Origin
Solenostemon monostachyus (P.Beauv.) Briq. subsp. perennis J.K.Morton, also known as Coleus forskohlii, is an herb that is native to Nepal, India, and Thailand.
Common Names
Solenostemon monostachyus is commonly referred to as forskohlii, Indian coleus, or makandi, among other names.
Uses
The plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory disorders, digestive problems, and skin conditions. It is best known for its ability to increase levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP), which is a messenger molecule that plays an important role in regulating various physiological processes. Forskohlii is also used commercially in the production of weight loss supplements and as a natural remedy for hypothyroidism.
General Appearance
Solenostemon monostachyus is a perennial plant that grows up to 60 cm tall. It has small, aromatic leaves that are dark green and smooth on top, with a slightly hairy underside. The plant blooms in the summer with small, blue-violet flowers that grow in clusters along a single stem. The roots of the plant are thick and fleshy, and they contain the active compound forskolin, which gives the plant its medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
The Solenostemon monostachyus (P.Beauv.) Briq. subsp. perennis J.K.Morton plant requires indirect sunlight to grow well. It grows well in light shade but also tolerates full sunlight for a few hours every day. Therefore, it can be grown in indoor and outdoor conditions, and it thrives in areas with high levels of humidity.
Soil Requirements
The Solenostemon monostachyus (P.Beauv.) Briq. subsp. perennis J.K.Morton plant grows well in well-drained, fertile soil with high organic content. Sandy soils are not suitable for the plant, but it thrives in loamy soils. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Adding compost to the soil increases its fertility and enables the plant to grow to its full potential.
Temperature Requirements
The Solenostemon monostachyus (P.Beauv.) Briq. subsp. perennis J.K.Morton plant grows best in warm, humid areas with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 16°C hamper its growth, and frost kills the plant. It is suitable for tropical and subtropical regions with high rainfall and humidity.
Cultivation
Solenostemon monostachyus (P.Beauv.) Briq. subsp. perennis J.K.Morton, commonly known as Coleus, is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures and high levels of humidity to flourish. It grows well both indoors and outdoors, provided that it is planted in well-draining soil and receives regular, bright, filtered sunlight.
When planting Coleus, ensure that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Additionally, it is essential to keep the plant away from cold drafts or areas with insufficient light as it may lead to stunted growth.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Coleus plants may vary depending on the environment, pot size, and temperature. It is important to keep the soil moist but not overwatered.
A good way to water coleus plants is to allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering. You can also mist the leaves occasionally to keep the humidity levels up.
Fertilization
Coleus plants require regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer every three to four weeks during the growing season to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients.
During the dormant season, reduce the frequency of fertilization or use a slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps to keep Coleus plants healthy and full. Remove any yellow or dead leaves immediately to prevent diseases from spreading.
To encourage bushier growth in Coleus plants, pinch off the growing tips regularly. You can also prune the plant to maintain the desired size and shape.
When pruning, ensure that your pruning shears or scissors are clean and sharp to prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Solenostemon monostachyus (P.Beauv.) Briq. subsp. perennis J.K.Morton
The plant Solenostemon monostachyus (P.Beauv.) Briq. subsp. perennis J.K.Morton can be propagated by several methods. Propagation is the process of creating new individuals of a plant either sexually or asexually. Asexual methods refer to propagating the plant using plant parts, while sexual methods entail using seeds to grow new plants.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
The stem cutting method is one of the most common methods of propagating Solenostemon monostachyus (P.Beauv.) Briq. subsp. perennis J.K.Morton. The stem of the plant is cut into sections, and the cuttings are planted in a nutrient-rich substrate. The cutting should consist of a stem that is about 10cm long and has a few leaves on it.
The cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone to stimulate growth and then planted in sandy soil where it can begin to develop roots. The soil should be moistened, but not excessively wet. The cutting should be kept warm and in a shaded area until new growth appears.
Propagation by Division
Propagation of Solenostemon monostachyus (P.Beauv.) Briq. subsp. perennis J.K.Morton can also be done through division. This is done by dividing the root ball of an established plant into separate parts. Each part should have a portion of the stem and roots attached.
The divided plant is then potted in a medium-rich substrate and kept moist until new growth appears. It is best to propagate during the plant's active growing season.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of this plant can also be done by seeds. The seed pod of the plant should be harvested and placed in a warm area to dry out. The dry pod is then cracked open, and the seeds are collected.
The seeds are planted in seed trays filled with nutrient-rich soil and kept moist until they germinate. The trays should be kept in a warm location that has access to light. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted to larger containers or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Solenostemon monostachyus (P.Beauv.) Briq. subsp. perennis J.K.Morton is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by various fungi. The symptoms include stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant, ensure proper drainage and use fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery substance to appear on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves, prune the plant and use fungicides. Also, ensure proper ventilation around the plant as this disease thrives in warm and humid conditions.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by various fungi and bacteria. Symptoms include small circular spots on the leaves, which turn brown or black. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and use fungicides.
Pest Management
Solenostemon monostachyus (P.Beauv.) Briq. subsp. perennis J.K.Morton is also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small insects covered in a white waxy substance. They suck the sap out of the leaves and stems, causing the plant to weaken and die. To manage this pest, remove infected leaves, use insecticidal soap, and encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that attack the leaves and stems of the plant. They suck the sap out of the plant, causing it to weaken and deform. To manage this pest, remove infected leaves, prune the plant, and use insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that spin webs on the leaves of the plant. They suck the sap out of the plant, causing it to weaken and die. To manage this pest, remove infected leaves, prune the plant, and use insecticidal soap.
