Overview
Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax is a plant species that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is native to Africa and is commonly found in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Angola. The plant has a variety of uses including medicinal and ornamental purposes.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Poison Rope, Poison Arrow Vine, or Eyokan in Nigeria.
Appearance
Strophanthus preussii is a climbing plant that can grow up to 30 meters in length. It has corky, greyish-brown bark and large, leathery, and glossy leaves that are about 10-20cm long and 5-8cm wide. The flowers of Strophanthus preussii are fragrant, creamy-white when mature, and about 2-3 cm in diameter.
Uses
Strophanthus preussii has several uses. The seeds of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, which are used in modern medicine as heart stimulants and for treating cardiovascular diseases. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat snakebites and has been employed as an arrow poison by some African tribes. Additionally, the plant is sometimes used for its ornamental value in gardens and parks for its exquisite flowers and unique climbing habit.
Light Requirements
Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax is a sun-loving plant and requires bright light to thrive. It can tolerate partial shade but grows best in full sunlight. If grown indoors, it should be placed near a south-facing window to receive maximum sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax is native to tropical regions and requires warm temperatures to grow. Ideally, the plant should be kept in a temperature range of 18°C to 28°C (65°F to 82°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can be detrimental to the plant's health and growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant should be grown in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should also be kept moist but not waterlogged, as the plant is sensitive to overwatering. A soil mix containing peat moss or coco coir, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal for growing this plant.
Cultivation methods
Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax is a tropical plant that thrives in warm climates. It can be grown outdoors in regions with consistent temperatures above 60°F (15°C). However, it can also be cultivated indoors in colder climates, provided that it is kept in an environment with high humidity. The plant prefers well-draining soil and requires regular watering to maintain its health.
Watering needs
Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax requires regular watering to thrive. The plant should be watered once a week during the growing season and less frequently when it enters dormancy. The soil should be kept moist, but not saturated, to prevent root rot. Watering should be done at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease and fungal growth.
Fertilization
Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every two to three weeks. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing to prevent nutrient burn and damage to the plant's roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax, but it can be done to maintain the plant's shape and encourage new growth. Pruning should be done during the growing season, and any dead or diseased branches should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of disease. It is important to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant and introducing pathogens.
Propagation of Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax
Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax can be propagated through several methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax can be collected from the mature pods in the late summer and early autumn after they have turned brown. To ensure successful germination, the seeds must be treated with a fungicide and scarified before sowing. Scarification can be done by nicking the seed coat with a sharp knife or by rubbing the seeds on sandpaper. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil in a warm and bright location. Germination may take several weeks to several months depending on the growing conditions.
Cuttings propagation
Stem tip cuttings can also be used to propagate Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax. The cuttings should be taken in the early summer and between 2-6 inches in length. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix, and then kept in a warm and bright location. The cuttings should be watered frequently but not overwatered, and the rooting process may take several weeks to several months.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another propagation technique that can be used for Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax. This technique is particularly useful for older or more established plants. It involves stripping a section of bark from a stem and wrapping it in a damp sphagnum moss before covering it with plastic. This will encourage the growth of adventitious roots, which can then be cut from the original plant and potted in well-draining soil mix.
Disease Management for Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax
Strophanthus preussii is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions, and it is relatively resistant to disease. However, like any plant, it can be vulnerable to various types of fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. Here are some common diseases that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal infection that can cause the leaves of the plant to develop small, dark spots. The leaves may eventually turn yellow and fall off, leading to defoliation. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves from the plant and dispose of them in the trash. Avoid watering the plant from above, and water only the roots to reduce moisture on the leaves. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Rust
Rust is another common fungal infection that can affect the leaves, causing orange or brown spots on the undersides of the leaves. The spots may eventually turn black, and the leaves may drop prematurely. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves from the plant and dispose of them in the trash. Spray with a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal infection that can affect the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. The plant may show signs of wilting, and the leaves may turn yellow or brown. To manage this disease, improve the drainage of the soil and avoid overwatering. Remove infected roots and replant in new, well-draining soil. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax
In addition to diseases, Strophanthus preussii can be vulnerable to various pests that can damage the plant. Here are some common pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that can suck the sap out of the plant, causing stunted growth, yellow leaves, and curled leaves. To manage this pest, blast the plant with a stream of water to knock off the aphids. Alternatively, apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant to kill the aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that can cover the plant in fine webbing. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow, dry up and drop off. To manage this pest, spray the plant with a stream of water to knock off the mites. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant to kill the mites.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white insects that can cluster on the plant and suck the sap out of it, causing stunted growth. They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts ants and can cause fungal growth. To manage this pest, spray the plant with a stream of water to dislodge the mealybugs. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap onto the infested areas of the plant to kill them. You can also remove the mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
