Overview
Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. capensis is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is an indigenous plant of South Africa and is commonly known as Centella, Water navelwort, or Pennywort.
Appearance
Centella capensis is a creeping plant with long, slender, and round-shaped stems that can grow up to 30cm length. It has several small, rounded leaves which are bright green. The plant produces small flowers that are white or pink in color and bloom from spring to fall.
Uses
Centella capensis is widely used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments. Its leaves are used for enhancing memory, improving blood circulation, and calming the nervous system. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent and a diuretic. The plant is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help boost the immune system and promote overall health.
In addition, Centella capensis is used in the cosmetic industry for making skincare products due to its anti-aging and healing properties. It is commonly found in creams, lotions, and gels for treating scars and stretch marks.
The plant is also used as a food source by various animals, including elephants, antelopes, and baboons.
Light Requirements
Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. capensis is a shade-loving plant that thrives in environments with limited direct sunlight. It requires bright but filtered light, which can be achieved through dappled shade or indirect light in a partially shaded area.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers a warm and humid environment, with an optimal temperature range between 20°C - 30°C (68°F - 86°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) and above 35°C (95°F) can cause stress and damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Centella capensis should be moist, nutrient-rich, and well-draining. A soil pH between 6.0-7.5 is preferred. The plant prefers organic soil that is sandy or loamy. Giving the plant too much nutrient can lead to a decrease in active ingredients. It is recommended to add organic fertilizer or compost to improve soil quality.
Cultivation Methods
Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. capensis requires well-draining soil with a slight acidic pH level between 6.0-6.5. It is best to sow seeds during spring and summer when temperatures are warmer, ensuring that the soil stays moist until germination. The plant requires partial shade to full sunlight and can tolerate temperatures between 10°C to 35°C.
Watering Needs
Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. capensis requires frequent watering as the soil should always be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water the plant every few days or when the topsoil begins to dry out.
Fertilization
Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. capensis requires fertilization with a balanced blend of nutrients during the growing season. It is best to use a slow-release fertilizer in spring, followed by another application in mid-summer. This will give the plant a continuous supply of nutrients for healthy growth.
Pruning
Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. capensis requires regular pruning to keep it in shape and promote bushiness. The ideal time to prune is during the growing season. Pinch back the stem tips, removing any yellow or diseased leaves. You can also prune the plant to encourage branching by cutting it back to one-third of its height or to a node. This will result in denser foliage growth.
Propagation of Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. capensis
Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. capensis is a small herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is commonly known as the Cape pennywort and is native to Southern Africa. The plant is easy to propagate using several methods.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Centella capensis are very small and germinate readily. Sow the seeds in seed trays or pots filled with a well-draining potting mix and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist and provide bright indirect light. Germination usually takes between 14-21 days. Once the seedlings have grown big enough, they can be transplanted into individual containers.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Centella capensis can be propagated by stem cuttings taken from healthy plants. Take a cutting of about 7cm in length from the tip of a stem and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright indirect light. Roots should form within a few weeks.
Propagation by division
The clumps of Centella capensis can be divided during the spring or fall. Carefully lift the clumps out of the ground and gently separate them into smaller sections, making sure that each section has roots and some leaves. Plant the divided sections in individual pots filled with well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright indirect light.
Disease and Pest Management for Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. capensis
Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. capensis is a robust and hardy herb that can resist many diseases and pests. However, it is still susceptible to some problems that can harm its growth and vigor. Therefore, it is essential to adopt effective disease and pest management strategies to maintain healthy and productive plants.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Centella capensis is the fungal disease called leaf spot. This disease causes circular spots on the leaves, which then turn brown or black and eventually fall off. To manage leaf spot, it is important to maintain good sanitation practices such as removing diseased debris and pruning infected branches immediately. Applying fungicides can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Another prevalent disease that affects Centella capensis is powdery mildew, which causes white or gray-like powder on the leaves' surface. This disease can be managed by improving air circulation around the plant or by using a fungicide spray.
Common Pests
Centella capensis is also vulnerable to pests such as aphids and spider mites. These pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing the plant's health to decline. A natural way to control aphids is by spraying a mixture of water and dish soap on the infested leaves. Spider mites can be managed by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or by spraying insecticidal soap.
Caterpillars are also common pests that can damage Centella capensis leaves and stems. To prevent these pests, it is essential to keep the garden area tidy and remove any weeds and debris that may harbor the pests. Handpicking caterpillars and applying biological insecticides can help eliminate the pests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Centella capensis (L.) Domin var. capensis is a hardy and robust plant that requires minimal disease and pest management. However, it is still vulnerable to some diseases and pests that can harm the plant's health and productivity. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt effective strategies to manage these problems and maintain healthy and productive plants.
