Overview
Sutera revoluta (Thunb.) Kuntze var. ? pubescens Hiern, commonly known as the trailing phlox or creeping phlox, is a low-growing, herbaceous plant that belongs to the family of plantain lilies. It is native to southern Africa and is commonly found in countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Appearance
The trailing phlox has soft, hairy leaves that are arranged oppositely along creeping stems. The leaves are elliptical and about 8 mm long. The stems can grow up to 60 cm long and bend downwards as they spread. The plant bears tiny flowers that are fragrant and funnel-shaped. These flowers are usually white, pink, or lavender in color, and they bloom in clusters from late spring to early autumn.
Uses
The trailing phlox is an ornamental plant that is used in landscaping and in container gardening. It is often grown as a ground cover or as a trailing plant on walls and hanging baskets. The plant requires well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun exposure to flourish. As a result of its attractive flowers, it is a favorite of gardeners who are looking to create a beautiful and colorful garden.
Furthermore, the plant has medicinal properties and is used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments. It is known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties and has been used to treat wounds, coughs, and fever. However, it should be noted that the plant's medicinal uses have not been widely studied, and therefore, caution should be taken when using it for medicinal purposes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the trailing phlox is a beautiful and versatile plant that adds color and texture to gardens and landscapes. Its medicinal properties make it a valuable plant, and it can be used to treat various ailments. While its uses are valuable, it should be noted that proper research must be conducted before using it for medicinal purposes to ensure safe and effective use.
Light Requirements
Sutera revoluta (Thunb.) Kuntze var. ß pubescens Hiern typically thrives in areas with bright but indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight is not recommended as it may scorch the leaves or cause them to wilt. If grown indoors, ensure that it is placed near a window with plenty of natural light or use artificial lighting if necessary.
Temperature Requirements
This plant enjoys warm temperatures ranging between 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. It is not tolerant of cold temperatures, and any exposure to freezing temperatures may result in the death of the plant. It is also essential to provide adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of excessive heat, which can cause dehydration and plant wilting.
Soil Requirements
The Sutera revoluta (Thunb.) Kuntze var. ß pubescens Hiern thrives in well-draining soil with high organic matter. It is recommended to use a mixture of peat moss and perlite, which improves soil drainage while also retaining moisture. The soil pH should range between 6.0-7.0 to ensure optimal nutrient uptake. Avoid planting in heavy clay soils as they do not provide adequate drainage and can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Sutera revoluta (Thunb.) Kuntze var. ß pubescens Hiern is a subshrub plant that thrives well in well-draining soils. To cultivate this plant, prepare the soil by mixing it with sand or perlite to improve drainage. Ensure that the soil is porous enough to promote the growth of the plant's roots. Sutera revoluta requires bright, indirect sunlight, so it should be planted in a spot where it can receive the required light conditions.
You can propagate Sutera revoluta using seeds or stem cutting. If you're using seeds, sow them in spring or summer in well-draining soil, and ensure they remain moist during germination. Seedlings should be transplanted to their own pots once they're large enough to handle. If stem cutting is your preferred propagation method, use a sharp pair of scissors or shears to cut a healthy stem between 5-10cm in length, making sure that there are no flowers or buds on it. Dip the cut end in a growth hormone powder, then plant it in a well-draining soil mix to root.
Watering Needs
Sutera revoluta (Thunb.) Kuntze var. ß pubescens Hiern requires moderate watering, equivalent to 2-3 times a week depending on weather conditions. Ensure that the soil is evenly moist, but not waterlogged, as that can lead to root rot. Watering should be done when the topsoil feels dry — you can test this by poking your finger into the soil. The plant should be watered slowly and evenly, allowing the soil to soak up all the water.
Fertilization
To keep Sutera revoluta healthy and flowering, it requires regular fertilization. You should use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, and apply it every two weeks. Alternatively, you can mix slow-release fertilizers into the soil during planting for continuous feeding. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant, as that can lead to leaf burn or poor growth. Before fertilizing, make sure that the plant is well-watered, as fertilizer can burn the plant's roots if they're dry.
Pruning
To encourage bushier growth and more flowering, Sutera revoluta requires regular pruning. You should prune the plant after the flowering season is over, or when it becomes too leggy or unkempt. Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or shears to trim the plant's branches and stems by 1/3 of their length. Avoid pruning too much or cutting into old wood, as that can lead to poor growth or the plant dying. Regular pruning will also help keep the plant within a manageable size and encourage better air circulation, reducing the risk of pest and disease attacks.
Propagation of Sutera revoluta (Thunb.) Kuntze var. ß pubescens Hiern
Sutera revoluta (Thunb.) Kuntze var. ß pubescens Hiern, commonly known as the white trailing lobelia or the bushy lobelia, is a popular plant among gardeners and landscapers due to its ability to thrive in various environments. One of the reasons for its widespread popularity is its ease of propagation which can be done through various methods.
Propagation by seeds
The primary method of propagating Sutera revoluta var. ß pubescens Hiern is through seeds. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in well-draining soil in containers or seed trays. It is best to use a soil mix of peat moss and perlite. Once sown, the seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist by misting them daily. Germination usually occurs within 10 to 14 days.
Propagation by cuttings
Sutera revoluta var. ß pubescens Hiern can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long and should have a few sets of leaves. After removing the lower leaves, the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining soil mix of equal parts peat moss and perlite. The cutting should be kept moist by covering it with a plastic bag and misting it daily. Roots should develop within 2-3 weeks after which the bag can be removed.
Propagation by division
Sutera revoluta var. ß pubescens Hiern can also be propagated by division. This is best done in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. The plant should be carefully dug up and then divided into smaller sections using a sharp knife. Each section should have at least one healthy shoot and root system. The sections should then be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to provide the right growing conditions for the plant after propagation to ensure it grows into a healthy and robust plant.
Disease Management
Sutera revoluta (Thunb.) Kuntze var. ß pubescens Hiern is generally resistant to most diseases. However, it can still be vulnerable to certain fungal and bacterial infections, which can lead to wilting, discoloration, and leaf drop. To manage these diseases, it is important to take preventive measures such as:
- Ensuring proper air circulation and adequate spacing between plants to reduce humidity levels
- Avoiding overhead watering and watering at the base of the plant
- Removing infected plant material and debris from the soil
- Disinfecting tools and equipment before and after use on infected plants
- Applying fungicides and bactericides as a last resort when necessary
Pest Management
Sutera revoluta (Thunb.) Kuntze var. ß pubescens Hiern may also be susceptible to certain pests such as:
- Spider mites
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Thrips
Infestations can cause stunted growth, yellowing and curling of leaves, and distorted flowers. To manage these pests, some proactive steps can be taken:
- Regular monitoring and detection of infestations
- Pruning and removal of infected plant parts
- Use of insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, and neem oil-based products as a first line of defence
- Release of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites, which feed on the pests
Note: It is important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using chemical controls, and to avoid using them during the flowering period when bees and other pollinators are visiting the plant.
