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Description
Stictocardia Tiliifolia, commonly known as the Hawaiian Sunset Vine, is a fast-growing ornamental vine that belongs to the morning glory family Convolvulaceae. This plant is native to tropical Africa, but it is now widely cultivated in different parts of the world, including the United States, the Caribbean, and Australia. The plant is known for its stunning flowers, which bloom in the evening and remain open until the next morning.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus | Stictocardia |
Appearance
The Hawaiian Sunset Vine has heart-shaped leaves that measure between 6 and 15 centimeters in length. The plant can grow up to 6 meters long and has a woody stem. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and measure up to 10 centimeters in diameter. They come in shades of red, orange, and yellow and are known for their stunning appearance.
Care Guide
The Hawaiian Sunset Vine is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
- Water: Make sure to water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.
- Hardiness Zones: The Hawaiian Sunset Vine is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Hawaiian Sunset Vine is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by root rot if the soil is waterlogged.
Habitat
The Hawaiian Sunset Vine is native to tropical Africa and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and savannas. The plant prefers warm, humid conditions and can be grown in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Hawaiian Sunset Vine?
A: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Q: How tall can the Hawaiian Sunset Vine grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 6 meters long.
Q: What pests can affect the Hawaiian Sunset Vine?
A: The plant can be susceptible to spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Hawaiian Sunset Vine?
A: The Hawaiian Sunset Vine is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Related Plants
- Ipomoea Indica
- Ipomoea Batatas
- Mandevilla Sanderi
- Lonicera Japonica
References
- “Stictocardia tiliifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden: Plant Finder. Accessed 5 May 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c223>
- “Stictocardia tiliifolia.” PlantZAfrica.com. Accessed 5 May 2021. <http://pza.sanbi.org/stictocardia-tiliifolia>
- “Hawaiian Sunset Vine (Stictocardia tiliifolia).” Dave’s Garden. Accessed 5 May 2021. <https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/115637/>
