Origin
Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is native to the African continent, specifically from Angola east to Kenya and Tanzania.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Black-eyed Susan vine, Clock vine, and Sweet Susan. In addition, it is also called Thunbergia grandiflora, Thunbergia laurifolia, and Thunbergia fragrans in some regions.
Uses
Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore is a popular ornamental plant grown for its vibrant flowers and rapid growth rate. It is grown as an annual or perennial plant and can be used as a groundcover, container plant, or for garden trellises. The flowers of Black-eyed Susan vine are also used for making garlands and decorations.
General Appearance
The Black-eyed Susan vine is a fast-growing climber that can reach up to 8 feet in height under the right conditions. The leaves are heart-shaped and glossy green in color, with a length of up to 3 inches. The flowers of the plant are trumpet-shaped, with a diameter of up to 2 inches. They are available in a variety of colors, including orange, yellow, cream, and white, with the center being dark brown to black, giving rise to the name Black-eyed Susan. The plant prefers warm, sunny locations, tolerates drought well and is not frost-tolerant.
This plant is relatively easy to grow from seed and will self-sow in a garden. It can be propagated by stem cuttings as well. The plant can grow in many types of soil, but it prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter.
Light Conditions
Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore thrives under full sun to partial shade conditions. Thus, it is ideal to plant them in an area where they can receive adequate sunlight or an area with a mix of both sunlight and shade. When grown under low light conditions, the plant tends to become spindly and produces fewer blooms.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot withstand frost. The recommended minimum temperature for the plant's growth is 15°C. High temperatures will not harm the plant, but it is essential to keep the soil moist to avoid wilting during hot weather.
Soil Requirements
Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore prefers well-draining soil that can retain moisture. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH range of 6.5-7.5 for optimal growth. The plant thrives in loamy soil that is sandy or silt-based, with good amounts of humus. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore
Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore is a perfect choice for garden lovers who want to add color to their landscape. The plant is easy to grow and requires minimal care. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
The best time to plant Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore is during the spring. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged.
Watering Needs for Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore
Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore needs regular watering to thrive. It is essential to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.
Fertilization of Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore
Fertilization is essential to promote the growth and flowering of Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Pruning Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore. It is best to prune the plant in early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back the plant to the desired size. Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore can tolerate heavy pruning, so don't be afraid to cut it back.
Propagation of Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore
Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore, commonly known as black-eyed Susan vine, can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed Propagation
The black-eyed Susan vine produces small, black seeds which can be collected and sown in soil. Seeds should be collected from mature, healthy plants and sown in rich, well-draining soil. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until they germinate, which can take up to 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted to their final position or planted in pots for later transplanting.
Cuttings Propagation
Thunbergia alata can be propagated from softwood cuttings which are taken in spring or early summer. The cuttings should be approximately 7-10 cm long with several leaves and no flower buds. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until they have rooted, which might take 3-4 weeks. Once the cuttings have established roots, they can be transplanted to their final position or potted on for later transplanting.
Division Propagation
The black-eyed Susan vine can also be propagated from division. This method involves dividing an established plant into smaller sections and planting each section separately. It is best to carry out this method in spring or early summer. The plant should be lifted carefully from the ground and the rootball should be divided into several smaller sections, each with some roots and shoots. Each section should be planted in a prepared bed or in pots, and watered well until they are established.
Disease Management
Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore is susceptible to several fungal diseases which include:
- Anthracnose - this disease can cause severe damage to foliage and stems of the plant. It is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Management involves pruning and removing infected foliage and stems, keeping the plant dry, and applying copper-based fungicides.
- Leaf spots - several fungi can cause circular or irregular spots on the plant's leaves. Management involves pruning and removing infected foliage, improving air circulation around the plant, and applying fungicides.
- Powdery mildew - this disease appears as a white powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. It is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. Management involves removing infected foliage, improving air circulation around the plant, and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore is also susceptible to several pests such as:
- Spider mites - these pests are tiny arachnids that suck sap from leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry up. Management involves spraying the plant with water to dislodge the mites, removing heavily infested foliage and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Whiteflies - these tiny flies feed on the undersides of leaves, causing them to turn yellow and distort. Management involves pruning and removing heavily infested foliage, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to the environment.
- Aphids - these small insects feed on the sap of leaves, causing them to curl and distort. Management involves spraying the plant with water to dislodge the aphids, removing heavily infested foliage, and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars - several species of caterpillars can feed on the foliage and stems of Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims var. minor S.Moore. Management involves handpicking the caterpillars, introducing natural predators such as birds and parasitic wasps, and applying Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural bacterium that targets and kills caterpillars.
