Overview of Selago praetermissa Hilliard
Selago praetermissa Hilliard is a type of plant that belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae. It is native to the southwestern part of the Western Cape Province in South Africa and grows in rocky areas of sandstone mountains and even the driest gravel plains.
Common Names
Selago praetermissa Hilliard is commonly known as Little Hillside Selago or Waterfall Selago.
Appearance
Selago praetermissa Hilliard is a small shrub that can grow up to 40 cm high. It has thin, leathery leaves that are about 1–2 cm long and have a needle-like shape. Its white flowers are shaped like tubes and have four petals with yellowish-green tips. The flowers grow in clusters on the stems.
Uses
The leaves of Selago praetermissa Hilliard are used in traditional medicine to treat indigestion and diarrhea. Native people in South Africa also use it as a charm to protect against evil spirits. This plant is not commonly used in horticulture and is mainly seen in its natural habitat.
Light Requirements
Selago praetermissa Hilliard thrives in full sunlight or partial shade conditions. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight to grow and develop properly. However, long periods of exposure to direct sunlight can lead to sunburn. It is, therefore, advisable to provide the plant with partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range for the growth of Selago praetermissa Hilliard is between 21°C to 27°C. The plant cannot tolerate temperature extremes, especially frost. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can cause the plant to die. In contrast, high temperatures can negatively impact the plant's growth, resulting in wilting and stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
Selago praetermissa Hilliard requires well-draining, aerated, and fertile soil for optimal growth. It prefers slightly acidic soils with a pH of 6.0-6.5. The plant's roots are sensitive to waterlogging, so it's essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Soil amendments such as compost and organic matter help improve soil structure, fertility, and water-holding capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Selago praetermissa is a shrub that loves well-drained soil under full sun or partial shade. The plant has an attractive appearance, making it ideal for garden borders and gravel gardens. It can grow up to 60cm in height with a spread of up to 50cm. Selago praetermissa grows best in USDA zones 9-10. If you live in colder climates, you can grow it indoors in pots.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, especially in hot and dry weather. You need to keep the soil adequately moist at all times. However, it would help if you were careful not to overwater the plant, as excessive soil moisture can cause root rot. In winter, reduce watering as the plant becomes dormant. Overwatering during the dormant season can cause the plant to rot.
Fertilization
Feeding Selago praetermissa will help it grow healthy and strong. Use a general-purpose fertilizer during the growing season. You can either use a slow-release fertilizer or apply a liquid fertilizer once a month. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season as the plant does not need any extra nutrients at this time.
Pruning
Pruning Selago praetermissa is optional as it maintains its attractive shape naturally. However, if you notice any leggy or damaged parts, you can tidy them up by cutting them back to the nearest leaf node. You can also remove any dead or yellowing leaves to make the plant look neat and tidy. Pruning can be done at the end of the flowering season, which is usually in late summer or early fall.
Propagation of Selago praetermissa Hilliard
Selago praetermissa Hilliard is a beautiful and rare plant found in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. This evergreen shrub belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae and is highly valued for its ornamental value. If you are interested in propagating this plant, you can use one of the following methods:
Propagating by seeds
The most common way to propagate Selago praetermissa Hilliard is through seeds. The seeds are small and should be sown as soon as possible after they are ripe. Once you have collected the seeds, clean them and soak them in warm water for about an hour. Then, scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil in seed trays and cover them lightly with a fine layer of sand. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the seeds should germinate in about three weeks. After the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be potted into individual containers.
Propagating by cuttings
If you are having trouble finding seeds, you can propagate Selago praetermissa Hilliard from cuttings. Cuttings are best taken in late spring or early summer and should be about 5 to 10 cm in length. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone before inserting them in a pot filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in indirect light. The cuttings should develop roots in a few weeks and can be potted into individual containers.
Propagating by division
Finally, you can propagate Selago praetermissa Hilliard by division. This method is best done in the spring when the plant is actively growing. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the root system into several clumps. Replant the clumps into individual containers or in the garden bed, making sure to keep the soil moist until the plants have established themselves.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to use clean, sterile equipment and good quality potting soil. With a little care and patience, you can create a beautiful collection of Selago praetermissa Hilliard in your own garden.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases that affect Selago praetermissa is powdery mildew. This disease manifests as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant, and can easily spread from one plant to another. To manage powdery mildew on Selago praetermissa, it is recommended to remove infected leaves, increase air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease, following the instructions on the label.
Another disease that can affect Selago praetermissa is root rot. This is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, which leads to the roots becoming waterlogged and eventually dying. To manage root rot on Selago praetermissa, it is essential to improve drainage by repotting the plant in well-draining soil and ensuring that the pot has holes for excess water to drain out. To prevent root rot, it is recommended not to allow the plant to sit in water for too long, and to ensure that the soil is allowed to dry out between watering.
Pest Management
One of the most common pests that can affect Selago praetermissa is spider mites. These tiny pests are difficult to spot, but they leave behind a tell-tale sign of their presence, which is a fine webbing on the leaves. To manage spider mites on Selago praetermissa, it is recommended to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove the webbing and the mites. In severe cases, insecticidal soaps or oils can be used to manage the pest.
Another pest that can affect Selago praetermissa is mealybugs. These pests are easily identifiable by their cotton-like appearance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage mealybugs on Selago praetermissa, it is recommended to remove as many of the pests as possible by hand, using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to kill them. Insecticidal soaps or oils can also be used to manage the pests.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests on Selago praetermissa is to monitor the plant regularly and take swift action when problems arise. By ensuring that the plant is kept healthy and stress-free, the risk of diseases and pests will be reduced, and the plant will thrive.
