Origin
Sutera tristis (L.f.) Hiern var. montana (Diels) Hiern is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. This plant is native to South Africa and grows in the mountainous regions of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
Common Names
This species of plant is commonly known as the "Wandering Jew" due to its trailing growth habit. It is also known as the "Fairy Bells" or "Baby's Tears" due to its delicate white flowers that resemble tiny bells or teardrops.
Uses
Sutera tristis (L.f.) Hiern var. montana (Diels) Hiern is often used as an ornamental plant for hanging baskets, rock gardens, and borders due to their low-growing and spreading habit. They are easy to care for and produce an abundance of small white or purple flowers. Additionally, extracts from the plant have been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for digestive and respiratory ailments.
General Appearance
Sutera tristis (L.f.) Hiern var. montana (Diels) Hiern is a perennial plant that forms a mat of delicate, trailing stems that can grow up to one meter long. The leaves are tiny, oval-shaped and light green in color, and they grow in pairs along the stems. The flowers are small and bell-shaped, with five white petals that surround a yellow center. The plant blooms from spring until late summer and prefers full sun or partial shade with well-draining soil.
Light Requirements
Sutera tristis var. montana requires bright but indirect sunlight to grow. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Direct sunlight may scorch the leaves of the plant, so it is best to filter the light through a sheer curtain or shade cloth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost or freezing conditions. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (16-24°C) during the day and 50-60°F (10-16°C) at night. It is a good idea to keep the plant in a warm room with consistent temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Sutera tristis var. montana grows well in well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 5.5-7.0. The soil should also be slightly moist, but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Sutera tristis (L.f.) Hiern var. montana (Diels) Hiern, commonly known as the creeping sutera and trailing lobelia, is a popular trailing plant that can easily be grown in containers or hanging baskets. It is native to South Africa and thrives in warm, humid conditions. The plant requires well-draining soil and moderate sunlight to grow.
Watering Needs
Watering is a crucial aspect of maintaining healthy Sutera tristis (L.f.) Hiern var. montana (Diels) Hiern. The plant prefers evenly moist soil, but it should never be allowed to sit in standing water. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the water to drain freely from the bottom of the container. The frequency of watering may increase during the hot and dry summer months.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary for the optimal growth of Sutera tristis (L.f.) Hiern var. montana (Diels) Hiern. The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season, which generally spans from spring to early fall. A balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, can be used. Avoid overfertilizing, as it can damage the roots and cause foliage burn.
Pruning
Regular pruning can help maintain the shape of the plant and promote healthy growth. It is recommended to pinch back the tips of the stems during the growing season to encourage branching and fuller growth. Sutera tristis (L.f.) Hiern var. montana (Diels) Hiern also benefits from occasional light pruning to remove any dead or diseased foliage.
Propagation of Sutera tristis var. montana
Sutera tristis var. montana is grown primarily for its charming displays of delicate, lavender-tinged, white flowers in spring and summer. It is a caudiciform plant that can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
The seedlings of Sutera tristis var. montana can be propagated using shallow plastic pots filled with well-draining soil mix. The seeds require a temperature of around 21 to 24 degrees Celsius to germinate. It is best to sow the seeds during spring and summer to maximize the natural light and warmth.
The seedlings should be given enough light, warmth, and moisture to achieve optimum growth. Once they outgrow their pots, the seedlings can be transplanted into bigger containers for the development of a full-grown plant.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are considered the easiest way to multiply Sutera tristis var. montana. The stem cuttings should be taken during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing, making sure to cut below a node with a sharp, sterilized scissors.
The cuttings should be allowed to grow roots in moist sand or soilless mix. To expedite the process and enhance propagation rate, the cuttings may be dipped in rooting hormone powder before they are inserted into the rooting medium.
The cuttings should be kept well-watered and in a humid environment during rooting. Once they have developed healthy roots, they can be transplanted carefully into pots or into the ground in adequately prepared soil.
Disease Management
Sutera tristis var. montana is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it is still susceptible to certain diseases. Some of these diseases include:
- Botrytis Blight: This is a fungal disease that causes the leaves, flowers, and stems to turn brown or black and eventually wilt. To manage botrytis blight, remove the infected plant parts and increase air circulation around the plant.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes irregular yellow or brown spots on the leaves and stems. To manage anthracnose, remove the infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and flowers of the plant. To manage mildew, prune the affected parts and increase air circulation.
Pest Management
Sutera tristis var. montana is also relatively pest-resistant. However, it is still susceptible to certain pests. Some of these pests include:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves and cause distortion and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a mixture of water and soap or use insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and bronzing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a mixture of water and soap or use an insecticide specifically designed for mites.
- Thrips: These small insects also suck the sap from the leaves and cause silvering or bronzing of the leaves. To manage thrips, remove the affected plant parts and use a systemic insecticide.
Regular monitoring of the plant can help to identify any disease or pest problems early, making management easier and more effective.
