Overview
Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. is a plant species that belongs to the sunflower family, Asteraceae.
Origin
This plant species is native to South America, specifically in Colombia and Venezuela.
Common Names
Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. is commonly known as "sacha culantro" or "cilantro silvestre" in Colombia, and as "culantro de monte" in Venezuela.
Uses
The leaves of Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. are widely used in South American cuisines as a flavorful alternative to cilantro. The plant is also used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for digestive issues, fever, and other ailments.
General Appearance
Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. is an herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has dark green, lance-shaped leaves that can vary in size from 10 to 30 centimeters in length. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that grow in clusters at the ends of its stems. Its seeds are small and black.
Light Requirements
Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. is a plant that grows well in full sunlight or partial shade. If grown indoors, it should be placed near a window that gets plenty of natural light. Outdoors, it can be grown in direct sun or partial shade, but it should be protected from the intense midday sun in hot climates.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. is between 15°C to 22°C. It can tolerate higher temperatures but should be protected from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. It is hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11, which correspond to an average minimum temperature of -6°C to 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. requires a well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It can grow in a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, but it should be moisture-retentive to prevent the soil from drying out. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 to 6.5. It is recommended to add organic matter like compost, or peat moss to improve soil quality if it is poor.
Cultivation methods
Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. prefer shaded locations, so it is recommended to cultivate them under trees or in areas with partial sunlight. This plant also requires well-draining soils, rich in organic matter, and with a pH between 4.5 and 6.2. Propagation can be done by seeds or cuttings, but seeds take longer to germinate, and their propagation success rates are lower than cuttings.
Watering needs
The watering needs of Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. change as per the climate and soil. However, following the general rule, this plant thrives in evenly moist soils. Per day, it requires 1-2 rounds of watering in summers and less in winters. Nevertheless, make sure to water it when the soil surface becomes slightly dry. Overwatering is not preferred.
Fertilization
Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. welcomes organic fertilizers, such as manure or compost. These should be applied during planting time and annually in the spring. To prevent nutrient depletion, it is essential to fertilize regularly, especially in the growing season. Avoid using too much chemical fertilizers as they can damage the plant and the ecosystem around it.
Pruning
Trimming and pruning are rare requirements for Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. However, if desired, it is best to undertake it in early spring or late autumn, after the flowering phase. Removing dead blossoms and twigs, or branches rubbing together, helps keep the plant healthy and gives it a better appearance. Before pruning, sterilize your tools to prevent disease spread.
Propagation of Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb.
Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb., also known as short-stalked Celsia, can be propagated through various methods. This plant is commonly propagated through seed, division, or cuttings.
Propagation by seed
The seeds of Celsia brevipedicellata should be sown in the spring in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about an eighth of an inch and kept moist until germination. The pot should be kept in a warm, bright area, with the temperature around 70°F.
Propagation by division
Division is a great propagation method for mature Celsia brevipedicellata plants. In the spring or early fall, carefully remove the plant from the soil. Gently separate the roots and create multiple plants from the root system. Each division should have at least one healthy stem and root system. Repot the divisions in well-draining potting mix and water thoroughly.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings of Celsia brevipedicellata can be taken in the spring or summer. Choose a healthy stem and cut a two to three-inch section from the tip. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in well-draining potting mix, and keep it moist and warm. Roots should develop in several weeks.
Disease Management
Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. may be susceptible to a range of fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. One common disease is powdery mildew, which appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected parts of the plant and improve air circulation by pruning and spacing plants properly. Apply sulfur-based fungicides to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. is leaf spot, which causes small brown or black spots on the leaves. Leaf spot can be managed by removing infected plant parts and using copper-based fungicides.
Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves. There is no cure for Fusarium wilt, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
There are several pests that may affect Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. One common pest is aphids, which are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can also help control their populations.
Spider mites are another pest that can infest Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. These tiny pests can be difficult to see but can cause extensive damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant by misting the leaves regularly and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Thrips are small, narrow insects that feed on the flowers and buds of Celsia brevipedicellata Engl. var. heterostemon Murb. Infested flowers may develop distorted petals and discoloration. To manage thrips, use sticky traps to capture the insects and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of disease or pest infestation is key to catching and managing issues early before they become serious problems. Proper cultural practices such as providing adequate water and nutrients, maintaining good sanitation, and pruning as needed can also help promote plant health and prevent disease and pest issues.
