Tristemma neglectum Naudin - A Detailed Description
Tristemma neglectum Naudin is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Gentianaceae. It is native to southeastern Asia, specifically in the countries of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. The plant is commonly known as "Khe hat", "Pheech-toong", "Tum-pee-nong", or "Kra-duean" in these countries.
Appearance
Tristemma neglectum Naudin is a perennial herb that can grow up to 30 to 50 centimeters tall. It has a woody base that gives rise to green stems with opposite leaves. The leaves are simple, ovate, and measure about 5 to 15 centimeters in length. The plant produces axillary and terminal clusters of white flowers that are usually 2 to 3 centimeters wide.
Uses
The plant has various medicinal uses in traditional medicine. In Laos, the roots are used to treat abdominal pain and liver disorders. In Cambodia, the leaves are used as a poultice to relieve body aches and pains. The plant is also utilized as a tonic and stomachic in both Laos and Thailand. Additionally, the aerial parts and roots are used to treat jaundice, fever, and other ailments.
In Vietnam, Tristemma neglectum Naudin is used as a vegetable. The young leaves and stems are consumed raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable dish. Furthermore, the plant is a rich source of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and other compounds that possess various pharmacological properties. The plant is also used in the cosmetic industry due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Growth Conditions for Tristemma neglectum Naudin
Tristemma neglectum Naudin, also known as the Chinese violet, is a tropical plant native to Asia. The plant belongs to the Apocynaceae family and can be grown both indoors and outdoors as long as the appropriate growth conditions are met.
Light Requirements:
Tristemma neglectum Naudin thrives in bright but indirect light. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it may damage the leaves. The plant can be grown in shaded areas, but this may affect the flowering process. A good location for the plant is in an east-facing window, where it can receive the morning sun and shade for the rest of the day.
Temperature Requirements:
The Chinese violet prefers warm temperatures and cannot survive in freezing temperatures. The plant thrives in temperatures ranging between 18°C to 29°C (65°F to 85°F). It is best to avoid sudden changes in temperature, as this can lead to leaf drop and flower loss.
Soil Requirements:
The soil used for Tristemma neglectum Naudin should be well-draining, loose, and fertile. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite will provide the ideal growing medium. The pH level of the soil should range from 6.0 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. The plant likes to be kept moist but not water-logged. Overwatering can cause root rot and kill the plant.
Fertilizer:
Tristemma neglectum Naudin should be fertilized once every month during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season as it can lead to over-fertilization and damage the plant.
Humidity Requirements:
The Chinese violet prefers high humidity levels. Misting the leaves regularly or placing a humidifier close to the plant can help maintain the desired humidity level of 50 to 60 percent.
Cultivation of Tristemma neglectum Naudin
Tristemma neglectum Naudin is a tropical plant species that thrives in warm and humid environments. It can be cultivated indoors or outdoors as long as the location offers the right conditions required for its growth.
The plant does well in well-drained soil with high organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be kept moist, but not water-logged, to weed out dampness that could lead to herbicide injuries or root rotting.
The plant grows well in partial shade or filtered sunlight, although it can also tolerate full sunlight if it receives enough water and care to remain healthy.
Watering Needs
Tristemma neglectum Naudin requires a considerable amount of water to thrive well, especially when planted in dry soils or under direct sunlight. Watering frequency should be reduced during the winter months when the plant becomes dormant. It is best to keep the potting soil moist and avoid excessive watering, which may lead to root rot.
The plant requires a good water drainage system to prevent waterlogging and growth of harmful root diseases, and a deep wetting of the soil after every few days should help nourish it and keep it healthy.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be done during the growing season to aid in promoting good growth. A balanced fertilizer with a 20-20-20 formulation works well for the plant. It is advisable to use half the recommended dose to avoid burning the roots, and a slow-release fertilizer can be used to avoid frequent application.
Composting once a year will also provide the much-needed nutrients, and gardeners should avoid applying potent fertilizers before trimming the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Tristemma neglectum Naudin should be done in the late winter or early spring to remove the damaged, diseased, or dead leaves. The plant can grow leggy and requires shaping, and it becomes useful to cut back the stems on new growth to increase branching and improve the overall shape and appearance of the plant.
The newly formed shoots can be pinched off once they reach 4 inches to encourage branching and fuller growth. The plant should be pruned to remove the spent blooms regularly, and gardeners should avoid excessive pruning as it may reduce the plant's growth and encourage the growth of harmfully leggy stems.
Propagation of Tristemma neglectum Naudin
Tristemma neglectum Naudin, also known as the Chinese violet, can be propagated by various methods, such as seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagation for Tristemma neglectum is through seeds. The seeds should be collected when the capsules dry and turn brown. Then, they must be cleaned and stored in a dry place until sowing time. The seeds can be sown directly in the prepared soil or seedling tray.
For sowing, a well-draining soil mixture with perlite or sand is preferable. Sow the seeds just below the soil surface and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not wet until germination occurs. It takes about one to two months for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings emerge, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another method that can be used to propagate Tristemma neglectum. Select healthy and disease-free stems with a length of about 10 to 15 centimeters. The cutting should be taken from the parent plant in the early morning or late evening when the plant has enough moisture.
The bottom of the cutting should be treated with rooting hormone powder, and then planted in a pot or container filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not wet, until rooting occurs. It usually takes about two to three weeks for rooting to occur. Once the roots are established, the plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division is the third method that can be used for Tristemma neglectum. The plant should be lifted, and the roots should be gently separated into small pieces. Each piece should have some healthy roots and stems. The divided sections can then be planted separately in pots or directly in the garden soil.
During all propagation methods, it is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting or newly planted plant must be placed in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight and desiccation.
Disease and Pest Management for Tristemma neglectum Naudin
Tristemma neglectum Naudin is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, some common issues may affect this plant if not cared for properly.
Diseases
One common disease that affects Tristemma neglectum Naudin is root rot. Root rot is caused by waterlogged soil, which deprives the plant's roots of oxygen and leads to fungal growth. To avoid root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining, and do not overwater the plant. If the plant shows signs of root rot, such as yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or mushy roots, remove it from the soil and replant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Another disease that can affect Tristemma neglectum Naudin is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powder on the plant's leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, prune affected leaves and stems and discard them. Avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant. If the disease persists, consider using a fungicide.
Pests
Tristemma neglectum Naudin is relatively resistant to pests; however, some common pests may still affect the plant. One of these pests is aphids. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap and can cause damage to the leaves and stems. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a stream of water to dislodge them, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Another pest that can affect Tristemma neglectum Naudin is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can cause leaf discoloration and damage. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure that the plant is well-hydrated and provide good air circulation.
In summary, Tristemma neglectum Naudin is a hardy plant that can resist pests and diseases. However, proper care, including watering, pruning, and good air circulation, can go a long way in preventing diseases and pests. It is also important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of issues and take appropriate action promptly.
