Origin of Sutera lyperioides (Engl.) Engl. ex Range
Sutera lyperioides (Engl.) Engl. ex Range is a species of flowering plant in the family Convolvulaceae, commonly known as bacopa or water hyssop. It is native to South Africa and is found in many parts of the country which include Western Cape, Northern Province, and eastern Transvaal.
Common Names of Sutera lyperioides (Engl.) Engl. ex Range
Sutera lyperioides (Engl.) Engl. ex Range has many common names including golden or yellow bacopa, yellow creeping plant, and trailing bacopa. In South Africa, it is sometimes referred to as the "swamp verbena" or "water hyssop" due to its preference for wet habitats.
Uses of Sutera lyperioides (Engl.) Engl. ex Range
In South Africa, Sutera lyperioides (Engl.) Engl. ex Range has been traditionally used as a medicinal herb to treat various conditions including coughs, colds, and respiratory tract infections. Its leaves can be used as a poultice on wounds, cuts, and bruises to aid wound healing and relieve pain. Bacopa is also used as an active ingredient in many cosmetic and hair care products due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
General Appearance of Sutera lyperioides (Engl.) Engl. ex Range
Sutera lyperioides (Engl.) Engl. ex Range is a small, trailing perennial herb with thin, wiry stems that grow up to 30 cm long. Its leaves are small, oval-shaped, and grow alternately along the stem. The flowers are small and yellow, and bloom in clusters at the ends of the stems from late spring through summer. It prefers wet habitats and can be found in marshy areas, near streams and rivers, and in boggy ground.
Light Requirements
Sutera lyperioides requires moderate to bright, indirect light for optimal growth. If grown in direct sunlight, the plant may experience leaf scorch and other negative effects. It is important to provide the plant with consistent light conditions to promote healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Sutera lyperioides is between 18-27°C (65-80°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can cause the plant to go dormant, resulting in stunted growth. In addition, temperatures above 30°C (86°F) can cause heat stress, resulting in reduced growth rates.
Soil Requirements
Sutera lyperioides prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal for this plant. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. Fertilizer should be applied sparingly, as Sutera lyperioides is relatively low maintenance and can be easily damaged by too much nutrient-rich soil.
Cultivation
Sutera lyperioides (Engl.) Engl. ex Range, commonly known as the Fairy Bells, is a low-growing plant that is native to South Africa. It is a perennial plant that is commonly grown as an annual in colder climates. It is easy to grow both in the ground and in containers.
The plant prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of pH, but a pH of 6.0 to 7.2 is ideal. It is also important to plant the Fairy Bells in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
Watering Needs
The Fairy Bells plant thrives in moist soil. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the growing season, which is from spring to fall. However, be careful not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot.
During the winter season, reduce the frequency of watering so that the soil dries out a little between watering sessions. This helps to prevent the onset of fungal problems.
Fertilization
The Fairy Bells plant requires regular feeding during the growing season to encourage lush growth and profuse blooming. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the plant roots.
It is advisable to withhold fertilizer during the winter season or reduce the feeding frequency to once a month.
Pruning
The Fairy Bells plant does not require frequent pruning. However, it is advisable to pinch back the tips of the branches occasionally to encourage bushiness. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
During the winter season, prune back the plant to half its size to rejuvenate the plant. This also helps to maintain its compact shape.
Propagation of Sutera lyperioides
Sutera lyperioides, commonly known as "Bonefern", is a perennial shrub that belongs to the family of Asteraceae. It is native to South Africa and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its small, white, and star-shaped flowers and its ability to attract bees and butterflies.
Propagation of Sutera lyperioides is best done through cuttings obtained from the parent plant. The best time for taking cuttings is during the spring when the plant is actively growing. The following are the different propagation methods for the Bonefern:
Stem Cuttings
This is the most popular method used to propagate Sutera lyperioides. Cuttings should be taken from the parent plant, cutting the stem about 3-5 cm, making sure that at least two nodes are included. Remove the leaves in the lowest section of the cutting, then apply rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil with good moisture retention, and should be kept in a shaded area. The cutting can take up to 4 weeks to root.
Division
Division is also a good way to propagate Sutera lyperioides. It involves separating the mature plant into smaller sections that can be replanted. This method is best done during the dormant period, which is usually during fall or late winter. The dug-up plant can be further segmented into smaller pieces after which they should be replanted in suitable soil.
Seed Propagation
Although Sutera lyperioides can be propagated through seeds, this is the least common method used. This is because it takes a longer time for the plant to germinate and produce flowers when grown from seeds. The seeds should be sown during the spring in a moist and well-draining soil, or better still, use a seed propagator. The seedlings should normally appear within 2-3 weeks of sowing.
By following these propagation methods, gardeners can easily increase the number of Bonefern plants in their gardens, allowing for bigger, beautiful, healthy plants.
Disease Management
Sutera lyperioides is susceptible to a few common diseases that can significantly reduce its aesthetic value and overall health. Here are some of the diseases that may affect this plant:
- Crown and root rots: These fungal diseases can cause blackened, rotting roots, wilting, and yellowing leaves. Sutera lyperioides is prone to crown and root rots when its soil is poorly drained, or the plant is overwatered. The best way to manage these diseases is by improving soil drainage and avoiding overwatering. If the plant is already infected, removing the dead and infected parts, then treating with a fungicide is necessary.
- Rust: Rust disease is manifested by rough, raised, orange pustules mainly under the leaves. It spreads through fungal spores that can infect the plant. If caught early, infected leaves can be removed, and a fungicide applied on the rest. The best way to prevent rust is by maintaining the plant's hygiene, keeping it dry, and well-spaced to improve air circulation.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew is a common disease that coats plants with a white, powdery substance. It thrives in humid environments and may occur due to water splashing on the leaves when watering the plant. Regular inspection and the removal of affected parts can decrease the chance of the disease spreading. Fungicides may be used if the disease persists.
Pest Management
Pests are another threat to the health and appearance of Sutera lyperioides. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites suck on the sap of the plant leaving it with a stippled, spotted appearance. One sign of a spider mite infestation is the presence of thin cobwebs under the leaves. Wash infested plants often and regularly inspect the plant, removing infested parts where present. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used if the infestation persists.
- Thrips: are tiny insects shaped like grains of rice and they can cause damage to the leaves by sucking sap. Their feeding will cause leaves to twist, turn brown, or silver. Thrips can be controlled through releasing beneficial insects or using insecticidal soap. Yellow or blue sticky traps can also help monitor their presence in the garden.
- Whiteflies: These insects are tiny, winged, and they can be found on the undersides of the leaves. When disturbed, they fly in a swarm-like manner, covering the plant with a white, powdery substance. Yellow sticky traps or insecticides such as neem oil can help control their population.
Proper care and regular inspection can go a long way in preventing the diseases and pests that can hamper the health and beauty of Sutera lyperioides.
