Introduction
Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff is a flowering plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is a subshrub endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and is commonly referred to as "pua ala" or "wake-up flower."Origin and Distribution
This plant is native to the islands of Kaua'i, Maui, Moloka'i, O'ahu, and Hawai'i. It is typically found in dry, rocky areas at elevations ranging from 200-1600 meters. The plant's habitat is threatened by the growth of non-native plants, erosion, and urbanization.Appearance
Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff is a small, woody subshrub that grows up to 50 centimeters tall. It has fleshy, green leaves that are oval-shaped and come to a pointed tip. The plant blooms between March and June, producing small, white flowers with five petals. The plant's flowers are short-lived and only open for a few hours each day.Uses
The plant has traditional medicinal uses among native Hawaiians. The leaves and flowers of the plant are used to treat infections, fever, and stomachaches. Additionally, the plant is an important component of the native Hawaiian ecosystem, providing a habitat for endemic invertebrates and birds. The plant also has potential ornamental uses in landscaping due to its showy flowers and green foliage. In conclusion, Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff is a small, woody subshrub endemic to Hawaii that has traditional medicinal uses and is an important component of the native Hawaiian ecosystem. The plant's habitat is threatened by the growth of non-native plants, erosion, and urbanization.Growth conditions for Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff plant
Light Conditions: The Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff plant grows well in full sun to partial shade conditions. In their natural habitat, they are found growing under the canopies of larger trees, which provides them with a partly shaded environment. Therefore, it is essential to mimic the same conditions, i.e., providing them with filtered sunlight or partial shade.
Temperature: The ideal temperature range for Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff growth is between 60°F and 80°F. However, they can tolerate both higher and lower temperatures to some extent. Temperatures above 90°F can cause heat stress and even lead to plant death. Similarly, temperatures below 40°F can damage the leaves and stems.
Soil Requirements: The Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff plant prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They grow well in various soil types such as loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, it is essential to avoid water-logged conditions as it can cause root rot and lead to plant death. Additionally, they thrive in acidic to slightly alkaline soils (pH 5.5 to 7.5).
Fertilizer: The Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff plant does not require frequent fertilization. However, providing them with some slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season can promote healthy growth and flowering. It is advisable to avoid over-fertilization as it can cause nutrient imbalance and lead to plant damage.
Water: The Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff plant prefers slightly moist soil conditions. Regular watering to keep the soil moist is necessary. However, over-watering should be avoided as it can cause root rot leading to plant death. It is crucial to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
Propagation: The Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff plant can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, or division. It is essential to provide the right environment and conditions, including proper soil, light, and temperature, to ensure successful propagation.
Cultivation Methods
Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff is a hardy perennial plant that is native to Hawaii. It is an easy plant to cultivate and is ideal for beginner gardeners. The plant thrives in well-draining soil and can be grown in either full sun or partial shade.
When planting Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff, it is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered regularly until it is established, after which it can be watered once or twice a week depending on the climate and weather conditions.
The plant does not require any special care or attention, but it is important to keep it free from weeds and pests. Mulching can be beneficial in retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, and keeping the temperature of the soil steady.
Watering Needs
Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff requires regular watering until it is established, after which it can tolerate periods of drought. The plant prefers moist but not waterlogged soil and can suffer from root rot if the soil is too wet.
It is important to water the plant deeply, allowing the soil to absorb the water. Watering the plant too frequently can lead to shallow roots, which can make the plant more susceptible to drought stress. When watering, it is important to avoid getting water on the foliage, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff does not require regular fertilization, but it can benefit from an application of slow-release fertilizer once or twice a year. The fertilizer should be applied at the base of the plant and watered in to ensure that it reaches the roots.
Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth and weak, leggy stems. It can also increase the risk of pests and diseases. It is important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and not exceed the recommended application rates.
Pruning
Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff does not require regular pruning, but it can benefit from occasional deadheading to encourage new growth and prolong the flowering period. Deadheading involves removing the spent blooms before they have a chance to set seed.
If the plant becomes overgrown or leggy, it can be pruned back in the early spring. Pruning should be done before new growth begins, and care should be taken not to remove too much foliage, which can stunt the growth of the plant.
Propagation of Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff
Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff can be propagated through various methods including seed propagation and division. The suitable method depends on the grower’s preferences and available resources at their disposal.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a reliable method as it produces genetically diverse seedlings. It’s, however, a slower method compared to other propagation methods. The procedure entails the following:
- Collect mature seed heads and place them in a paper bag to dry. Ensure the seed heads do not fall off when dry.
- Crush the seed heads, remove debris and separate seeds. Stratify seeds in a refrigerator for 60-90 days.
- Fill a seed tray with a mix of peat moss and perlite in a ratio of 1:1. Moisten the soil mix and sow the seed lightly, barely covering the seed with soil.
- Place the seed tray in a warm place with filtered light and moisten regularly. Be patient with the seedlings as they take approximately one year to mature.
Division
Division is a quicker method of propagation since it involves separating the plant into two or more sections. The process, however, produces identical plants that may be less hardy. The steps involved include:
- Carefully remove soil around the plant to be propagated
- Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the plant into several sections
- Each section should have sufficient roots and foliage
- Plant each section in a suitable container such as peat pots or seed trays with suitable soil mix
- Water thoroughly and place in a shaded area for several days until well established
Disease Management
Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff is relatively disease resistant when grown in its preferred conditions. However, if the plant is exposed to prolonged periods of high humidity, it can become susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases. One such disease is root rot, which can occur when the plant is overwatered or grown in poorly drained soil. To avoid this, it is important to allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings and to ensure that excess water can drain away.
Another common disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew, which presents as a white, powdery substance on the leaves. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including humid weather and poor air circulation. To prevent powdery mildew, it is important to keep the plant adequately spaced from other plants and to ensure that there is adequate air circulation around the plant.
If your Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff does become infected with a fungal or bacterial disease, it is recommended to remove the infected plant material and dispose of it in the trash. Be careful not to spread the disease by touching contaminated soil or plant material and then touching healthy plants.
Pest Management
This plant is relatively pest resistant, but a few pests may occasionally cause problems. One such pest is the spider mite, a tiny insect that feeds on the underside of the leaves, causing yellowing and speckling. To control spider mites, you can spray the plant with a jet of water to dislodge them, and then spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Another pest that may affect Schiedea diffusa Gray var. macraei Sherff is the scale insect, which is a small, immobile insect that feeds on the plant sap. To control scale insects, you can use a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol to dab the insects, cutting off their oxygen supply and killing them. Alternatively, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
If using any pesticides, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid applying them during periods of high temperatures or direct sunlight.
