Tapinanthus guttatus (Sprague) Danser
Tapinanthus guttatus (Sprague) Danser, commonly known as the "mistletoe cactus," is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Loranthaceae family. The plant is native to Mexico and Central America, but it is also found in regions of South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador.
General Appearance
Tapinanthus guttatus is a hemiparasitic plant that grows as a vine-like stem with several branches that can reach up to 30 cm in length. The stems are succulent with green and pointed leaves. The plant also has small, yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, followed by red fruits that contain a sticky pulp.
Common Names
The mistletoe cactus is known by several common names, including "cusqui," "cusma," and "mamica de cangrejo."
Uses
In traditional medicine, the mistletoe cactus has been used to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, and respiratory problems. The sticky pulp of the plant has also been used as a remedy for wounds and skin infections. In recent years, the plant has gained popularity as a decorative houseplant due to its unique appearance and low maintenance requirements.
It is important to note that while the mistletoe cactus is safe to handle, the plant can be toxic if ingested, so it is essential to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Light Requirements
Tapinanthus guttatus is a plant that requires a lot of light for optimal growth. It thrives in full sunlight or partially shaded areas. Therefore, when growing this plant, it's essential to choose a spot with enough light exposure to support its growth.
Temperature Requirements
Tapinanthus guttatus typically grows well in warm and humid environments. Therefore, temperatures ranging between 20 to 30°C are suitable for its growth. This plant is not suited for areas that experience freezing temperatures and frost.
Soil Requirements
Tapinanthus guttatus is not soil selective, meaning it can survive in any type of soil. However, it thrives best in well-draining soils, as it does not tolerate standing water around its roots. Adding organic matter to the soil improves its nutrient capacity, which is particularly crucial for the growth of this vine.
Cultivation Methods
Tapinanthus guttatus, commonly referred to as the "Mistletoe cactus," is an epiphytic plant that grows naturally on other plants such as shrubs and trees. To cultivate this plant, you can either plant it in a hanging basket or mount it on a wooden board. The plant prefers a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand is an excellent medium for growing Tapinanthus guttatus. It is also crucial to choose a spot that receives bright, indirect light. The plant enjoys temperatures between 60-75°F, and humidity levels between 60-70% are optimal for its growth.
Watering Needs
Watering Tapinanthus guttatus can be a bit tricky since too much or too little water can harm the plant. To prevent overwatering, allow the soil to dry out between waterings thoroughly. When watering, ensure that you soak the soil until water flows through the drainage holes at the bottom of the container. It is also best to use distilled water or rainwater since tap water can contain chemicals that are harmful to the plant. Avoid getting the foliage wet since the plant is susceptible to rot and fungal infections.
Fertilization
Tapinanthus guttatus is not a heavy feeder, and overfertilization can cause the plant to wither. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Half-strength applications are enough to support healthy growth. You may also add a slow-release fertilizer to the growing medium during the spring to supplement the plant's nutrient needs.
Pruning
Pruning Tapinanthus guttatus is not usually necessary since the plant grows slowly and maintains a tidy appearance. However, if there are any damaged or unruly branches, you may trim them back using a sharp, sterilized pair of pruning shears. Avoid cutting back too severely since the plant produces new growth from the existing stems. If you want the plant to branch out, consider pinching back the growing tips of the stems to encourage branching.
Propagation of Tapinanthus guttatus
T. guttatus, commonly known as the mistletoe, is a hemiparasitic shrub that attaches itself to the host plant's branch using haustoria, which penetrate the host's tissue and absorb nutrients and water. Propagation of T. guttatus can be done through two methods:
Seed propagation
The seeds of T. guttatus can be collected from the ripe fruits and sown on the host plant's branch. Before the sowing, it is essential to score the host's bark to allow the seed to penetrate easily and grow. The seeds germinate within a few weeks and establish themselves on the host plant within a few months. However, seed propagation is less reliable than vegetative propagation as seeds may fail to germinate, and the seedlings may not survive due to competition with other plants.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of T. guttatus involves taking a stem cutting from the mature plant and attaching it to the host plant's branch using haustoria. The stem cutting should have at least three nodes and be about 10-15 cm long. Before attaching the stem cutting to the host plant's branch, it is essential to scrape the bark from the host to create a wound to allow the haustoria to penetrate. The stem cutting is held in place on the host plant using plastic ties or grafting tape. Within a few months, the stem cutting will establish itself on the host, and new growth will appear. Vegetative propagation is a more reliable method than seed propagation as it ensures the new plant inherits the desirable characteristics of the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management of Tapinanthus Guttatus
Tapinanthus guttatus is known for its ability to parasitize host plants. Since it doesn't produce its own food, it relies heavily on the host plant to survive. Therefore, it's important to keep the host plant healthy and free from pests and diseases.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that can affect Tapinanthus guttatus is rust. Rust is characterized by yellow, orange or brown spots on the leaves, and it can cause the plant to weaken and eventually die. To control rust, it is important to remove the infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. In addition, a preventative fungicide can be applied to the plant every 7-14 days to prevent a new outbreak.
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that can affect the plant especially during the rainy season. It's characterized by dark brown spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers, which may lead to defoliation. To prevent anthracnose, it's advisable to keep the leaves and soil dry as much as possible and ensure proper ventilation. Infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Mealybugs are common pests that attack Tapinanthus guttatus. They appear as small white insects on the leaves and stems. Mealybugs extract sap from the plant, which can cause the plant to weaken and lose its leaves. To control mealybugs, it's important to keep the plant clean and dust-free. Sticky traps and insecticidal soap can also be used to get rid of mealybugs. It's also advisable to isolate infected plants to prevent the spread of the infestation.
Scale insects are another pest that can attack Tapinanthus guttatus. They appear as small, circular, waxy bumps on the stems and leaves. These insects also feed on sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and drop. To control scale insects, prune infected stems or treat them with insecticidal soap. It's also important to frequently inspect the plant to catch an infestation early before it grows.
