Origin
Centella coriacea Nannf. is a member of the Apiaceae family and is native to several parts of South East Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
Common Names
Centella coriacea Nannf. is commonly known as Silver Dollar Plant, Dollar Plant, Coin Plant, and Coin Vine.
General Appearance
Centella coriacea Nannf. is a perennial plant with distinctly round leaves that resemble small silver coins. The plant grows up to a height of 10 to 15 cm. The plant stems are slender and elongated, and the leaves are arranged alternately. The leaves are up to 2.5 cm wide and about the same length and are nearly circular with a smooth surface.
Uses
Centella coriacea Nannf. is used for its medicinal properties. The leaves of this plant can be consumed raw or cooked and are thought to have a variety of health benefits. In traditional herbal medicine, it is used to treat a variety of ailments, including inflammation, ulcers, and fever.
The plant is also often used as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance. It can be cultivated in hanging baskets, and its small, round leaves make it an attractive house plant.
Growth Conditions for Centella coriacea Nannf.
Centella coriacea Nannf. is a plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family, and it is typically found growing in tropical and subtropical regions. When growing Centella coriacea Nannf., there are several factors to keep in mind to ensure optimal growth and development.
Light
Centella coriacea Nannf. requires partial shade to full sun to thrive. In its natural habitat, it can often be found growing under the canopy of larger trees, where it receives filtered sunlight. Placing the plant in a location that receives a similar amount of light will help it grow best.
Temperature
Centella coriacea Nannf. prefers warm temperatures and is not frost tolerant. It grows best in temperatures above 20°C (68°F). In cooler climates, it can be grown indoors in a warm, well-lit room.
Soil
The soil requirements for Centella coriacea Nannf. are well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be around neutral, between 6.0 and 7.5. Adding organic matter such as compost or leaf litter can improve the soil quality, promoting healthy growth of the plant.
Additionally, Centella coriacea Nannf. benefits from regular watering, but it does not like to be kept in soggy soil. It is crucial to ensure that the plant's soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering or underwatering can negatively impact its growth and health.
By following these growth conditions, growers can successfully cultivate Centella coriacea Nannf. with optimal growth and development.
Cultivation of Centella coriacea Nannf.
Centella coriacea Nannf., also known as Asiatic pennywort, is a versatile herb that can grow in a variety of soil types and climates. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun exposure and thrives in humid environments. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Propagation of Centella coriacea Nannf can be done by either seed or stem cutting. When using stem cuttings, make sure to trim off the lower leaves and plant the cutting about an inch deep in moist soil.
A good soil mixture for Centella coriacea Nannf should be well drained, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Watering Needs of Centella coriacea Nannf.
Centella coriacea Nannf requires frequent watering to maintain soil moisture. It is crucial to avoid letting the soil dry out entirely, as it can cause leaf wilting and death. Regular watering promotes healthy growth and ensures that the plant remains lush and green.
The amount of water required may vary depending on the climate and soil type. Generally, the plant needs to be watered daily in the morning or evening during the hot summer months. In cooler months, watering once every 2-3 days might be sufficient.
Fertilization of Centella coriacea Nannf.
Fertilization is essential to provide Centella coriacea Nannf with the necessary nutrients for optimal growth. Applying a general-purpose fertilizer every month during the growing season can help enhance plant growth.
Organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can be added to the soil to provide essential nutrients and improve soil texture. It is important to avoid overfertilization, as excessive amounts of fertilizer can cause leaf burn and affect plant health.
Pruning of Centella coriacea Nannf.
Pruning Centella coriacea Nannf can help improve its overall appearance, encourage new growth, and increase the number of leaves. Pruning should be done after the plant has finished flowering.
To prune, use a pair of clean, sharp scissors to trim back any dead or yellowing leaves, or to shape the plant if necessary. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time, as this can place unnecessary stress on the plant.
Regular pruning also helps to control the plant's growth and prevent it from becoming too large or unruly.
Propagation of Centella coriacea Nannf.
Centella coriacea Nannf., commonly known as Asiatic pennywort, is a perennial herb that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It is widely used in traditional medicine for treatments related to skin disorders, wound healing, and memory enhancement. Here are some methods for propagating Centella coriacea Nannf.:
Division
One of the simplest methods of propagating Centella coriacea Nannf. is through division. Divide the plant during the fall or spring when the leaves start to turn yellow. Carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have at least three to four stems. Replant the divided sections immediately in well-draining soil.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another way to propagate Centella coriacea Nannf. This method is best done in the spring when new growth has begun. Cut stem sections that are about 4-6 inches long and have a few leaves on them, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut ends of the stems into a rooting hormone and plant them in a potting mix. Keep the soil moist and warm, and a few weeks later, roots will begin to develop.
Seed Propagation
Centella coriacea Nannf. can also be propagated from seeds, but this method requires patience as the plant takes a long time to germinate. Collect the seeds from the mature plant in the fall and sow them in a seed tray. Ensure that the soil is consistently moist, and keep the tray in a warm and semi-shaded location. The seeds will take around two to three weeks to germinate.
Disease and Pest Management for Centella coriacea Nannf.
Centella coriacea Nannf., commonly known as the Asiatic Pennywort or pegagan, is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. To maintain optimal plant growth and productivity, it is essential to manage common diseases and pests that might affect the plant. Here are some detailed disease and pest management tips for Centella coriacea Nannf.:
Common Diseases
1. Leaf Spot Disease: This disease is a fungal infection that affects the leaves of the Centella coriacea Nannf. plant. Symptoms of leaf spot disease include small, circular whitish spots that gradually grow bigger and turn brownish or grayish. To manage this disease, remove affected leaves, and apply a copper-based fungicide to protect the plant's remaining foliage.
2. Root Rot Disease: Root rot is a common disease caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi. This disease causes the roots to rot, leading to stunted growth, yellow leaves, and eventual death. To avoid root rot disease, allow the soil to dry out between watering, ensure adequate drainage, and use sterile potting soil. Additionally, apply a fungicide to the soil to prevent fungal infection.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, causing twisted, curled, and yellowed leaves. To manage this pest, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, prune affected leaves and encourage the presence of natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, sap-feeding pests that can cause severe damage to the plant's foliage. They thrive in hot and dry conditions and cause yellow, brown, or grayish leaves that eventually drop off. To control spider mites, spray the plant with water to increase humidity and use an acaricide or insecticidal soap.
In conclusion, regular monitoring and timely intervention are necessary to manage diseases and pests that might affect Centella coriacea Nannf. plant. Adopting organic and cultural practices like crop rotation, proper sanitation, and maintaining ideal growing conditions can significantly reduce the risk of diseases and pests infestation.