Overview of Synadenium arborescens Boiss.
Synadenium arborescens Boiss., commonly known as African milk bush or simply milk bush, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Euphorbia family. It is native to eastern and southern Africa, but it is also present in many other parts of the world due to its popularity as an ornamental plant.
Appearance of Synadenium arborescens Boiss.
African milk bush is a succulent shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. It has a woody stem that is covered in greenish-brown bark, and its branches are thick and fleshy. The leaves are oval-shaped and can measure up to 15 centimeters in length. They are glossy green and have a slightly wavy edge. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and they grow in clusters near the ends of the branches. The fruits are small and green, and they contain three seeds.
Uses of Synadenium arborescens Boiss.
African milk bush has traditionally been used by various African communities for medicinal purposes. For instance, the sap of the plant has been used to treat skin conditions and wounds, while a decoction of the leaves has been used to treat diarrhea and dysentery. The plant is also used as an ornamental garden plant and is grown for its attractive foliage and ease of growth.
However, it is important to note that African milk bush is highly toxic. The sap of the plant contains a milky white latex that can cause severe skin irritation and eye damage. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is recommended that African milk bush be handled with caution and kept away from children and pets.
Light Requirements
Synadenium arborescens Boiss. prefers bright light and can tolerate full sunlight. It is suitable for growing indoors and needs to be placed near a window where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can survive in a temperature range of 60-90°F (15-32°C) but thrives better in temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C). It is sensitive to cold temperatures and should not be exposed to anything below 50°F (10°C).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix will consist of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and potting soil. The soil should not be waterlogged, as this can cause root rot.
Cultivation methods
The Synadenium arborescens, commonly known as African milk bush or latex plant, thrives exceptionally well in tropical regions and is a drought-tolerant plant. It prefers being planted in well-drained soil that has a pH ranging from 6.1 to 7.5. The plant should be grown in an area with partial sun to full sun exposure, making it ideal for outdoor gardens or indoor settings near a window.
If grown indoors, ensure that the room temperature is maintained between 65 and 75°F. The stem and leaves of African milk bush contain a white sticky sap that is poisonous to both humans and pets; therefore, it is advisable to plant the Synadenium arborescens out of reach.
Watering needs
The African milk bush requires moderate watering. Overwatering could lead to root rot, while under-watering will cause the leaves to fall off. The plant should be watered thoroughly and allowed to drain before placing it back in a saucer or tray. It is essential to inspect the soil regularly to ascertain dryness levels and determine when to water.
Fertilization
To aid in proper growth, it is advisable to fertilize the African milk bush with a balanced liquid fertilizer from spring through to summer. Reduce fertilization from the fall, and avoid fertilizing altogether in winter as the plant goes dormant. Excess fertilizer could affect the quality of leaves and lead to browning or yellowing.
Pruning
Pruning helps to preserve the aesthetics of the plant and control its growth. The African milk bush can grow up to eight feet when planted outdoors; hence, periodic pruning is necessary to maintain its size and shape. Prune the plant in early spring by cutting off any branches that are infected with pests or diseases or those that are dead or crossed. Pruning the plant also helps control its shape to prevent it from being leggy.
Propagation of Synadenium arborescens Boiss.
Synadenium arborescens Boiss., commonly known as the African milk bush, is a tropical succulent shrub that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. The plant is native to tropical East Africa but can also be found in other parts of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India. Propagating Synadenium arborescens Boiss. can be done through various methods, including stem cuttings, seeds, and air layering.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
One of the easiest and most common ways to propagate Synadenium arborescens Boiss. is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature stems during the growing season and should be at least 6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and allow the cut end to dry for a day or two. After the cutting has calloused, plant it in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist until roots begin to form.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation of Synadenium arborescens Boiss. through seeds is also possible, but it takes longer than other propagation methods. Harvest seeds from the plant when they are mature and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and warm, and germination should occur within a few weeks.
Propagation through Air Layering
Another propagation method for Synadenium arborescens Boiss. is air layering. This involves making a small cut in the stem and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss or another rooting medium. Once roots begin to form, cut the branch from the parent plant and plant it in a potting mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Synadenium Arborescens Boiss
Synadenium arborescens Boiss, commonly known as the African milk bush or the Madagascar rubber plant, is an ornamental plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. However, the plant can be affected by various diseases and pests, which can cause significant damage. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the Synadenium arborescens Boiss plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves, stems, and flowers of the Synadenium arborescens Boiss plant. The symptoms of powdery mildew include powdery white or gray spots on the foliage. The spots can expand and merge, causing leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage this disease, you can use fungicides such as myclobutanil or triforine. Additionally, you can improve air circulation around the plant and prune infected leaves to prevent the spread of the disease.
2. Stem Rot: Stem rot is a fungal disease that can affect the stem and roots of the Synadenium arborescens Boiss plant. The symptoms of stem rot include wilting, yellowing leaves, and a soft, mushy stem. To manage this disease, you can remove the infected plant parts and apply fungicides such as thiophanate-methyl. Additionally, you can avoid overwatering the plant and make sure that the soil is well-draining.
Pests
1. Spider Mites: Spider mites are small pests that can infest the Synadenium arborescens Boiss plant and cause damage by sucking sap from the leaves. The symptoms of spider mites include small yellow or white dots on the foliage, which can turn into brown patches. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, you can improve air circulation around the plant and wash the leaves with water to remove the mites.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small insects that can infest the Synadenium arborescens Boiss plant and feed on the sap. The symptoms of mealybugs include a cotton-like substance on the leaves, yellowing of the foliage, and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, you can prune infected leaves and apply rubbing alcohol to the mealybugs to kill them.
In conclusion, the Synadenium arborescens Boiss plant can be affected by various diseases and pests. It is best to practice good plant hygiene, avoid overwatering, and provide adequate care to prevent these problems. If the plant is infested, you can use the suggested management techniques to control the spread of the diseases and pests.
