Lobelia Zeylanica

Description

Lobelia Zeylanica is a beautiful and versatile plant that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. It is native to Sri Lanka and is commonly known as Indian tobacco, ponnaganti kura, and lobelia. The plant is an herbaceous perennial that grows up to 50 cm in height and has a sprawling habit. Its leaves are green and lance-shaped, with serrated edges. The lobelia zeylanica has beautiful blue or purple flowers with a white throat that bloom in spring and summer.

Taxonomic Information

| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus ||——–|———|——–|——-|——-|——–|——-|| Eukarya | Plantae | Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Campanulales | Campanulaceae | Lobelia |

Appearance

The lobelia zeylanica is an attractive plant that adds a pop of color to any garden. Its leaves are green and lance-shaped, and its flowers are blue or purple with a white throat. The lobelia zeylanica typically grows up to 50 cm in height and has a sprawling habit. It blooms in spring and summer, and its flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Care Guide

To ensure the healthy growth of the lobelia zeylanica, it is important to follow a proper care guide. Here are some tips to keep in mind:- Water: The lobelia zeylanica prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.- Soil: The lobelia zeylanica prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to ensure that the soil is not too acidic or alkaline.- Sunlight: The lobelia zeylanica prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as much.- Hardiness Zones: The lobelia zeylanica is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.

Common Pests & Diseases

While the lobelia zeylanica is generally a hardy plant, it can still fall prey to common pests and diseases. Some of the most common pests that affect the plant include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The lobelia zeylanica is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring that the plant is in a well-ventilated area and by avoiding overhead watering.

Habitat

The lobelia zeylanica is native to Sri Lanka and is commonly found in wetlands and marshes. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate some shade. In its natural habitat, the plant is an important source of medicine for the local population.

Question and Answer

Q: Can the lobelia zeylanica be grown indoors?
A: While the lobelia zeylanica can be grown indoors, it prefers to be outside in full sun to partial shade.Q: How often should I water my lobelia zeylanica?
A: The lobelia zeylanica prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.Q: What is the hardiness zone for the lobelia zeylanica?
A: The lobelia zeylanica is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.Q: How do I control pests on my lobelia zeylanica?
A: Common pests that affect the lobelia zeylanica include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Related Plants

– Lobelia erinus- Lobelia siphilitica- Lobelia cardinalis- Lobelia laxiflora

References

– “Lobelia Zeylanica.” Plantzafrica.com, 2021, www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/lobeliazeyl.htm.- “Lobelia Zeylanica.” World Flora Online, 2021, www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000960057.