Overview of Synadenium gazense N.E.Br.
Synadenium gazense N.E.Br., commonly known as African milk bush or simply milk bush, is a succulent plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. This plant is native to tropical Africa and can be found in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
General Appearance
The African milk bush has a tree-like appearance and can grow up to 3 meters tall. It has a thick, greyish-brown stem with green leaves that grow in an alternating pattern. The leaves are oval-shaped with a pointed tip and measure up to 12 centimeters long and 7 centimeters wide.
The plant produces inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-yellow in color and bloom in clusters. The fruit of the African milk bush is a capsule that contains small seeds.
Common Uses
African milk bush has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The latex from the leaves and stem have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including skin infections, ulcers, and snake bites. Some African tribes have also used the plant to induce abortions.
Additionally, the African milk bush is a popular houseplant due to its unique appearance and low maintenance requirements. The plant is easy to propagate from stem cuttings and can thrive in a range of conditions, making it a great choice for beginners.
However, it's important to note that the sap of the African milk bush is toxic and can cause skin irritation or blisters. As such, care should be taken when handling the plant.
Light Requirements
The Synadenium gazense N.E.Br. plant requires bright indirect light for optimal growth. It should be placed in a location with plenty of natural light but not direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of the plant, leading to its death.
Temperature Requirements
The Synadenium gazense N.E.Br. plant prefers warm temperatures between 60°F to 85°F. It cannot withstand temperatures below 50°F, which can lead to frostbite and eventually death of the plant. It is best to keep the plant in a warm location and away from sources of drafts and cold air.
Soil Requirements
The Synadenium gazense N.E.Br. plant thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and high in nutrients. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely, or the roots of the plant will suffer and may eventually die. It is best to water the plant regularly but only when the soil has dried out partially, not completely.
Cultivation Methods for Synadenium gazense N.E.Br.
Synadenium gazense N.E.Br. is a succulent shrub that requires bright indirect light and well-drained soil. The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings or seeds. When propagated by stem cuttings, it is advisable to allow them to dry for a day before planting.
The plant should be placed in a pot that is one size bigger than the root ball. It is essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot. Good quality potting soil mixed with coarse sand or perlite is ideal.
Watering Needs for Synadenium gazense N.E.Br.
Watering should be done sparingly, making sure that the soil is completely dry before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal. During the dry season, the plant may require more watering, but care must be taken not to overwater.
The frequency of watering depends on the humidity and temperature of the environment. Typically, it should be watered once or twice a week. It is advisable to use distilled water or tap water that has been left to sit for a day to allow the chlorine to dissipate.
Fertilization for Synadenium gazense N.E.Br.
The plant should be fertilized twice a year – in the spring and summer – with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilizing should stop during the winter or dormant season.
Overfertilization should be avoided as it can lead to the accumulation of salt in the soil, which can damage the plant. It is advisable to flush the soil with water every three months to remove any salt build-up.
Pruning for Synadenium gazense N.E.Br.
Synadenium gazense N.E.Br. requires light pruning to remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems. It is advisable to use gloves when pruning as the plant's milky sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation. After pruning, the sap should be washed off immediately to prevent any irritation or reaction.
The plant can be pruned to control its size or to shape it into a particular form. However, care must be taken not to remove more than a third of the plant at any given time as this can stress the plant.
Propagation of Synadenium gazense N.E.Br.
Synadenium gazense N.E.Br. is propagated through stem cuttings since seeds are not readily available or reliable for propagation.
Method of Propagation
The best time to take stem cuttings is during the growing season of the plant, which is usually from spring to summer. Select a healthy and mature stem that has at least two nodes (the points where the leaves attach to the stem).
Make a diagonal cut just below the node at the base of the stem. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top two or three. This will reduce water loss and allow the plant to focus its energy on root development.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the exposed node is covered in soil.
Water the cutting thoroughly and place it in a bright, warm, and humid spot. Cover it with a plastic bag or a propagation dome to maintain high humidity levels and prevent excessive moisture loss.
Avoid direct sunlight and keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Within a few weeks, roots should start to form, and new growth should emerge from the stem.
Once the new plant has established a strong root system, you can transplant it into a larger pot or directly into the ground, depending on your preference.
Disease and Pest Management for Synadenium gazense N.E.Br.
Synadenium gazense N.E.Br., commonly known as African milk bush or African milk tree, is a popular ornamental plant grown for its beautiful foliage and easy-to-care nature. However, like other plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can cause damage or even death if not managed properly. Here are some common diseases and pests of Synadenium gazense and ways to control and prevent them.
Common Diseases
1. Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of plants, often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent root rot in Synadenium gazense, ensure proper drainage by using well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes. Avoid overwatering and allow the topsoil to dry out before watering again.
2. Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease characterized by dark spots on the leaves. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
3. Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange-brown spots on the leaves. To prevent rust, remove and dispose of infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Common Pests
1. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing of leaves. To control spider mites, remove the infected leaves and wash the plant with a strong jet of water.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the plant's sap and cause stunted growth. To control mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant.
3. Scale insects: Scale insects are small, round pests that feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing of leaves. To control scale insects, remove them from the plant with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol or insecticidal soap.
Overall, to keep Synadenium gazense healthy and pest-free, ensure good cultural practices such as providing adequate sunlight, proper watering, and well-draining soil. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of disease or pest infestations and take appropriate measures to control and prevent them.
