Ochna
Ochna serrulata, commonly known as carnival bush is an evergreen shrub native to South Africa. It is an attractive plant with a unique, eye-catching appearance featuring glossy, wavy leaves of different shapes and sizes that are dark green on top and light green underneath. Mature plants develop bright yellow flowers that give way to small, bright red fruits. Ochna can reach up to a height of 8 feet, its natural habitat is in full sun or shade, although it will flower more prevalent in full sun. While a cool night temperature of minimum 10 to 12 degree Celsius is ideal for the flower blossoming.
As with most plants, Ochna should be watered regularly. The soil should be kept slightly moist but not soggy as this can lead to root rot. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before you water your plant. This will promote strong root growth and prevent sogging. During the summer months, it might be necessary to water your Ochna every other day or so. During the fall and winter months, you can reduce your watering schedule to twice a week.
Ochna is an evergreen, it can survive in full sun or partial shade. For best results, and abundant blooming, Ochna should be grown in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Avoid placing this plant in direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves or cause them to dry out. This plant prefers warm temperatures so it should not be placed in a room with air conditioning.
Ochna requires warm temperatures between 16 and 24 Celsius (61-75 Fahrenheit) and prefers a cool night-time temperature of 10-12 Celsius (50-54 Fahrenheit). It is important to avoid placing your Ochna in a room with air conditioning or direct sunlight as this can cause the leaves to dry out and scorch.
Since Ochna is an evergreen, it prefers humid climates and plenty of airflow. If the humidity level in your home is lower than 50%, you can place this plant near a humidifier or lightly mist the foliage with a water bottle to increase the moisture level. To avoid fungus and mildew, Ochna should never be kept in a stagnant and humid environment.
As far as soil requirements go, Ochna prefers well-draining soil with a neutral pH. If the soil is too rich in nitrogen, it will cause the leaves to become limp and the stem to grow slowly. It is best to use a soil mix that is specifically formulated for houseplants, and add a handful of organic material such as peat moss or perlite to improve drainage and aeration.
Fertilization is an important part of the Ochna’s health and is essential for proper blooming and growth. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer should be used during the growing season. For best results, fertilize the plant every two weeks with a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for houseplants. During the winter months, it is best to only fertilize once a month with a low-nitrogen solution as the plant will be dormant.
Unfortunately, carnival bush is susceptible to some common pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies. These pests feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, robbing it of essential nutrients and weakening the plant in the process. The most effective way to get rid of these pests is to spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution. Be sure to spray both sides of the leaves and get down to the leaf joints. Additionally, you should remove any severely damaged leaves and/or stems. If the infestation is severe, you will have to use a systemic pesticide for complete elimination.
Ochna should be repotted every two to three years to allow for proper root growth and development. When repotting, be sure to use only a slightly larger pot and soil than before. You should also prune away any dead or decaying root-bound branches before repotting to ensure that the new soil has enough nutrients to adequately feed the plant.
Ochna should be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Cut away any dead or diseased branches and foliage to improve the plant's appearance. Prune away weak and overgrown stems, and thin out the foliage to encourage stronger growth. Additionally, prune away root-bound branches to promote better airflow and soil drainage.
Mulching is an important part of caring for an Ochna, as it helps to keep the roots cool and moist. Using a thin layer of mulch, such as pine needles, orchid bark, or peat moss, to cover the surface of the soil will keep the roots moist and cool during the summer months. Make sure to remove any fallen mulch from the foliage to avoid rot or fungus
Propagating Ochna is fairly easy to do. The most common method is to use tip cuttings. To begin, wait for a healthy, mature branch to develop. Cut the stem at the node near the base and dip the cut end into some rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a mixture of equal parts clay potting soil and sand. Place the pot in a sunny location, keep the soil lightly moist, and new roots will form within a few weeks.
Since Ochna can reach up to eight feet in height, it might need some form of support such as a stake or trellis when it reaches maturity. This will help to keep the stem from becoming weak and twisting, and it will also provide additional support to the branches when they are in bloom.
Ochna goes through a natural rest period in winter. During this period the plant should be watered less and kept out of direct sunlight. During this time the plant’s growth rate will slow down and the leaves will start to yellow and fall off. To promote healthy growth, prune away any withered leaves and stems during the rest period.
Ochna is not known to be toxic to pets and plants, but should still be kept away from curious animals and small children. The sap from the stems and the fruit can cause skin and eye irritation in some people.