Overview
Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff is an aromatic plant that is native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, and is known for its medicinal properties.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Kealiae Stenogyne. It is also referred to as Hawaiian/Stenogyne Mint and Awa/Pila Kikia.
Appearance
Kealiae Stenogyne is a small shrub that grows up to 1 meter tall. It has small, smooth, and glossy leaves that are generally elliptical in shape and are a dark green color. The plant produces small white or pale violet-colored flowers that are arranged in clusters and have a pleasant aromatic scent.
Uses
The plant is traditionally used in Hawaiian medicine to treat ailments such as stomach disorders, cough, and sore throat. It is also used as a natural insect repellent and as a flavoring agent in cooking. The essential oil extracted from the leaves and stems of the plant is used for various therapeutic and medicinal purposes.
Light Requirements
The Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff requires a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of sunlight exposure per day. However, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause sunburn in the leaves. Hence, it is best to provide partial shade beneath a tree or in a well-lit room with a sheer curtain.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in a temperature range of 60 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 24 degrees Celsius). It is sensitive to frost and cold winds that cause damage to foliage and stunted growth. Therefore, it is best to grow Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff in a warm and moist environment.
Soil Requirements
The Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff grows well in well-drained soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers rich soil that is loamy, sandy, and rich in organic matter. A good drainage system is essential to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Adequate soil moisture is necessary for healthy growth, but overwatering should be avoided.
Cultivation and Care for Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff
Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff is a beautiful and unique flowering plant that requires specific cultivation and care methods to thrive. Here are some key tips to ensure your plant stays healthy:
Cultivation
Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff requires a well-draining soil mix that is rich in nutrients. It prefers a location with partial to full shade and ideally, the temperature should not drop below 60°F. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or root division.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff are unique. It requires moist soil but not overly wet, and the soil must be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. It is important to avoid watering the leaves, as this can lead to disease and fungus growth.
Fertilization
Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 and apply it every month during the growing season. Be sure to water the plant deeply after fertilizing to avoid fertilizer burn.
Pruning
To encourage growth and maintain its shape, Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff should be pruned regularly. It is best to prune during the late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. The plant should be pruned back by one-third of its size to promote new growth and improve its overall health.
With proper cultivation and care, Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff can be a stunning addition to any garden or indoor space. Remember to maintain regular care, and your plant will thrive for years to come.
Propagation of Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff
Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff are small and require careful handling. They should be sown in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and placed in a warm and bright location. Germination can take anywhere from two weeks to several months.
Cutting Propagation
Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff can be propagated by stem cuttings taken during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and taken from healthy plants. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light. Roots should develop in 2-3 weeks.
Division Propagation
Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff can be propagated by division when the plant has become too large for its container. Gently remove the plant from its container and separate the roots into smaller clumps, each containing a few stems. Replant the clumps into individual containers filled with well-draining soil mix and water well.
Disease Management
The Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it can still suffer from diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can appear as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be caused by poor air circulation, high humidity, and over-watering. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to reduce humidity levels by pruning back any overgrown vegetation and providing adequate spacing between plants. Additionally, regular applications of fungicides can help control the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot: This disease appears as circular or irregular spots on the leaves of the plant. It can be caused by poor air circulation and over-watering. To manage leaf spot, it is important to avoid overhead watering and to prune back any overgrown vegetation. Additionally, regular applications of fungicides can help control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Stenogyne kealiae Wawra var. angustata O. Deg. & Sherff is also relatively pest-resistant. However, it can be affected by pests such as mealybugs and spider mites.
Mealybugs: These pests appear as small, white, cotton-like masses on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be controlled by removing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Additionally, regular applications of insecticides, such as neem oil, can help control their numbers.
Spider Mites: These pests are tiny, spider-like insects that can cause yellowing and spotting on the leaves of the plant. They can be controlled by regularly spraying the plant with water to increase humidity levels and by applying insecticides, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring of the plant is essential in preventing any infestation of pests and diseases. By keeping the plant healthy and well-watered, it can combat pests and diseases on its own.
