Origin
Secamone retusa N.E.Br. is native to the Cape province of South Africa.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as "Bushveld Creeper" or "Toppie Rankrammelkas" in Afrikaans.
Appearance
Secamone retusa N.E.Br. is a shrubby and woody climber that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It can grow up to 4 meters in length and has glossy, lance-shaped leaves that are evergreen. The leaves vary in size from 12-75mm in length and 4-21mm in width. The flowers are small and white with a yellow center and bloom from September to February.
It produces slender, woody stems which climb on support structures or other plants. The plant prefers well-drained soil and grows best in full sun or partial shade.
Uses
The plant is used in traditional medicine in South Africa to treat various ailments such as headaches, fevers, and stomach aches. The sap of the plant is used to treat warts and skin ailments. The plant is also said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
Secamone retusa N.E.Br. is also used in landscaping for its ornamental value due to its glossy leaves and delicate flowers. It is often grown on trellises or pergolas to create a green screen or living wall.
Light Requirements
Secamone retusa N.E.Br. requires bright, indirect light to grow properly. The plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it can scorch its leaves and cause damage. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the plant near a window that receives bright but filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Secamone retusa N.E.Br. is between 18°C to 24°C (65°F-75°F). The plant should be kept away from cold drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations. During winters, it is recommended to keep the plant away from windows or doors as they can cause temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
Secamone retusa N.E.Br. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH between 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can be grown in a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand. It is recommended to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods of Secamone retusa N.E.Br.
Secamone retusa N.E.Br., also known as climbing milkweed or Bushveld creeper, is best grown in warm and humid conditions, like in tropical regions. It is usually propagated by cuttings or seeds.
For cuttings, select a healthy stem tip and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and plant in a potting mix of well-draining soil and sand. Provide sufficient light and warmth, and keep the soil moist until the cutting has rooted.
For seeds, plant them in a mixture of potting soil and sand and keep the soil slightly moist until the seedling emerges. Once it has established, transplant it to a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Watering Needs of Secamone retusa N.E.Br.
Secamone retusa N.E.Br. prefers evenly moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season, it may require more frequent watering, especially in hot weather or when grown in containers. However, reduce watering in the dormant season.
Fertilization of Secamone retusa N.E.Br.
Secamone retusa N.E.Br. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks or add slow-release granules to the soil. Be careful not to overfertilize, which can lead to salt buildup and damage the plant.
Pruning of Secamone retusa N.E.Br.
Regular pruning helps to maintain the shape and size of Secamone retusa N.E.Br. and promotes fuller growth. Prune the plant in the early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged stems, as well as weak or overcrowded growth. You can also pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching. Avoid pruning during the dormant season as it may cause stress to the plant.
Propagation of Secamone retusa N.E.Br.
Secamone retusa N.E.Br. is commonly known as the Climbing Milkweed. This plant can be easily propagated through several methods:
1. Seeds
Propagation by seeds is one of the easiest methods. Seeds can be collected from mature pods and sown in potting mix. The best time to plant seeds is during the rainy season. Ensure that the seeds are not covered with too much soil as they require sunlight to germinate. Keep the potting mix moist by watering regularly and ensure that the seedlings receive adequate sunlight and warmth.
2. Stem cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another effective method for propagating Secamone retusa. Choose a healthy stem that is free from any disease or pests, and make a cutting that is approximately 10-15 cm long. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and then plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist by watering regularly and place the cutting in a shaded area until it roots. Once roots have formed, move the plant to a slightly sunny area.
3. Layering
Propagation by layering is a simple and effective method ideal for climbers like Secamone retusa. Choose a healthy stem, make a small incision in the middle section of the stem, and bury the wounded section in a container filled with potting mix. Ensure that the container is kept moist until roots start to form. Once roots have formed, cut the stem from the mother plant and transplant to a well-draining soil mixture.
4. Grafting
Propagation by grafting is a more technical method that requires a bit of experience. It involves joining the stem of the Climbing Milkweed with the roots of a hardier plant of the same species. Grafting must be done correctly for the plant to grow as the roots of one plant carry nutrition to the stem of the other plant. Ensure that both plants are healthy before attempting grafting.
Disease Management
Secamone retusa N.E.Br. is susceptible to a range of diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. The most common fungal diseases affecting the plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Bacterial wilt and leaf blight are also known to affect the plant. Virus infections cause mosaic and yellowing of leaves. Early detection and prevention are the key to managing these diseases.
To manage fungal diseases, it is essential to avoid overhead watering and high humidity levels. Remove infected plant parts, and dispose of them properly. Use fungicides as per the manufacturer's instructions. For bacterial diseases, the use of copper-based fungicides and antibiotics can be helpful. However, prevention is always better than cure; therefore, maintain good plant hygiene and avoid water-logging.
Virus-infected plants are challenging to manage, and there are no specific treatments for them. Therefore, it is advisable to remove and destroy the infected plants to prevent the spread of the virus.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Secamone retusa N.E.Br. are spider mites and mealybugs. These pests suck the sap from the leaves and stems, leading to the weakening of the plant and stunted growth. Infested plants can also attract ants and other insects.
Regular monitoring of the plants can help to identify pest infestations at an early stage. The use of insecticidal soaps or neem oil spray can help control these pests. It is crucial to follow the instructions while using pesticides and avoid overuse.
Another common pest that affects Secamone retusa N.E.Br. is the whitefly. The whitefly excretes a sticky substance that attracts sooty mold and other pests. The use of yellow sticky traps and reflective mulches can repel whiteflies. Insecticidal soap and neem oil also help in controlling whiteflies.
Lastly, thrips can also be a problem for Secamone retusa N.E.Br. Thrips feed on the leaves, causing silvering and malformed growth. Using reflective mulches, sticky traps, and removing infested plant parts can help control thrips. Neem oil and insecticidal soap are also effective in managing thrips infestations on the plant.
It is always best to maintain good plant hygiene to prevent disease and pest infestations. Regular pruning, adequate water, and fertilization can help maintain the plant's vigor and ward off pests and diseases. Treating diseases and pests in a timely manner is also necessary, as it can prevent further spread and damage of the plant.
