Rotheca MYRICOIDES

Rotheca MYRICOIDES - Blue butterfly bush, Uganda glorybower, Clerodendrum UGANDENSE.

Rotheca is a genus of shrubs, subshrubs, and herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, numbering from 35 to 60 species according to various estimates. 3 species are endemic to tropical Asia, while the rest are widespread in Africa, especially in its eastern and southern parts.

Some members of the genus grow as lianas or small trees. The stems are branched; the leaves are opposite or whorled, usually fleshy, glossy, with pronounced venation and a short petiole, often having an unpleasant aroma when damaged.

The flowers are five-lobed, bright, blue-violet, blue, or white (rarely yellow), gathered in large inflorescences. The calyx is actinomorphic or nearly so and does not enlarge, unlike in some related genera.

The fruit is four-lobed and resembles a small drupe, but ultimately separates into four single-seeded mericarps that attract birds.

Rotheca myricoides is distinguished by a compact shrubby habit and reaches a height of 2-3 m (6.6-9.8 ft). The flowers of this species are particularly attractive, enhanced by the contrast with dark green leaves. It grows in tropical East Africa and is cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Seeds are pre-scarified (without disrupting the outer layer, germination will be minimal); for this, the outer coat is carefully filed or scratched with a hard tool without damaging the seed. Then the seed material is soaked for 12 hours in warm water with the addition of stimulants (SUPERthrive, HB-101, Aminozol, Epin, or Zircon).

Prepared seeds are sown in moist substrate to a depth of about 0.5 cm (0.2 in), moistened with a spray bottle, placed in a mini-greenhouse or covered with film, and germinated in light, but not in direct sun at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of the sowings.

Seeds germinate within 2-4 weeks. After the appearance of the first seedlings, they can be pricked out and transferred into individual pots for further growth and development.

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Rotheca prefers bright, but diffused light. The ideal location is eastern or western windows, where the plant will be protected from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day. The optimal temperature for cultivation is 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). During the winter period, it is important to avoid sharp temperature drops and drafts, which can negatively affect plant health.

Watering should be moderate - avoid water stagnation in the drip tray, which can lead to root rot. In summer, watering is more frequent; in winter, moderate, after the top layer of soil dries out. The plant prefers high air humidity, so regular misting will be beneficial, especially in heated rooms in winter.

Rotheca requires light, well-drained soil consisting of a mixture of garden soil, sand, and perlite or vermiculite in a 2:1:1 ratio. Repotting is recommended every 2-3 years in spring, when plant growth activates. When repotting, it is important to handle the root system carefully and ensure good drainage in the new pot.

During the growing season (spring-autumn), the plant requires regular feeding every 2-3 weeks. Use complex mineral fertilizers for flowering plants, diluted according to the instructions. In winter, feeding should be reduced or completely stopped so as not to overload the plant, which is in a state of relative dormancy.