Origin
Rothmannia hispida (K.Schum.) Fagerl., commonly known as the September bells, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. The plant is native to the eastern regions of tropical southern Africa, found in countries such as Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
Common Names
In addition to September Bells, Rothmannia hispida goes by other Common Names such as September Star, African Gardenia, Little Gardenia and Kabahia.
Uses
The plant is cultivated for its fragrant and showy flowers, which are commonly used for ornamental purposes. In some African countries, the plant is also used for medicinal purposes. The bark is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses such as gastrointestinal disorders, malaria, and skin infections. The fruit of the plant is edible but is not commonly consumed by humans.
General Appearance
Rothmannia hispida is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. The tree has a dense, rounded crown and dark green leaves that are leathery in texture and glossy in appearance. The flowers of the tree are 5-petalled, with long white tubes and a diameter of about 4cm. The flowers are fragrant and bloom in late summer to early autumn, from which the plant gets its common name, September bells. The fruit of the tree is a brownish-green capsule, which splits open to reveal small reddish-brown seeds. The bark of the tree is rough and dark brown in color.
Light Requirements
Rothmannia hispida typically prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. It can tolerate direct sunlight, but it may cause leaf burn and sunscald in high temperatures. Therefore, it is best to provide filtered sunlight or some shade during the hottest part of the day. Insufficient light may lead to stunted growth, poor flowering, and reduced overall health.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives well in tropical to subtropical regions with a warm and humid climate. The ideal temperature range for Rothmannia hispida is between 18°C to 30°C, although it can withstand temperatures as low as 5°C for a short period. Extreme heat or cold stress can damage the plant and affect its growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Rothmannia hispida grows well in a well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (5.5 – 7). It is adaptable to different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils, as long as it is rich in organic matter and retains moisture. The plant requires consistent soil moisture, but it should not be waterlogged or allowed to dry out completely. Mulching around the plant can help to maintain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Cultivation Methods
Rothmannia hispida, commonly known as the October Bells, is an evergreen shrub that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. This plant prefers well-draining soil and partial sun to partial shade. It is essential to plant it in a spot that receives bright indirect sunlight, which is crucial for its healthy growth. In addition, the plant must be protected from strong winds.
You can propagate the October Bells using seeds or cuttings. To propagate the plant by cuttings, select healthy tip cuttings in the spring or summer, dip them in rooting hormone, and plant them in a moist rooting medium. Cover the cuttings with a plastic bag to trap moisture and place them in a warm, bright spot, making sure the rooting medium remains moist until the cuttings root.
Watering Needs
Rothmannia hispida requires moderate watering. During the growing season, you must keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's essential to ensure the soil has adequate drainage. Reduce watering in the winter and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
The October Bells will benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer as directed on the label based on the size of your plant. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
Pruning
Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before the growing season. Trim back any branches that have outgrown their space and cut off any dead or damaged leaves. You can also prune the plant to maintain a desired shape. Be careful not to over-prune the October Bells, as it can lead to reduced blooming.
Propagation of Rothmannia hispida (K.Schum.) Fagerl.
Rothmannia hispida can be propagated through several methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
The plant produces small, round seeds that can be collected when fully matured. Seeds need to be soaked and cleaned to remove any pulp or flesh before being sown into a mix of sand and compost. It is important to keep the soil moist at all times and to maintain a warm temperature of around 25°C. The seeds can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks to germinate, and in some cases may take up to 3 months.
Cutting Propagation
Softwood cuttings can also be used for propagation. It is best to take the cutting in the early morning when the plant is fully hydrated. The cutting should be around 10-12cm in length, with at least two nodes. Cuttings need to be dipped into a rooting hormone and placed in well-draining soil in a warm, humid environment. Ensure that the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged. It may take up to 6 weeks for the cuttings to establish roots.
Grafting
Grafting is another option for propagating Rothmannia hispida. This method involves a union between a scion (top portion of the desired plant) and a rootstock (the bottom portion). It is important to select a rootstock that is compatible with the scion. Grafting should be done in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. The scion and rootstock should be cut at an angle and joined together using grafting tape. The newly grafted plant should be kept in a warm, moist environment until re-growth is observed.
Disease and Pest Management for Rothmannia hispida (K.Schum.) Fagerl.
As a popular flowering shrub, the Rothmannia hispida is susceptible to a wide range of pests and diseases. It is important to monitor your plants regularly to keep them healthy and prevent infestation. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect your Rothmannia hispida and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases of Rothmannia hispida
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small brown spots on the leaves. These spots can grow and spread rapidly, leading to defoliation. To manage leaf spot, remove all infected leaves and apply a fungicide as directed by the manufacturer. Make sure you follow the instructions for safety and effectiveness.
Root rot is a common problem caused by overwatering and poor drainage. The symptoms include a yellowing of the leaves that eventually turns brown or black as the roots die. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and improve drainage by adding organic matter to the soil. You can also apply a fungicide to the soil to prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves and stems. This disease thrives in warm and humid conditions. To manage powdery mildew, remove all infected leaves and stems and thin out the plant to improve air circulation. Apply a fungicide if necessary.
Common Pests of Rothmannia hispida
Scale insects are small insects that attach themselves to the stem and leaves. They feed on the sap of the plant and cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage scale insects, prune away the infested branches and stems. You can also use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to treat the plant.
Mealybugs are another common pest that affects the Rothmannia hispida. These soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant and leave behind a sticky residue that attracts ants. To manage mealybugs, prune away the infested branches and leaves and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. You can also use sticky traps to catch the adults.
Caterpillars are the larval form of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant. They can cause extensive damage if left unchecked. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant or use a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis (BT). You can also use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to treat the plant.
Overall, careful maintenance and monitoring of your Rothmannia hispida will help prevent and manage many of the common diseases and pests that affect this plant.
