Origin and Common Names
Solenostemon graniticola J.K.Morton is a plant species that is native to the granite hills of central Angola, Africa. It is also known by the common names bush coleus and granitic coleus.
Appearance
The Solenostemon graniticola J.K.Morton plant is a small perennial herb that grows up to 20-40 cm tall. Its stems are densely covered with hairs, and the leaves are hairy as well. The leaves are arranged in pairs, and they have an oval shape with a pointed tip and jagged edges. The upper part of the leaves is green, while the lower part is purple. The flowers of this plant are small and white or pale pink in color, and they are arranged in spikes that grow from the leaf axils.
Uses
The Solenostemon graniticola J.K.Morton plant has various medicinal uses among the indigenous people of Angola. The plant has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties and is used to treat fever, headache, and rheumatism. The leaves of the plant are crushed to make a paste, which is then applied externally to treat wounds, ulcers, and skin infections. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant, and it is grown in gardens and as a pot plant. It can be grown in partial shade or full sun and requires well-drained soil.
Light Requirements
Solenostemon graniticola J.K.Morton requires bright indirect light to thrive. They cannot withstand direct sunlight exposure as it may cause sunburn. A spot near an east or west-facing window is ideal for them.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in both warm and cool temperatures. However, it is recommended to maintain a temperature range between 18-27°C for optimum growth. Avoid exposing the plants to temperatures below 15°C, as it can lead to stunted growth.
Humidity Requirements
Solenostemon graniticola requires a high level of humidity for optimal growth. You can either mist the plant or use a humidifier to regulate the humidity levels. Avoid placing the plant in a dry and arid environment as the leaves may start to dry out and eventually fall off.
Soil Requirements
Solenostemon graniticola prefers a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can lead to root rot. You can also add perlite or sand to the potting mix to ensure adequate drainage.
Fertilizer Requirements
Feed Solenostemon graniticola with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Cut back on feeding during the fall and winter when the plant goes into dormancy.
Cultivation Methods
Solenostemon graniticola J.K.Morton, commonly known as granite coleus, is a perennial herbaceous plant that thrives in tropical climates. It is a bushy plant that grows up to 60cm tall and 40cm wide. Granite coleus prefers warm, humid conditions, and it requires at least six hours of indirect sunlight each day. It is best grown in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. If starting from seeds, they should be sown in shallow trays and kept in a warm, moist environment until they germinate. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants, and they should be kept in a warm, moist environment until they root.
Watering Needs
Granite coleus prefers consistently moist soil, but it does not like to be waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During periods of hot weather, it may be necessary to water the plant more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out completely. It is important to avoid getting the foliage wet, as this can cause fungal diseases.
Fertilization
To encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering, it is recommended to fertilize granite coleus every two weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer that will gradually release nutrients into the soil over time. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to burnt foliage and reduced plant vigor.
Pruning
Granite coleus benefits from periodic pruning to promote bushy growth and prevent it from becoming leggy. Pinch off the tips of the stems when the plant is young to encourage branching. Remove any dead or damaged foliage as soon as it appears. If the plant becomes too tall and leggy, it can be pruned back by up to one-third of its height. It is recommended to prune in the spring, just before the plant begins its active growth phase.
Propagation of Solenostemon graniticola J.K.Morton
Solenostemon graniticola J.K.Morton, commonly known as Granite coleus is a rare plant species that is native to the granite outcrops in Zimbabwe. The plant can be propagated by several methods which include:
Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Solenostemon graniticola is through seeds which should be sown during the spring season. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil and covered with a layer of soil that is about one-quarter inch thick. The container should be kept in a warm and humid place, and the soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate which usually takes around 10 to 14 days. Once the seedlings are about an inch tall, they should be transplanted to larger containers or in the ground, making sure to keep them in a place with partial shade.
Stem Cuttings
Solenostemon graniticola can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken during the summer season. The cuttings should be about 3-4 inches long, and they should be taken from healthy plants. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone to enhance rooting. The cuttings should be placed in a container filled with well-draining soil and kept in a warm and humid place, making sure to keep the soil moist until the cuttings establish roots. Once the cuttings establish a good root system, they can be transplanted into individual containers or in the ground.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Solenostemon graniticola. This method involves making a small cut on a stem of a healthy plant, then placing a rooting hormone on the cut and covering it with moist sphagnum moss. The moss should be kept moist and after about six to eight weeks, the roots will begin to develop from the cut. Once the roots are well established, the new plant can be removed from its parent plant and transplanted.
Overall, Solenostemon graniticola J.K.Morton can be propagated using seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering. All the methods are easy and can be done by gardeners of all levels of experience.
Disease and Pest Management for Solenostemon graniticola J.K.Morton
Solenostemon graniticola J.K.Morton is a species of plant that is generally low-maintenance and doesn't attract many pests or diseases. However, like all plants, it is not immune to these issues.
Pests
The most common pests that might affect Solenostemon graniticola J.K.Morton are spider mites and aphids. Spider mites tend to thrive in hot and dry conditions, which makes them more prevalent during summer months. Aphids, on the other hand, can appear at any time, but they tend to be more problematic in the spring.
To manage spider mites, it is important to increase humidity around the plant. Spraying the plant with water regularly or keeping a tray of water nearby can help. For more severe infestations, neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used.
Aphids can be managed by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap, or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs. However, it is important to be careful when using any sort of insecticide, since they can harm beneficial insects as well as pests.
Diseases
The most common disease that might affect Solenostemon graniticola J.K.Morton is root rot. Root rot is caused by fungus and occurs when the soil around the plant is too wet. Symptoms of root rot include wilting leaves and stunted growth.
To prevent root rot, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered. Solenostemon graniticola J.K.Morton prefers well-draining soil, so adding a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot can help improve drainage. If root rot is suspected, the affected parts of the plant should be removed and the soil should be allowed to dry out before watering again.
In summary, Solenostemon graniticola J.K.Morton is generally easy to care for, but it is still susceptible to diseases and pests like root rot, spider mites, and aphids. By being vigilant and taking preventative measures, these issues can be managed effectively.
