Origin
Pelea semiternata St. John, also known as akia, is a species of plant in the soapberry family Sapindaceae. It is native to Hawaii, specifically the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Oahu.
Common Names
In addition to akia, Pelea semiternata St. John goes by other common names such as Hawaiian pelea, kula, and oheakai.
Uses
In traditional Hawaiian medicine, the bark and leaves of Pelea semiternata St. John were used to treat various ailments such as stomach problems, cough, and sore throat. The plant was also used for its diuretic and laxative properties.
Today, Pelea semiternata St. John is mainly grown as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance and ability to attract birds and butterflies. Its wood is also used for carving and making musical instruments.
General Appearance
Pelea semiternata St. John is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. Its leaves are glossy and green, and grow in opposite pairs along the stems. The plant produces clusters of small, yellowish-green flowers that give way to small, round fruits with a red or orange hue. The bark is smooth and grey, and can sometimes peel off in thin layers.
Light Requirements
Pelea semiternata St. John thrives in bright light conditions. The plant requires at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or bright filtered light to grow well. When positioned in low light, its growth becomes stunted and its leaves turn pale and weak.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Pelea semiternata St. John is between 65°F to 80°F. It is a tropical plant and cannot withstand low temperatures. Ensure that the temperature does not drop below 60°F, as this will result in damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil for optimal growth. The soil pH must be between 6.0 to 7.5 for Pelea semiternata St. John to thrive. A pH outside this range will cause the plant to absorb fewer nutrients and become deficient. The soil must also be kept moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
The Pelea semiternata St. John, commonly known as the 'Ohi'a Lehua is a native Hawaiian plant and is relatively easy to cultivate. They prefer a sunny and humid environment, but can adapt to lower light conditions as well. While propagating through seeds is possible, it is recommended to propagate by cuttings, as this method ensures that the new plant will have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Watering
It's important to keep the soil of the Pelea semiternata moist but not waterlogged. Watering them moderately once a week during summers and every 10 days during winters is sufficient. However, make sure the soil dries out a little bit between watering sessions. You can reduce the watering frequency if you see the leaves start to curl inwards, which is an indication that the plant is retaining too much water.
Fertilization
The Pelea semiternata is not a heavy feeder and can do well with a balanced fertilizer. During the growing season in the summers, a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer every two weeks can encourage more growth and blooming. However, it's recommended to avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter months, as the growth is slow during this time.
Pruning
The Pelea semiternata St. John does not require heavy pruning. However, you can trim off dead or yellowing leaves and any dead blooms to promote new growth. You can also prune the main stem of the plant just below a node, which will encourage additional branches to grow from that point. Pruning the plant after the blooming season will ensure that the new growth is healthy and robust.
Propagation of Pelea semiternata St. John
Pelea semiternata St. John is a plant native to Hawaii that belongs to the citrus family. The plant is commonly referred to as "alahe'e" in the Hawaiian language. The propagation of Pelea semiternata can be done through various methods, including by seed, cuttings, or grafting.
Propagation by Seed
Pelea semiternata can be propagated through seeds that are taken from the fruit. The seeds are usually prepared by removing the fleshy pulp that surrounds them and then cleaning and drying them in a cool and dry place before planting. When planting the seeds, it is recommended to use well-draining soil, and to keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate.
Propagation by Cuttings
The propagation of Pelea semiternata can also be done through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy branches, and should be 4 to 6 inches long, with several leaves attached. The bottom of the cutting should be treated with rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment until it roots and begins to grow new leaves.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Pelea semiternata. This method involves taking a cutting from a desired cultivar and attaching it to a rootstock of a related species. Grafting can be done to increase the production of desirable traits, such as fruit quality or disease resistance.
Disease and Pest Management for Pelea semiternata St. John
Pelea semiternata St. John, commonly known as Hawaiian pelea, is a small shrub native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is a beautiful plant with lovely flowers and green foliage that is easy to care for. However, like all plants, it is vulnerable to diseases and pests, which can affect its growth and overall health. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Pelea semiternata and suggestions on how to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that can affect Pelea semiternata is Powdery Mildew. It is a fungal disease that manifests as white, powdery spots on young leaves and stems. If left unchecked, it can cause the leaves to yellow and curl, and the plant to become stunted and weak.
To manage powdery mildew, you can prune affected parts of the plant and dispose of them. You can also apply fungicides to keep the disease under control. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Another disease that can affect Pelea semiternata is Root Rot. It is caused by fungi that thrive in damp soil conditions. The symptoms of root rot include yellowing of leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. If not addressed in time, it can be fatal to the plant.
To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and improve soil drainage. You can also use fungicides to treat the infected roots. However, prevention is key, so make sure to plant Pelea semiternata in well-draining soil.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that can affect Pelea semiternata is Spider Mites. They are tiny, eight-legged insects that suck the plant's sap, causing it to become weak and stunted. You can identify their presence by the webbing they create on the undersides of leaves.
To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soaps or oils. Make sure to spray the plant thoroughly, including the undersides of leaves, where the mites reside.
Another pest that can affect Pelea semiternata is Mealybugs. They are small, white, cotton-like insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing it to become weak and yellow. They can also secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants.
To manage mealybugs, you can use a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol to wipe them off the plant. You can also use insecticidal soaps or oils. Make sure to spray the plant thoroughly, paying particular attention to the base of the leaves where the mealybugs like to hide.
Overall, Pelea semiternata St. John is an easy-to-care-for plant. With proper disease and pest management, you can keep it healthy and thriving for years to come.
