Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr.
Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr., also known as the orange clockvine, is a species of flowering plant in the Acanthaceae family. It is native to Tanzania, East Africa, but can also be found in other parts of the world, including India.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the orange clockvine, as well as the black-eyed Susan vine, brick and butter vine, and lady slipper vine.
Uses
Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr. is often grown for its beautiful orange flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. It is a popular ornamental plant, used to cover trellises, fences, walls, and other structures. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including malaria, fever, and stomach problems.
General Appearance
Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr. is a climbing vine that can grow up to 10 feet tall. Its leaves are dark green and heart-shaped, with a length of up to 3 inches. The plant produces bright orange, trumpet-shaped flowers that are about an inch wide. The flowers have a distinct black or brown center, which gives rise to the common name 'black-eyed Susan vine.' The plant requires full to partial sun exposure and well-draining soil to thrive.
Light Requirements
Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr. is a plant that typically thrives in bright light conditions, but it can also grow well in partial shade conditions. It is essential to place the plant in an area where it can receive ample indirect light, especially during the morning and evening hours. Having a source of bright and indirect light is essential for the plant's growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr. is a warm-weather plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires warm temperatures ranging from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius. It cannot tolerate frost and needs to be kept in an area with a temperature controlled environment. It is best to grow Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr. indoors or in areas where the temperature does not drop below 18 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr. are well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. This plant needs well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. The soil also needs to be slightly acidic, with a pH level of 5.5 to 6.5. This plant requires additional nutrients and benefits from regular fertilization with organic matter. The addition of a slow-release fertilizer will provide the necessary nutrients for the plant throughout its growth cycle.
Cultivation Methods
Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr is a tropical climbing vine that is easy to grow and relatively low maintenance. Typically, it thrives under warm, moist conditions and can grow quite rapidly, reaching heights of up to 7-feet tall.
When cultivating in a pot, ensure that the container is large enough to accommodate the extensive root system. Most growers prefer to use well-draining soil. A mixture of potting soil and sand or perlite usually does the job.
In addition, it's essential to choose a location with plenty of sunshine and little to no exposure to frost or cold winds.
Watering Needs
Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr requires regular watering, especially during periods of prolonged drought or scorching sunshine. During the growing season, which typically starts in late spring and stretches until the first fall frost, plan to water at least two to three times a week.
However, it's essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged. Soggy soil can lead to root rot and other related issues.
In addition, growers should avoid getting the foliage wet when watering, especially during late afternoons. Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr is susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that thrives in damp environments.
Fertilization
While Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr is relatively un-demanding when it comes to fertilizers, it still requires some nutrients to grow vigorously. Some growers prefer to fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilize once a month during the growing season.
Alternatively, some growers opt for slow-release granular fertilizers, which gradually release nutrients over an extended period, reducing the risk of over-fertilizing.
It's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizers to avoid over-fertilizing, leading to an imbalance of nutrients and other related issues.
Pruning
Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr requires some pruning to prevent the vine from getting leggy and to promote bushier growth. When pruning, focus on removing any dry or damaged foliage to reduce the risk of fungal infection.
It's also crucial to support the vine with stakes or trellises to prevent it from collapsing under its weight. In addition, removing the side foliage can help improve the plant's overall appearance and direct more energy to the flowers.
When pruning, ensure that you use sterile tools and sanitize them before and after use, reducing the risk of spreading diseases from one plant to the other.
Propagation of Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr.
Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr. is a beautiful flowering plant that has become popular among gardeners. The plant is native to the eastern part of Africa and can be classified as either a perennial or an annual depending on the environment in which it grows. It can grow up to 6 feet and produces yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The following are some of the propagation methods of Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr:
Seeds
Seeds are the easiest method of propagating Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr. They can be obtained from the plant's mature flowers. Once the flowers have faded, harvest the seeds and allow them to dry out. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, and the seeds will germinate in three to four weeks.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr. Select healthy and mature branches and make sure they have at least three to four leaves. Cut the branch at an angle and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a container with well-draining soil and keep it moist. The cutting will root in two to four weeks.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr. Divide the plant during the early spring before new growth appears. Gently remove the plant from the soil and carefully divide the roots into several sections. Replant the sections in separate containers or in the garden bed. Water the divided plants and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Propagation of Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr. is not difficult. With patience and proper care, the plant can be propagated easily using any of the above methods.
Disease Management
Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr. is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many diseases. However, if conditions are not favorable, the plant may suffer from certain diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: This is caused by fungi that cause circular spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. The plant should also be kept clean and dry to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery substance on the leaves. It can be managed by spraying the plant with fungicides. Pruning affected leaves and improving air circulation around the plant can also help prevent the disease.
Pest Management
Thunbergia zernyi Mildbr. is not typically prone to pests but it may be infested by certain insects, including:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects cause stunted growth and curled leaves. They can be managed through regular sprays of insecticides, introducing natural predators like ladybugs, or hosing the plant down with water.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests spin webs on the plant and suck the sap from the leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Plants should be kept well-watered and sprayed with water to increase humidity around the plant and deter spider mites.
