Overview
Seddera suffruticosa (Schinz) Hallier f. var. suffruticosa is a flowering plant belonging to the family Apocynaceae. It is commonly referred to as the "Bush Milkweed" and is native to southern Africa.
Description
The Bush Milkweed is a perennial, shrubby plant that can grow up to 1 meter in height. It has thick stems that bear large, succulent leaves. The plant produces clusters of tubular-shaped flowers that are white to pink in color. The flowers are followed by spindle-shaped, hairy fruits that contain numerous seeds.
Uses
Seddera suffruticosa has various uses in traditional medicine. The plant has been used to treat various ailments such as skin infections, snake bites, stomach problems, and respiratory disorders. It is also used as a natural insecticide to repel insects and pests. The leaves and stems of the plant are used to make a bitter-tasting tea that is said to have medicinal properties.
The plant is also popular among gardening enthusiasts and is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. It is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow and can be propagated from cuttings.
Conclusion
Seddera suffruticosa (Schinz) Hallier f. var. suffruticosa is a versatile plant that has both medicinal and ornamental uses. Its hardiness and low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice for gardening enthusiasts, while its medicinal properties have been known to be effective in treating various ailments. The plant's unique appearance, with its succulent leaves and tubular-shaped flowers, make it an attractive addition to any garden.
Light Requirements
Seddera suffruticosa prefers full sun to partial shade. Therefore, it is ideal to plant it in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Avoid planting it in areas with dense shade or where it is subject to extended periods of darkness.
Temperature Requirements
Seddera suffruticosa is a warm-weather plant that thrives in temperatures between 60°F to 85°F. It cannot withstand extremely low temperatures below 30°F or high temperatures above 100°F. Therefore, it needs to be planted in regions that experience warm temperatures. It is also important to note that Seddera suffruticosa can grow in both humid and arid regions but needs to be watered to maintain its growth.
Soil Requirements
Seddera suffruticosa thrives in soil that is fertile, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in loam, clay loam, or sandy soil but will also benefit from soil amendments such as compost or manure. To plant Seddera suffruticosa, dig a planting hole that is twice as wide and deep as the plant's root ball. Mix a generous amount of organic matter with the soil to create a nutrient-rich environment, and ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging of the plant's roots.
Cultivation
Seddera suffruticosa (Schinz) Hallier f. var. suffruticosa, commonly known as Cape honeysuckle, can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It requires well-draining soil that has a pH level of around 6.0 to 7.5. It thrives in full sunlight or partial shade and can tolerate a range of temperatures from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering Needs
It is important to keep the soil around the Cape honeysuckle moist but not waterlogged. Watering the plant once a week during the growing season should be sufficient. During the winter months, watering can be decreased slightly to avoid waterlogged soil. If the leaves begin to curl or turn yellow, it may indicate that the plant needs more water.
Fertilization
Feed Seddera suffruticosa (Schinz) Hallier f. var. suffruticosa with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. This will help promote healthy growth and flowering. Fertilizer application should be reduced or stopped during the winter months when the plant’s growth slows down.
Pruning
The Cape honeysuckle can be pruned to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. It is best to prune the plant in the early spring or late winter before the new growth starts. Pruning will promote new growth and encourage more flowers. Regular pruning will also help prevent the plant from becoming too leggy and keep it looking full and bushy.
Propagation of Seddera suffruticosa (Schinz) Hallier f. var. suffruticosa
Seddera suffruticosa (Schinz) Hallier f. var. suffruticosa is mainly propagated through stem cuttings and seed germination.
Stem Cutting Propagation
In stem cutting propagation, cuttings of about 8-10cm are taken from the plant's mature stems. The cuttings are preferably taken from the plant's apical portions. Cuttings with leaves attached should have their leaves reduced to a third of their original size to limit water loss from transpiration. The cuttings should then be allowed to dry and callus over for about 24 hours before they are planted in a rooting medium. Rooting hormones are usually applied to the basal portion of the cuttings to promote root growth. The cuttings are then kept in the shade and watered when the medium starts to dry. Newly developed leaves indicate that the cutting has established itself well.
Seed Germination Propagation
As for seed germination, the seeds are usually sown directly in well-watered and loosened soil where they are to grow. The soil should be slightly acidic and have an organic content of about 3%. Seeds are sown at a shallow depth of 5mm, watered, and then covered with soil. Germination usually occurs between 7-18 days after sowing, depending on the quality of the seeds, soil moisture levels, and temperature. Seedlings can be transplanted after 6-8 weeks of growth when they have developed 2-3 leaves. Seedlings should be handled with care to avoid damage to the roots or stems.
Disease and Pest Management for Seddera suffruticosa
Seddera suffruticosa is a hardy evergreen plant that requires minimal care but can suffer from certain diseases and pests. Below are some common issues that can affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots can grow and merge, causing the leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. The best way to manage this disease is by removing the infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering, which can spread the fungus. Fungicide treatments can also be used.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. It can be managed by removing infected leaves and improving air circulation around the plant. Fungicide treatments can also be used.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots may also appear on the stems and flowers. The best way to manage this disease is by removing infected plant parts and improving air circulation around the plant. Fungicide treatments can also be used.
Pests
Scale: Scale insects are small, oval pests that attach themselves to the plant and suck sap from the leaves and stems. They can be managed by removing them manually or using an insecticide treatment.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. They can be managed by improving humidity levels around the plant and using an insecticide treatment.
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. They can be managed by removing them manually or using an insecticide treatment.
