Overview
Tetraplasandra oahuensis var. eradiata Sherff, also known as `ohe or alahee, is a species of endemic flowering plant within the family Araliaceae. This plant is native to the Hawaiian Islands, where it grows in mesic to wet forests at low to moderate elevations.General Appearance
Tetraplasandra oahuensis is a large, evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall. The leaves are compound, with 5-9 leaflets that are 6-12 inches long and 2-4 inches wide. The greenish-white flowers are small, and are produced in clusters of up to 15 at the end of the branches.Common Names
Tetraplasandra oahuensis is commonly known as `ohe or alahee in the Hawaiian language.Uses
Tetraplasandra oahuensis has a variety of traditional uses in Hawaiian culture. The wood was used to make weapons such as spears and fish hooks, as well as for carving bowls and other household items. The leaves were used for medicinal purposes, including treating coughs and skin rashes. Nowadays, Tetraplasandra oahuensis is primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and unique appearance, and is occasionally used in landscaping.Growth Conditions for Tetraplasandra oahuensis var. eradiata
Light Requirements: Tetraplasandra oahuensis var. eradiata grows well in filtered light or partial shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and damage the plant. It is best to give it bright but indirect light, such as that found under tall trees or on the east or north side of a building.
Temperature: This plant is native to Hawaii and prefers warm temperatures. The ideal range is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-27 degrees Celsius). It can tolerate brief drops in temperature, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) can harm or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements: Tetraplasandra oahuensis var. eradiata grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH level between 5.5 to 7.0 is optimal. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as the plant can be susceptible to root rot. Adding compost or other organic matter to the soil can help improve the drainage and fertility of the soil.
Fertilizer: Fertilizing the plant with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every few months can help promote healthy growth. Be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant's roots.
Humidity: This plant prefers a humid environment and can benefit from occasional misting or placement near a humidifier or humid area in your home. However, it can also tolerate lower humidity levels, especially if it is well-watered and in a shaded area.
Water: Tetraplasandra oahuensis var. eradiata should be watered regularly during the growing season, making sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. In the winter months, the plant can tolerate drier soil, but it is still important to not let it dry out completely.
Cultivation Methods
Tetraplasandra oahuensis (Gray) H.A.T. Harms var. eradiata Sherff is a tropical plant found in Hawaii. It thrives in areas with moderate to high humidity. To cultivate this plant, ensure that your planting location is in a spot that is protected from strong winds and direct sunlight. The plant prefers partial shade. You can plant the Tetraplasandra oahuensis (Gray) H.A.T. Harms var. eradiata Sherff in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.0, which is slightly acidic.Watering Needs
Watering Tetraplasandra oahuensis (Gray) H.A.T. Harms var. eradiata Sherff requires you to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid letting the soil dry out between watering sessions as that can lead to the plant's wilting. If you are growing the plant indoors, it would be best to water it more frequently but in smaller amounts. If you live in a region with high humidity, your plant's water needs will be lower.Fertilization
Fertilizing the Tetraplasandra oahuensis (Gray) H.A.T. Harms var. eradiata Sherff will support the plant's growth and development. It would be best to use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and early summer. The slow-release property of the fertilizer ensures that the plant gets a steady supply of essential nutrients over an extended period. As with all fertilizers, you must follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid under or overfeeding.Pruning
Pruning the Tetraplasandra oahuensis (Gray) H.A.T. Harms var. eradiata Sherff can be done to control its size or shape, or to remove a diseased or damaged part of the plant. It would be best to prune the plant during the early spring before the growing season begins. Pruning involves trimming off the plant's tips and shaping it to the size and shape you prefer. Remember to sterilize your pruning tools before and after use to prevent transferring diseases from one plant to the other.Propagation methods for Tetraplasandra oahuensis var. eradiata:
Tetraplasandra oahuensis var. eradiata can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or air layering.
Propagation by Seeds:
The seeds of Tetraplasandra oahuensis var. eradiata can be sown in well-draining soil in pots or directly in the ground. The seeds need to be moistened before planting and should be kept in a warm and humid environment to facilitate germination. Germination can take up to several months, and seedlings should be monitored closely for the first few weeks after emerging.
Propagation by Cuttings:
Tetraplasandra oahuensis var. eradiata can also be propagated by stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. Cuttings should be taken from the softwood of the plant, and should be at least 4-6 inches long. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil and placed in a warm and humid environment. Rooting usually happens within 4-6 weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground once the roots are established.
Propagation by Air Layering:
Air layering is another method of propagating Tetraplasandra oahuensis var. eradiata. It involves making a small cut in a branch of the parent plant, and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss. The branch is then wrapped with plastic wrap to keep the moisture in and create a humid environment. Roots should develop within 4-6 weeks, at which time the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into a pot or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Tetraplasandra oahuensis (Gray) H.A.T. Harms var. eradiata Sherff is commonly affected by fungal and bacterial diseases. The following are some of the common diseases that affect this plant and ways to manage them:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. Management includes pruning infected areas, avoiding waterlogged soil, and applying fungicides.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen and is characterized by the appearance of small, dark spots on the leaves. Management involves removing infected leaves, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
- Root rot: This fungal disease causes the roots of the plant to rot, leading to wilting and eventual death. Management involves planting the plant in well-draining soil, avoiding overwatering, and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
Tetraplasandra oahuensis (Gray) H.A.T. Harms var. eradiata Sherff is also susceptible to insect pests. The following are some of the common pests that affect this plant and ways to manage them:
- Mealybugs: These pests are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Management includes removing infected leaves, washing the plant with mild soap and water, and applying insecticides.
- Aphids: These pests are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the plant's sap, leading to stunted growth and distortion of the leaves. Management includes removing infected leaves, washing the plant with mild soap and water, and applying insecticides.
- Mites: These pests are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. Management involves removing infected leaves, applying insecticidal soap or oil, and increasing humidity around the plant.
