Overview: Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr.
Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. The plant is native to the Philippines, particularly in the province of Benguet. It mainly grows in mountainous areas at an elevation of 1200-1800 meters above sea level.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as “pilo” or “Pilo-tubo” in the local dialect in Benguet. It is also called “Benguet piki-piki” in other parts of the Philippines.
Appearance:
The plant has narrow leaves that are incised, serrated towards the apex, and covered with short hairs. The stems are sturdy and hairy with a height of 30-40 cm. The flowers of Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. are arranged in small groups (2-4) at the end of each branch. The plant flowers from August to November, producing small yellow flowers that have a diameter of about 5 mm.
Uses:
Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. is used in traditional medicine in the Philippines. The leaves of the plant are pounded and used as a poultice for bruises, cuts, and wounds. It is also used as a remedy for toothaches and rheumatism. The plant is also believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Besides its medicinal uses, the plant is also valued for its ornamental qualities. Its attractive yellow flowers and narrow leaves make it an ideal plant for landscaping and decoration.
In conclusion, Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. is a unique plant that thrives in the highlands of the Philippines. It is valued for its medicinal and ornamental properties, making it an important plant for the local culture and economy.
Growth Conditions of Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr.
Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. is a native plant to Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. This plant is known to prefer a tropical or subtropical climate to grow well. There are certain factors to consider when growing this plant, which are discussed below:
Light Requirements
Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. is known to grow well in brightly lit environments, especially those that receive partial shade. This means that the plant cannot withstand direct sunlight, as it can quickly dry out and die. On the other hand, a lack of sunlight can result in slower growth and unhealthy foliage.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is known to grow well in temperatures that range from 12 to 25 degrees Celsius. It cannot withstand extremely low temperatures and frost, which can lead to damage or death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Soil that is too wet can lead to root rot and plant death. The recommended pH level of the soil for this plant is between 6.5 and 7.5. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its quality and nutrient content, which contributes to healthy plant growth.
In conclusion, growing Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. requires a warm and humid environment with bright, partial shade, well-drained slightly acidic soil. Meeting these conditions successfully will help the plant to flourish and thrive.
Cultivation methods
Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. is a tropical plant that prefers warm and humid conditions. It requires well-draining soil and partial shade to grow. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. If propagating through stem cuttings, ensure that they are at least 4-6 inches long and have a few leaves attached.
Plant the cuttings in a pot that has moist soil and keep it in a warm, humid location with partial shade. The plant can also be grown outdoors in humid areas that have well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
Watering needs
The Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. plant requires moderate watering. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant during the growing season, which is usually during the warmer months. Use a water-soluble fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to give the plant enough nutrients to grow.
Pruning
Prune the Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. plant during the growing season to promote bushier growth. Pinch off the tips of the plant to encourage lateral branching. You can also prune out any dead or diseased branches or leaves to keep the plant healthy. Prune back excessively long stems to control the plant's size and shape. Use sterile pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr.
Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. is an ornamental plant that belongs to the family Melastomataceae. The plant is generally propagated through seeds and vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. can be collected from the matured fruits of the plant. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mixture in a shallow container. The depth of the sowing should be equal to the size of the seed.
The container should be kept in a warm and humid environment. The ideal temperature for the germination of Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. seeds is around 23°C. The seeds usually take around 3-4 weeks to germinate.
Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be transplanted into individual pots. The seedlings should be kept in a sheltered location with bright, indirect light until they are established.
Vegetative Propagation
Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. can also be propagated through vegetative means, including stem cuttings, division, and layering.
The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants and should be around 10-15 cm long. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mixture. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment and should be watered regularly. The cuttings usually take around 4-6 weeks to root.
Division can be done when the plant has grown to a suitable size. The plant should be carefully lifted and the root system should be divided into smaller sections. Each section should have an equal amount of roots and should be planted in individual pots.
Layering is another method of vegetative propagation that can be employed in Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. The stem of the plant should be bent down and covered with soil, leaving only the tip exposed. The stem should be secured to the soil using a wire. Roots will form at the covered section of the stem and once they have developed, the newly formed plant can be separated from the parent plant and potted up.
Disease and Pest Management for Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr.
Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr., also known as Robecchi’s fern, is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. But like many other plants, it is not completely immune to pests and diseases. Here is some detailed information about disease and pest management for Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr.:
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. is root rot. This can be caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To prevent fungal growth, make sure the plant is not sitting in water and use well-draining soil. If root rot is already present, remove the affected parts and repot in a new, clean potting mix.
Another common disease is grey mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea. This is a fungal disease that thrives in cool and humid conditions. To prevent grey mold, ensure proper air circulation around the plant and avoid getting water on the foliage. If the disease is present, remove the affected foliage and apply a fungicide according to instructions.
Common Pests
Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. is generally not susceptible to pests. However, occasional infestations can occur, including spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites can be prevented by keeping humidity levels high and regularly misting the foliage. Mealybugs can be treated by rubbing them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or applying insecticidal soap according to instructions.
If the infestation is severe, it is recommended to isolate the plant, remove all affected areas, and apply a pesticide according to instructions.
Proper care and maintenance can go a long way in preventing and managing diseases and pests in Psilotrichum robecchii Lopr. Keeping the plant healthy and stress-free by providing adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients can increase its resilience against diseases and pests.
