Plant Description:
Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor, also known as Djalonis Scarlet Pimpernel, is a small, herbaceous plant belonging to the Primulaceae family. It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 30cm in height, with stems that are both erect and creeping. The leaves of the plant are small and oval in shape, growing in opposite pairs on the stem. The flowers are small and bright red in color, with five petals that are arranged in a star shape. They bloom from late spring to late summer, attracting various pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Origin:
Anagallis pumila var. djalonis is native to West Africa, particularly in the countries of Guinea, Mali, and Senegal. It can be found growing in various habitats, including moist grasslands, rocky outcrops, and along riverbanks.
Common Names:
Djalonis Scarlet Pimpernel is the most common name for Anagallis pumila var. djalonis. However, it is also known by other common names such as Red Chickweed, Poor Man's Barometer, and Shepard's Weatherglass.
Uses:
The plant has several medicinal properties and has been used for various traditional medicines in West Africa. For instance, an infusion of the plant was used to treat respiratory infections, stomach aches, and skin conditions. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional divination practices in some African cultures. The plant is also commonly grown for ornamental purposes, particularly as a groundcover or in rock gardens due to its low-growing habit and attractive flowers.
Light Requirements
The Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight each day to grow properly. However, excessive direct sunlight can be harmful to the growth of the plant and can cause the leaves to burn. Therefore, it is best to provide the plant with bright, filtered light to ensure it grows optimally.
Temperature Requirements
The Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor plant grows well in temperatures ranging from 5°C to 30°C. However, the ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20°C and 25°C, and it should be protected from frost and cold winds. In regions with a colder climate, the plant can be grown indoors or in a greenhouse to protect it from cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor plant requires well-drained soil that is fertile and rich in nutrients. The soil should have a neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant also prefers to grow in soil that is moist but not overly wet. It is best to add organic matter to the soil before planting to provide the plant with the required nutrients it needs to grow properly. The plant can be grown in a pot or directly planted in the ground.
Cultivation of Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor
Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor is a tough plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It is a great addition to any garden or living space as it adds a pop of bright orange color to the surroundings. When it comes to cultivation, you should know that this plant prefers well-drained soils that are not too wet or too dry. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate drought-like conditions. If you want to cultivate this plant, here are some tips that can help you:
Watering Needs of Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor
The watering needs of Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor are quite simple. This plant needs moderate watering, meaning that you should water it when the soil starts to feel dry to the touch. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so be sure not to water it too much. On the other hand, under-watering can cause the leaves to wilt and fall off. Therefore, you should maintain a balance between watering and allowing the soil to dry out a bit before watering again.
Fertilization of Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor
Another crucial aspect of caring for Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor is fertilization. This plant requires regular feeding during the growing season, preferably with a balanced fertilizer. You may fertilize it once or twice a month, depending on its growth rate. However, avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to overgrowth and leggy stems.
Pruning of Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor
Pruning is necessary to keep Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor in good shape. You should prune it to maintain its shape and control its size. Ideally, pruning should be done in the early spring. You can cut back any leggy or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth. You can also remove any dead or damaged leaves and flowers to promote new growth.
Propagation of Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor
There are several methods for propagating Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor is through seed propagation. The seeds should be sown in the spring in a well-drained soil mix, covered lightly with soil, and then watered. The seeds should germinate in a few weeks and should be kept moist until they are large enough to transplant.
Division Propagation
Another method of propagating Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor is through division propagation. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and planting them in a fresh, well-drained soil mix. Care should be taken not to damage the roots during division.
Cutting Propagation
Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor can also be propagated through cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants in the spring or summer and then placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a humid environment until they have rooted.
Culture and Care
Regardless of the method of propagation, Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor should be grown in well-drained soil and kept in a sunny to partial shade location. The plant should be watered regularly and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Additionally, care should be taken to protect the plant from extreme temperatures and pests.
Disease Management
Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor is a hardy plant but is susceptible to diseases if grown in unfavorable conditions. The most common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that thrives in damp soil and causes the roots to decay. To prevent this disease, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil, avoid over-watering and make sure that the pot has proper drainage holes.
- Mildew: Mildew is another fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. To prevent this disease, avoid over-watering the plant and ensure that it has adequate air circulation.
- Leaf Spot: This is a bacterial disease that appears as dark spots on the leaves. To prevent this disease, avoid splashing water on the leaves while watering, ensure proper air circulation and keep the plant clean of debris.
If any of these diseases affect your plant, remove the infected parts immediately and treat with a fungicide or bactericide. Always follow the instructions on the label and dispose of infected plant material properly to prevent the spread of disease.
Pest Management
Anagallis pumila Sw. var. djalonis (A.Chev.) P.Taylor is resistant to most pests, but there are a few that might attack it. The most common pests are:
- Aphids: These are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to yellow and curl. To control aphids, spray the plant with a mixture of water and soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These are small insects that cause the leaves to become speckled and yellow. To control spider mites, hose down the plant with water or spray with insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: These are small insects that appear as a white cottony substance on the leaves. To control mealybugs, use an insecticide or rub them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Always monitor your plant for signs of pests and take action immediately if you notice any. Regularly cleaning the leaves and keeping the plant in good health will also help prevent pests and their damage.
