Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John. It prefers consistent moisture but does not tolerate standing water. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
During the winter months, reduce watering frequency to prevent the plant from becoming waterlogged.
Fertilization
Fertilize Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John once every three months during the growing season, from spring to fall. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to control the size and shape of Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John. It responds well to pruning and can be cut back to promote branching and bushiness.
Prune in the spring before the plant enters its active growth phase. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts and prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John
Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is up to the grower to decide which one to use.
Propagation from Seeds
The seeds of Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John are small and should be sown as soon as they are ripe. They require well-draining soil and a warm, humid environment to germinate. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take several weeks to a few months.
After the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, they can be transplanted into individual pots. The soil should be kept moist, and the plants should be placed in a bright location but protected from direct sunlight. Once they have reached a certain size, they can be transplanted into larger pots or into the ground.
Propagation from Cuttings
Propagation from cuttings can be a faster method of reproducing Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John, especially if the grower has access to a mature plant. The cuttings should be taken from new growth in the spring or summer.
The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should be taken from the tip of the stem. They should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be placed in a warm, humid environment. In a few weeks, the cuttings should begin to root, and they can be transplanted into individual pots. Once they have reached a certain size, they can be transplanted into larger pots or into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John
Healthy plants are often less susceptible to diseases and pests than stressed or weakened plants. Thus, it is best to maintain the optimal growing conditions for Pelea pickeringii.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Pelea pickeringii is powdery mildew, which is caused by a fungal pathogen. The symptoms of this disease include a white powdery coating on the leaves, which can eventually cause the leaves to curl and drop. To prevent powdery mildew, it is important to practice good hygiene and sanitation in the garden. Remove infected leaves and destroy them immediately to prevent the disease from spreading. Additionally, space out the plants to promote good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
Anthrax spot is another fungal disease that causes brownish-black leaf spots. This disease can be managed by practicing good sanitation in the garden, pruning infected leaves and stems, and using fungicides.
Common Pests
Aphids are sap-sucking insects that can affect Pelea pickeringii. These pests can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Another option is to introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or lacewings, which feed on aphids.
Spider mites are another common pest that can affect Pelea pickeringii. These pests can be controlled by increasing the humidity around the plant and spraying it with water. Additionally, predatory mites can be introduced to the garden to feed on the spider mites.
Caterpillars can also be a pest that eats the leaves of the Pelea pickeringii. They can be removed by hand or by using insecticidal soap.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in Pelea pickeringii St. John var. citriodorata St. John requires early detection and proper sanitation measures. By following these steps, gardeners can maintain healthy and vigorous plants that are less susceptible to diseases and pests.
