Origin
Sutera cinerea Hilliard, commonly known as trailing or baby blue eyes, is a plant species native to South Africa. It grows naturally in the Eastern Cape region, particularly in grasslands, savannas, and forest margins.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by various names like trailing Sutera, blue sutera, perennial sutera, and African blue eyes. In some regions, it is also referred to as Bacopa monnieri or Scoparia dulcis.
Uses
Sutera cinerea Hilliard is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its delicate and pretty appearance. Its trailing and cascading blooming habits make it a great choice for hanging baskets, borders, and ground covers. Its gorgeous blue or violet flowers bloom all year round, adding a splash of color to any garden or landscaping design.
The plant has also been used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including coughs, headaches, and fever. A decoction of the roots and leaves is believed to have antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties.
General Appearance
Sutera cinerea Hilliard is a small, low-growing perennial herb that can reach up to 30 cm in height. It has a slender stem that branches out into numerous delicate and wiry runners. The leaves are small, simple, and ovate-shaped, with a shiny appearance and light green color.
Trailing Sutera produces masses of small, five-petaled flowers that are either blue or violet, growing in clusters at the tips of the stems. The flowers are tubular with a white or yellow center and have a sweet scent. They bloom throughout the year, peaking in spring and summer.
The plant prefers a well-drained soil and requires regular watering and fertilization to achieve optimal growth and bloom.
Light Requirements
Sutera cinerea Hilliard, commonly known as Fairy Bells, requires bright but indirect sunlight or partial shade to thrive. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight as it can cause scorching of the leaves and may turn them yellow. So, it is recommended to place the plant near an east or west-facing window, where it can receive bright but indirect light.
Temperature Requirements
The Fairy Bells plant grows best in temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). It prefers warm and humid conditions, so it should be kept away from cold drafts and air conditioning vents. During the winter months, it is recommended to keep the plant in a warm spot in the house, as low temperatures can negatively affect its growth.
Soil Requirements
The Sutera cinerea Hilliard plant prefers well-draining soil that is fertile and rich in organic matter. It needs a soil pH level ranging from 5.5 to 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral. Garden soil can be mixed with coarse sand, peat, or perlite to increase its drainage and promote air circulation around the roots. It can also be grown in containers using a potting mix that contains peat moss or coconut coir, perlite, vermiculite, and composted bark chip. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil, which may cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Sutera cinerea Hilliard, also known as trailing lobelia or blue-eyed satin flower, is a plant species that belongs to the family of Campanulaceae. It is a popular garden plant characterized by small, delicate, and pale-blue flowers that bloom profusely in spring and summer. To cultivate Sutera cinerea Hilliard, it is best to plant it in a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil that receives partial or full sunlight. The plant prefers a warm and humid climate and is best grown in zones 9-11. It is an excellent choice for hanging baskets, containers, and as groundcover.
Watering Needs
Sutera cinerea Hilliard requires regular watering to thrive. It is crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as the plant is susceptible to root rot. In summer or hot climates, the plant may require watering daily or once every two days. In colder climates, watering once every three to four days may suffice. The watering frequency will depend on the weather and the moisture-retaining capacity of the soil. It is always best to water the plant in the morning to allow excess water to evaporate before the night's onset.
Fertilization
Sutera cinerea Hilliard responds well to regular fertilization every four to six weeks during the growing season. Fertilizers high in nitrogen will boost the plant's foliage growth, while those high in potassium will enhance flower production. It is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer with equal NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) composition. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this may cause leaf scorching and reduce bloom production.
Pruning
Sutera cinerea Hilliard requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Pinch back the tips of the plant when it reaches about six inches to encourage lateral branching and promote more abundant blooms. Deadhead faded flowers regularly to encourage continued bloom production throughout the growing season. At the end of the growing season, trim the plant back by about one-third to prepare it for dormant winter stages.
Propagation of Sutera Cinerea Hilliard
Sutera cinerea Hilliard, also known as the trailing phlox or lilac. It is a low-growing, flowering plant that is native to the southern region of Africa. Sutera cinerea can be propagated by various methods, including stem cuttings, division, and seeds.
Stem Cuttings
One of the most common methods of propagating Sutera cinerea is by taking stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should be taken from the plant's new growth. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot with well-drained soil and keep it moist. Roots should start to form in about 4-6 weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted after six months.
Division
Sutera cinerea can also be propagated through division. Divide the plant during the spring or autumn months by carefully digging up the plant and separating the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have enough roots and stems to grow independently. Replant the divisions in well-drained soil and keep it moist until new growth appears.
Seeds
Sutera cinerea can be grown from seeds, but the plant does not always produce viable seeds. It is best to collect the seeds as soon as possible after they ripen and before the seed pods explode. Sow the seeds in a well-drained soil mix and lightly cover them with soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the pot in a warm, bright location. Germination should occur in about 2-3 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted after six months.
With proper care and propagation, Sutera cinerea Hilliard can be a beautiful addition to any garden or home.
Disease Management for Sutera cinerea Hilliard
Sutera cinerea Hilliard or Bacopa cinerea is a hardy plant and not commonly affected by diseases. However, some foliar diseases can still appear under certain circumstances, affecting the foliage and stem of the plant.
Leaf spot and mildew are two of the most common diseases that can affect S. cinerea. The former appears as small, circular spots on the leaves, which eventually spread and form bigger lesions. Mildew, on the other hand, appears as a white, powdery substance on the plant's surface. Both of these diseases are caused by fungal infections.
To manage these diseases, it is important to keep the plant in a dry environment and avoid watering the foliage, especially during the evening. If the plant is already infected, you can apply fungicides to prevent further spread. Prune off the affected area and dispose of it properly to avoid spreading the spores to other plants.
Pest Management for Sutera cinerea Hilliard
Sutera cinerea Hilliard is not commonly affected by pests. However, some insects can still infest the plant. These pests feed on the leaves, creating holes and damaging the foliage.
Two of the most common insects that can infest S. cinerea are aphids and spider mites. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can easily be removed by spraying the plant with water. Spider mites, on the other hand, are tiny, spider-like pests that thrive in dry and hot conditions. They can easily be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of pest infestation. If caught early, the pests can be easily managed without causing much damage to the plant. Make sure to also keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid overcrowding to prevent pests from infesting the plant.
