Plant Description:
Arctotis hispidula (Less.) Beauverd is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to southern and eastern Africa and is commonly found in countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. The plant is an herbaceous perennial, which means it lives for more than two years and has soft green leaves that are hairy, lobed, and covered in white down.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as the Orange Arctotis or Harige Gousblom in Afrikaans. In Zimbabwe, it is referred to as the Nhlangula plant among the Shona speaking people.
Uses:
Arctotis hispidula has several uses in traditional medicine and horticulture. In traditional medicine, the plant's leaves and roots are used in the treatment of ailments such as coughs, fever, and stomach problems. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and public parks due to its colorful orange flowers. The plant is drought tolerant and grows well in arid and semi-arid regions making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping. The seeds of the Arctotis hispidula can be collected and sown for the propagation of the plant.
General Appearance:
The Arctotis hispidula plant grows up to a height of 60cm. It has a short stem that supports multiple branches on which the leaves and flowers are borne. The plant produces large, daisy-like flowers with bright orange petals that are up to 7cm wide. The petals surround a central disc of yellow florets, which contain the plant's reproductive parts. The flowers bloom from late winter to early summer and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant's leaves are arranged in a basal rosette and have an irregular lobed shape that is covered in white hairs.
Light
Arctotis hispidula thrives in areas with bright sunshine. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to reach their full growth potential. They can, however, perform well in areas with partial shade.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Arctotis hispidula is between 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). The plant can survive in temperatures below 0°C (32°F) and above 30°C (86°F), but this may affect its growth and flowering abilities.
Soil Requirements
Arctotis hispidula requires well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. The soil should have a pH range between 6 to 7.5. The plant does not tolerate waterlogging and hence, soils with good drainage are essential. Sandy soils with organic matter added to it are ideal for Arctotis hispidula.
Cultivation
Arctotis hispidula (Less.) Beauverd is a native to South Africa and requires a warm and dry climate, making it ideal for cultivation in USDA zones 9-11. It grows best in well-draining soil and requires plenty of sunlight. The plant can either be grown from seed or propagated through cuttings.
Watering Needs
It is essential to water Arctotis hispidula (Less.) Beauverd regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Too much water can lead to root rot and cause the plant to die. In contrast, too little water can cause the plant to wilt and its leaves to turn yellow.
Fertilization
Arctotis hispidula (Less.) Beauverd benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied every two weeks to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of Arctotis hispidula (Less.) Beauverd. It is recommended to prune back up to a third of the plant in early spring to promote branching and encourage more blooms. Deadheading is also necessary to remove spent flowers and prevent the plant from going to seed, which can divert its energy away from blooming.
Propagation of Arctotis hispidula (Less.) Beauverd
Arctotis hispidula (Less.) Beauverd or African Daisy is an easy to propagate plant. Several methods can be employed for propagation, including:
Seed Propagation
The plant can be propagated through seeds. Seed propagation is an easy and effective way of producing several plants from a few seeds. For seed propagation, the seeds should be sowed in spring, in a well-draining potting mix that is kept moist. The seedlings should be kept in a warm, bright location and should be watered regularly.
Cuttings Propagation
The plant can be propagated through cuttings as well. Softwood cuttings are taken in spring or early summer and are placed in a moist, well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept warm and should be misted regularly until they develop roots.
Division Propagation
Division is another propagation method that can be employed for Arctotis hispidula. In early spring or fall, the parent plant can be divided into smaller sections and potted up in separate containers. Each division should have roots and shoots to ensure it grows into a healthy plant.
Propagation of Arctotis hispidula is relatively fast, and the plant can be propagated using any of these methods. Gardeners should note that the plant prefers well-draining soil, moderate temperature, and regular watering for optimal growth.
Disease Management for Arctotis hispidula
Arctotis hispidula is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, the following diseases can affect it:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soils and can be prevented by ensuring proper soil drainage. Switching to a well-draining soil mix, avoiding overwatering, and allowing the top layer of soil to dry out between watering can help prevent root rot.
- Fungal leaf spot: This disease is characterized by sunken, circular spots on leaves that often have a yellow halo. It can be prevented by avoiding overhead irrigation and providing adequate spacing between plants to promote air circulation. Applications of copper fungicides can be used to manage fungal leaf spot if the disease is already present.
- Powdery mildew: This disease can affect arctotis hispidula when the humidity levels are high. It can be prevented by promoting good air circulation around the plant, avoiding overhead irrigation, and planting in a location with adequate sunlight. If powdery mildew does occur, applications of fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate can be used to control it.
Pest Management for Arctotis hispidula
The following pests can affect arctotis hispidula:
- Aphids: These insects can damage the foliage of the plant by sucking out plant sap. They can be managed through the use of insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural oils.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can chew leaves and damage the plant. They can be handpicked or managed using insecticides containing spinosad.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause damage to the plant by sucking plant sap from the leaves. They can be managed using insecticidal soaps or neem oil.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of disease or pest infestation and take prompt action to manage the issue. Additionally, practicing good cultural practices, such as improving soil health and providing adequate water and lighting, can help prevent disease and pest issues from occurring in the first place.
