Overview
Tabernaemontana coronaria (Jacq.) Willd. is a plant species native to Southeast Asia, but also found in parts of India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It is widely known for its fragrant and showy flowers, which have been used for various purposes for centuries.
Common Names
Tabernaemontana coronaria is commonly known by several common names in various languages. In English, it is often called the "crape jasmine," "moonbeam," or "pinwheel flower." It is known as "chandni" or "chandini" in Hindi, "ondrumal" or "andrumal" in Tamil, and "sampaguita" in Tagalog and other Philippine languages.
Uses
The flowers of Tabernaemontana coronaria have been used in traditional medicine for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. They are also used as an ingredient in perfumes, and their sweet fragrance is often associated with love and romance. In some cultures, the flowers are used to make decorative garlands or as offerings in religious ceremonies.
General Appearance
Tabernaemontana coronaria is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 5 meters in height. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are simple and oblong in shape, growing up to 10 cm in length. The flowers are star-shaped, with five white petals that form a pinwheel shape. They measure about 4 cm in diameter and are highly fragrant, with a sweet, jasmine-like scent. The fruit is a small, egg-shaped berry that turns yellow or orange when ripe.
Overall, Tabernaemontana coronaria is a beautiful and versatile plant that has captured the attention and admiration of people around the world for many centuries.Light Requirements:
Tabernaemontana coronaria can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, but prefers to grow in bright indirect light. It is not recommended to grow this plant in low light conditions, as this can result in poor growth and weak stems.
Temperature Requirements:
Tabernaemontana coronaria is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and no lower than 60°F (16°C) at night. This plant cannot tolerate cold temperatures and should be kept indoors during the winter months in regions with harsh winters.
Soil Requirements:
The soil should be well-draining and contain a mixture of organic matter and sand to allow for adequate drainage. A pH range of 6.0-7.5 is ideal for this plant. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every four to six weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods for Tabernaemontana coronaria (Jacq.) Willd.
Tabernaemontana coronaria (Jacq.) Willd. is a tropical shrub that grows best in hot and humid climates. If you live in an area with a similar climate, it can be grown successfully outdoors in well-draining soil. The plant requires full sun to partial shade to thrive well. It is recommended to grow the shrub in a large pot if growing indoors or in a different region.
Watering Needs for Tabernaemontana coronaria (Jacq.) Willd.
Tabernaemontana coronaria (Jacq.) Willd. requires regular watering. Water the plant once a week in the summer season, and once every two weeks during the colder months. Ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid issues like root rot. However, do not allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions.
Fertilization of Tabernaemontana coronaria (Jacq.) Willd.
Tabernaemontana coronaria (Jacq.) Willd. requires regular fertilization. Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during spring and summer. However, you may reduce the frequency to once a month during fall and stop fertilization during winter. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant as this may lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, causing damage to the plant.
Pruning of Tabernaemontana coronaria (Jacq.) Willd.
Tabernaemontana coronaria (Jacq.) Willd. is a fast-growing shrub that requires regular pruning to maintain a desirable shape. Regular pruning encourages new growth and ensures the plant remains healthy. It is recommended to prune the plant after the blooming period, which usually occurs during the summer. Prune any dead or diseased leaves and stems, and cut back the healthy ones to control the size of the shrub.
Propagation of Tabernaemontana coronaria (Jacq.) Willd.
Tabernaemontana coronaria (Jacq.) Willd., commonly known as soldier's rose or carnation flower, is a tropical flowering shrub that is native to Southeast Asia, including India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate T. coronaria is through seed propagation. Fresh seeds are sown in a well-drained, fertile potting mix, and the container is kept in a warm and humid environment until germination occurs, usually within 14 to 21 days. Seedlings are then transplanted to individual pots once they have developed several true leaves and are large enough to handle.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating T. coronaria is through stem cuttings. The cuttings are taken from a healthy, established plant and should be approximately 10 to 15cm long. The lower leaves are removed, and the cuttings are planted in a well-draining potting mix. They are kept in a warm, humid environment and watered regularly until roots form, which usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Once the young plants have rooted, they can be transplanted to individual pots.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that is particularly useful for plants that are difficult to propagate through other means. In this process, a section of the stem is stripped of its bark and a rooting hormone is applied to the injury, which is then wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and covered in plastic to keep it humid. Roots will grow from the injured section of the stem after a few weeks, and the new plant can be detached from the parent plant and transplanted once it has become established.
Disease Management
Tabernaemontana coronaria is susceptible to certain diseases that can adversely affect the plant's growth and fruit yield. The following are some of the common diseases:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes brown lesions on the leaves, stem, and fruit. It can be controlled by using fungicides and keeping the plant well-ventilated to promote drying.
- Canker: This disease causes sunken, discolored lesions on the plant's stem and leaves. It can be managed by cutting off and destroying the infected parts of the plant and applying a fungicide to the remaining area.
- Leaf spot: Caused by the fungus Cercospora tabernaemontanae, leaf spot leads to the development of yellow or brown spots on the leaves. It can be controlled by removing the infected leaves and debris surrounding the plant and applying a fungicide.
- Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that can lead to wilting, yellowing, and dropping leaves. It can be prevented by avoiding overwatering the plant, allowing the soil to dry between watering and using well-draining soil.
Pest Management
Tabernaemontana coronaria is also susceptible to pest attacks that can cause serious damage to the plant. The following are some of the common pests:
- Whitefly: These tiny, winged insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and drop. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant's leaves. They can be controlled by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied, white insects that attack the leaves and stem, causing them to yellow and wilt. They can be controlled by physically removing them from the plant or using insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the underside of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a steady stream of water or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
