Origin
Turnera ovata Bello, commonly known as white alder, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family of Turneraceae. This plant species is native to Central and South America, particularly in countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, and Brazil.
Common Names
Aside from white alder, Turnera ovata Bello has other common names such as Mexican damiana, Santa Maria, and Jujuy damiana. These names are associated with the plant's traditional medicinal uses in some cultures.
Uses
Turnera ovata Bello has several traditional medicinal uses. For instance, the plant's leaves and stems are believed to have therapeutic properties that could help alleviate anxiety, insomnia, and stress. Additionally, some people use it as an aphrodisiac or to enhance libido. The plant is also commonly used to make herbal teas and infusions that are believed to have calming effects.
Besides its medicinal value, Turnera ovata Bello is also grown as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful flowers and foliage. Its delicate white blooms and soft green leaves make it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes.
General Appearance
Turnera ovata Bello is a small, perennial shrub that grows up to 2 meters tall. The plant has several thin, woody stems and small green leaves that are lance-shaped and covered with fine hairs. The flowers of this plant are white, surrounded by 5 petals, and display a yellow center. The fruit of the plant is a dry capsule that holds small seeds that are wind-dispersed.
Light Requirements
Turnera ovata Bello typically thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves, so it's best to provide shade during the hottest parts of the day. The plant prefers a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Turnera ovata Bello ranges from 60 to 75°F (15 to 24°C). It doesn't tolerate extremely high or low temperatures, so it’s best to avoid placing it in drafty areas, such as near windows or doors. The plant should also be kept away from heaters and air conditioning units.
Soil Requirements
Turnera ovata Bello prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Soil that's too heavy or retains too much moisture can cause root rot. A good soil mix is a combination of peat moss, perlite, and sand. The plant will benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Cultivation of Turnera ovata Bello
Turnera ovata Bello, commonly known as bush clock vine or Bello's flower, is a beautiful flowering plant, native to South America. It grows well in tropical and subtropical regions and is easy to cultivate.
It is best to plant Turnera ovata Bello in a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant prefers a partially shaded to full sun environment and should be protected from strong winds. It is best to plant them during early spring or summer.
The plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. If using seeds, it's recommended to soak them overnight in warm water before planting them just below the soil surface. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the branches and planted in a well-draining pot with a suitable rooting hormone.
Watering Needs of Turnera ovata Bello
Turnera ovata Bello requires a moderate amount of watering. It's best to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot and other problems.
In summer or dry spells, the plant may require more frequent watering to prevent the soil from drying out.
Fertilization
To keep the plant healthy and promote flowering, it's recommended to fertilize Turnera ovata Bello every two weeks during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal.
Avoid fertilizing the plant in winter when it is not actively growing. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth, reducing the flowering ability of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Turnera ovata Bello is not necessary, but it can help keep the plant tidy and prevent it from becoming too leggy. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased parts of the plant.
The plant can also be pruned to promote bushier growth and encourage more flowers. Pinch out the tips of young branches regularly to encourage the growth of lateral branches.
Propagation of Turnera ovata Bello
Turnera ovata Bello can be propagated by two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Turnera ovata Bello can be directly sown in the ground or started indoors in trays filled with seed-starting mix. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring, after the last frost.
Before sowing the seeds, they should be soaked in water for 12-24 hours. This will help to soften the seed coat and improve germination rates.
Once the seeds have been soaked, they can be sown at a depth of 1/4 inch and covered lightly with soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Seedlings can be thinned out once they are large enough to handle, leaving only the strongest plants to grow on.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Turnera ovata Bello can be achieved through stem cuttings or division.
To propagate Turnera ovata Bello via stem cuttings, a stem of the plant is carefully removed, and the leaves at the bottom of the cutting are removed. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots form.
Propagation via division involves separating an existing plant into smaller sections, each with its own root system. To do this, the plant is carefully lifted from the ground, and the root system is gently separated. The smaller sections can then be replanted and grown on as separate plants.
Both methods of vegetative propagation should be conducted during the spring or early summer, as this is the time when the plant is actively growing.
Disease and Pest Management for Turnera ovata Bello
Turnera ovata Bello, also known as the Bello or Velvetleaf Turnera, is a tropical plant that is native to Mexico and Central America. Though it is a hardy plant, it is susceptible to some pests and diseases that may stunt its growth, reduce its yield, or even kill it entirely. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Turnera ovata Bello, and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Bacterial Leaf Spot: This is a disease that causes water-soaked lesions on the leaves of the plant, which later turn yellow and eventually brown. The bacterial leaf spot is caused by the Xanthomonas campestris pv. Cintronensis bacterium.
To manage this disease, avoid watering the plant from above and instead, water it from the bottom to prevent the spread of the bacteria. Remove and destroy infected leaves and stem debris. Also, avoid planting Turnera ovata Bello in an area where the disease has been previously reported.
2. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that causes a gray-white, powdery growth on the leaves, buds, and flowers of the Turnera ovata Bello. It is caused by the Erysiphe cichoracearum fungus.
To manage powdery mildew, apply sulfur sprays or any recommended fungicide on the plant regularly. Water the plant from below, and prune and discard infected plant parts. Also, avoid high humidity and overcrowding of the plants.
Common Pests
1. Whiteflies: These are small, winged insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the Turnera ovata Bello and can cause the yellowing and deformation of the leaves.
To manage whiteflies, spray the plant with horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. It is also advisable to control the spread of the pests through regular cleaning of the surrounding areas and the removal of any affected plants immediately.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the sap of Turnera ovata Bello, causing yellowing and premature shedding of the leaves.
To manage spider mites, rinse the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge the mites, or use a recommended pesticide. Also, ensure proper hygiene around the plant, and avoid overcrowding.
Proper disease and pest management are essential to ensure a healthy and productive Turnera ovata Bello. By following the above management practices, you can prevent the occurrence and minimize the impact of these diseases and pests on your plant.
