Origin
Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii is native to Madagascar, an African island country in the Indian Ocean.
Common Names
Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii is commonly known as "Madagascar velvet plant" or "velvet leaf plant".
General Appearance
Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii is a small evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1.5m tall. Its leaves are broad, dark green, and velvety, giving the plant its common name. It produces tubular, yellow flowers that are 2-3cm long. The plant blooms in the autumn, from September to November.
Uses
Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and flowers. It is suitable for growing in containers or in a mixed bed with other plants. The plant prefers well-drained soils and partial shade. It requires moderate watering and fertilizer to thrive in cultivation.
Light Requirements
Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii is a sun-loving plant. It requires full sunlight exposure to grow optimally. Therefore, it is essential to plant it in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth or poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii is a hardy plant that thrives in warm conditions. It is suitable to grow outdoors in USDA zones 8 to 11 where temperatures do not drop below 10°C. The plant can survive harsher winters as long as it is protected from freezing temperatures. During the growing season, the ideal temperature range is between 25°C and 32°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers a well-draining, loamy, and slightly acidic soil. The optimal pH range for Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii is between 6.0 and 6.5. It can also grow in poor sandy or gravely soil as long as it is well-draining. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot and other problems. Adding organic matter, such as compost or leaf litter, to the soil can improve its fertility and moisture retention capacity.
Cultivation
Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii grows best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It is recommended to grow this plant in a location that receives full sunlight, but it can tolerate a small amount of shade.
Propagation of Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii is predominantly carried out via softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. It is also possible to propagate via seed germination, but it is time-consuming and can produce mixed results.
Watering Needs
It is essential to water Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii frequently during the plant's growing season. However, care should be taken to prevent waterlogging. It is recommended to avoid watering the plant until the top layer of the soil is dry to the touch.
During the winter season, the plant requires less water, and it is advisable to reduce watering frequency. Too much water or excess moisture in the soil can not only invite fungal growth but also increase the risk of root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii during the growing season can improve plant health and promote growth. It is recommended to use a slow-release balanced fertilizer that contains all the important nutrients in the optimal ratio.
Avoid using high nitrogen-rich fertilizers as this can promote foliage growth over flowering. Over-fertilizing is also harmful to the plant, and it can cause salt buildup in the soil, leading to root damage.
Pruning
Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii requires minimal pruning. Regular deadheading of spent flowers promotes new blooming and keeps the plant tidy.
When pruning, care should be taken not to remove too much foliage as this can harm the plant's health. Light pruning in spring can promote bushier growth, but the plant's natural shape and form should be maintained.
Propagation of Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii
Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division. Each method has its own requirements and techniques to ensure successful propagation.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds can be collected from the mature fruits of the plant to propagate it. The seeds have a hard outer shell which needs to be scarified (scratched or gently filed) to allow water to penetrate and overcome the dormancy of the embryo. The seeds should then be soaked overnight in warm water and sown in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be kept moist and warm to facilitate germination, which may take several weeks to a few months.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings are a quick and easy method to propagate Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii. Select non-flowering, healthy stems with several nodes, and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone powder and insert it into a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location. Rooting should occur within a few weeks and once the plant has established roots, it can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Propagation through Division
Division is the process of separating the root ball of a mature plant into smaller sections. Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii can be divided during the cooler months of the year when it is not actively growing. Use a sharp, clean tool to separate the root ball, ensuring each division has several stems and a healthy root system. The divisions can then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they establish roots and begin to grow.
Disease management
Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii is relatively resistant to diseases, but certain plant pathogens can attack it. The most common diseases affecting the plant include root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Root rot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in wet soil conditions. To manage it, it's essential to ensure the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering the plant. In severe cases, fungicides may be applied to the soil.
Leaf spot: This fungal disease often affects plants growing in damp or humid conditions. To manage leaf spot, prune and dispose of infected leaves and stems, and apply a fungicide to the remaining plant parts, including the soil.
Powdery mildew: This disease is characterized by a white powdery coating on the surfaces of leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage it, prune affected plant parts and dispose of them. Apply a fungicide, preferably a neem oil-based one when mildew first appears.
Pest management
Several pests commonly attack Rutidea smithii Hiern subsp. smithii. They include scale insects, mites, and mealybugs. Monitoring the plant regularly can help prevent pest infestations.
Scale insects: These pests often attack the underside of leaves and stems, where they can go unnoticed for some time. To manage them, manually remove affected plant parts or apply a natural predator like ladybugs.
Mites: These tiny pests feed on plant sap and can cause significant damage to the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and drop. Using an insecticidal soap or neem oil-based pesticide can help manage mites.
Mealybugs: These pests are characterized by fluffy, white masses that appear on the undersides of leaves or plant joints. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the bugs or apply a natural predator, such as ladybugs or lacewings.
