Origin
Tetraplasandra meiandra (Hbd.) H.A.T. Harms var. prolifica Sherff, commonly known as "Ohe" or "Ohe mauka," is a plant that is native to Hawaii. It can be found growing in moist forests and along stream banks in the Hawaiian Islands.
Common Names
The common names for Tetraplasandra meiandra (Hbd.) H.A.T. Harms var. prolifica Sherff vary depending on the location. In addition to "Ohe" and "Ohe mauka," it may also be referred to as "Hawaiian Holly," "Meiandra," or "Ohe huli."
Uses
The wood of Tetraplasandra meiandra (Hbd.) H.A.T. Harms var. prolifica Sherff is highly valued for its durability and resistance to termites. It is used to make a variety of items in Hawaii, including furniture, bowls, and carvings. The leaves and bark of the plant have also been used in traditional Hawaiian medicine to treat various ailments.
General Appearance
Tetraplasandra meiandra (Hbd.) H.A.T. Harms var. prolifica Sherff is a small tree or shrub that can reach heights of up to 25 feet. It has shiny, dark green leaves that are 6-12 inches long and 2-4 inches wide. The plant produces clusters of small greenish-white flowers, which are followed by small, round, red-brown fruits. Its bark is light brown and smooth, and its wood is yellowish-white.
Growth Conditions for Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff
Light Requirements: Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff requires filtered or partial sunlight and must be kept protected from direct sun rays.
Temperature Requirements: This plant prefers warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 18-30°C (65-86°F).
Soil Requirements: Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff favors nutrient-rich, acidic soils that are well-drained and moist. An optimal pH range falls between 5.5-6.0, with organic matter content exceeding 4%.
Water Requirements: Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff is sensitive to fluctuations in soil moisture and requires an evenly moist substrate throughout the growing season. Waterlogging should be avoided as it can cause leaf-yellowing and root rot.
Fertilizer Requirements: It is recommended to fertilize Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff every 2-3 months during the growing season. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer with micronutrient supplements is optimal for healthy growth.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated from stem cuttings or through air-layering. In both methods, it is important to keep the rooting medium consistently moist and warm until new growth begins to appear.
Cultivation Methods
Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff is native to Hawaii and prefers a humid environment with well-draining soil. It can grow both indoors and outdoors, but it requires bright, indirect light to prevent its leaves from burning.
To propagate, use stem cuttings that are at least 6 inches long. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone before planting them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and cover the cuttings with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
Watering Needs
The Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot. Water deeply, allowing the water to soak through the soil, and allow the top layer to dry out before the next watering. During the dry season, it is advisable to increase the frequency of watering.
Fertilization
While the Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff plant doesn't require fertilization frequently, it benefits from occasional feedings with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer in the recommended amounts, following the manufacturer's directions. Over-fertilization may cause root damage, so it is better to err on the side of caution and not to over-fertilize.
Pruning
Pruning Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff helps to keep the plant looking healthy and bushy. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves, and trim off any leggy stems to encourage bushy growth. Prune in the early spring to remove dead wood, which can encourage new growth. Do not prune the plant during winter, as new growth may be susceptible to cold damage.
Propagation of Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff
Propagation of Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff can be achieved through various methods, including:
1. Seed propagation
Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff can be propagated by seeds. The seeds can be collected from the mature fruit of the plant. The seeds should be sown immediately after collection to ensure the highest germination rate. The seeds can be sown in a mixture of peat moss and perlite or coconut coir. The soil mixture should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within four to six weeks.
2. Stem cuttings propagation
Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff can be propagated by stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy and mature plant. The cutting should have at least three nodes and should be about four to six inches long. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should be planted in a mixture of peat moss and perlite. The soil mixture should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Roots should start to form within four to six weeks.
3. Division propagation
Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff can also be propagated by division. This method involves separating a clump of the plant into two individual plants. The plant should be carefully dug up and the roots should be gently separated. Each division should have a healthy root system and at least one stem. The divisions should be planted in a mixture of peat moss and perlite. The soil mixture should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The new plants should start to grow within a few weeks.
It is important to note that Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff is a slow-growing plant and may take several years to reach maturity. It is also important to provide the plant with the appropriate growing conditions, including adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients, to ensure successful propagation.
Disease Management
Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but it can be prone to some fungal and bacterial infections in humid conditions or if the plant is stressed due to overwatering or poor nutrition.
One common disease that can affect the plant is leaf spot caused by the fungus Cercospora. Symptoms start as small brown spots on leaves, which eventually enlarge and develop a yellow halo. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and keep the leaves dry by watering the base of the plant.
Another fungal disease that can affect the plant is powdery mildew caused by the fungus Erysiphe. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, which can eventually cause the leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. To prevent powdery mildew, provide adequate air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering and provide sufficient light. If powdery mildew is detected, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and fungicidal sprays may be needed.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff are scale insects and mealybugs. These pests suck the plant's sap, causing yellowing of leaves and eventual wilting. If left uncontrolled, they can severely weaken the plant, leading to stunted growth and even death.
To manage scale insects, remove them by hand or use insecticidal soap. Mealybugs can be removed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap. It's also essential to check for pests regularly to detect them early and prevent them from causing significant damage.
It's essential to maintain a healthy plant by providing adequate nutrition, water, and light, which will help prevent stress that can make the plant more prone to disease and pest attacks. Regularly inspecting the plant and taking prompt action to manage pests and disease can help keep Tetraplasandra meiandra var. prolifica Sherff healthy and thriving.
