General Appearance
Volkensinia prostrata (Volkens ex Gilg) Schinz forma lanceolata Suess. is a low-growing perennial plant with an extensive mat-like habit, ranging in height from 0.02 to 0.1 metres. The stems of the plant are thinly woody, with much-branched stems that create a dense, trailing growth pattern. The plant is distinguished by its distinctive, tiny leaves that are usually sparsely arranged along the slender branches.
Origin
Volkensinia prostrata (Volkens ex Gilg) Schinz forma lanceolata Suess. is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, particularly in Namibia and South Africa. It is found in rocky areas and open grasslands, where the plant is well adapted to extreme temperatures, drought, and rocky soils.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Little Lips, Creeping Lips, or Lip-tea. In Namibia, the plant is known as Makari, while in South Africa, it is called Koevoetjies.
Uses
V. prostrata is being used for various medicinal purposes. The plant leaves are edible and commonly used to make tea. The tea is used to treat cough, cold, and sore throat. Additionally, the plant is used for treating urinary tract infections, to reduce fever, stomach ache, and also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Light Requirements
Volkensinia prostrata forma lanceolata Suess. typically grows in well-lit areas. It can tolerate bright sunlight, but partial shade is ideal. Therefore, it would be well-suited to being planted under trees where sunlight is filtered or in areas with dappled shade. If it is grown in full sun, it may require more moisture.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers a warm and humid climate. It is generally tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and can grow in both hot and cool environments. However, it is not frost-tolerant and can be damaged by freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Volkensinia prostrata forma lanceolata Suess. prefers a well-draining, moist soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils. It performs best when grown in slightly acidic soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should not be allowed to dry out completely. Waterlogging should also be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation methods for Volkensinia prostrata forma lanceolata Suess.
Volkensinia prostrata is a low-growing succulent plant that requires full sunlight for its optimal growth. This plant grows well in well-draining sandy or rocky soils with low to moderate waterholding capacity and a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. It is sensitive to frost and needs to be grown in a warm environment with a temperature range of 15°C to 30°C.
Watering needs for Volkensinia prostrata forma lanceolata Suess.
Volkensinia prostrata requires infrequent watering as it is a drought-tolerant plant. Watering should only be done when the soil is dry, and it should be done deeply to encourage deep roots. It is essential to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot, which is detrimental to the plant's growth.
Fertilization of Volkensinia prostrata forma lanceolata Suess.
Volkensinia prostrata does not require heavy fertilization. However, a small amount of fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to boost growth. It is advisable to use a slow-release fertilizer, which will release nutrients slowly over time, providing the plants with adequate nutrition. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to stunted growth or even kill the plant.
Pruning of Volkensinia prostrata forma lanceolata Suess.
Volkensinia prostrata does not require extensive pruning. However, it is advisable to trim any dead or damaged stems to maintain the plant's shape and encourage healthy growth. Pruning should only be done during the growing season. It is essential to avoid cutting too much of the plant, which can cause stress and affect its growth.
Propagation of Volkensinia Prostrata Forma Lanceolata Suess.
Volkensinia prostrata (Volkens ex Gilg) Schinz forma lanceolata Suess. is a small succulent plant species that is easy to propagate. Here are some ways to propagate this plant:
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
One of the easiest methods to propagate this plant is through stem cuttings. Take a stem cutting that is about 5-7 cm long, making sure it has at least two leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom one-third of the stem. Allow the cutting to dry for a few days before placing it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a bright and warm location. The cutting should root within a few weeks.
Propagation through Division
If the plant has grown too large for its pot, it can be divided. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one stem with several leaves and a good root system. Plant the divided sections into separate pots with well-draining soil. Water the newly divided plants and place them in a bright and warm location.
Disease Management
Volkensinia prostrata is generally a hardy plant that is disease-resistant. However, it may still be susceptible to some diseases, including:
- Gray mold: This fungal disease is caused by Botrytis cinerea and can cause the plant to develop brown or gray spots on the leaves and stems. To manage gray mold, regularly remove any diseased or dead plant parts and ensure good ventilation around the plant. Fungicides may also be used if the infection is severe.
- Leaf spot: This disease presents as black or brown spots on the leaves, usually caused by a fungal infection. To manage leaf spot, ensure the plant is grown in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Remove any infected leaves and apply a fungicide if needed.
- Root rot: This fungal disease can cause the roots to decay, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure it is in well-draining soil. Remove any infected roots and apply a fungicide to the soil if needed.
Pest Management
Volkensinia prostrata is generally not heavily impacted by pests. However, the following pests may still affect the plant:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to become distorted and yellow. To manage aphids, spray the leaves with a gentle stream of water to dislodge them. Insecticidal soap or neem oil may also be used to control the infestation.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellow or white spots on the leaves, eventually causing them to become dry and fall off. To manage spider mites, keep the plant well-hydrated and ensure good air circulation around it. Insecticidal soap or neem oil may also be used to control the infestation.
- Thrips: These tiny, slender insects can cause damage to the leaves or flowers, causing them to become distorted or even drop off. To manage thrips, remove any infested plant parts and apply an insecticide if needed. Neem oil or spinosad are effective at controlling thrips.
