Plant Description:
Centella linifolia (L.f.) Drude var. depressa Adamson, also known as Small Water Pennywort or Jenny Myrt-Pennywort, is a flowering aquatic plant that belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is a perennial herb that can grow up to 50 cm tall and has cylindrical stems that are about 2-5mm in diameter. The leaves are alternate, linear to oblong, and have pointed tips. The flowers are small and white and are arranged in umbels.
Origins:
Centella linifolia (L.f.) Drude var. depressa Adamson is found throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. It is commonly found in freshwater wetlands, marshes, swamps, and other areas with wet soil.
Uses:
The leaves and stems of Centella linifolia (L.f.) Drude var. depressa Adamson have been used in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions such as skin disorders, wounds, fever, and diarrhea. The plant contains asiaticoside, a compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. In addition, the plant has been used as a food source in some cultures, particularly in Southeast Asia.
General Appearance:
Centella linifolia (L.f.) Drude var. depressa Adamson is a small, spreading plant with a prostrate growth habit. It has thin, delicate stems and leaves that are green in color. The plant grows in shallow water or in soil that is consistently moist. When the plant is not in bloom, it can be easily overlooked and mistaken for a weed.
Light requirements
Centella linifolia (L.f.) Drude var. depressa Adamson is a shade-loving plant and requires filtered or dappled sunlight to grow properly. Direct exposure to sunlight can damage the leaves and stunt the growth. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in a shaded area or provide it with some form of artificial shade.
Temperature requirements
The plant prefers warm and humid conditions and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the growth of Centella linifolia (L.f.) Drude var. depressa Adamson is between 20°C to 30°C. Extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, could affect the growth and development of the plant. Therefore, it is essential to maintain optimal temperatures throughout the year.
Soil requirements
The plant grows well in a wide range of soils, including loamy, sandy, and clayey soils. However, the soil must be well-drained and fertile. Adding compost or organic matter to the soil enhances its nutrient content, which promotes healthy growth of the plant. In addition, the pH level of the soil should be between 6.5 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
Cultivation of Centella linifolia (L.f.) Drude var. depressa Adamson
Centella linifolia (L.f.) Drude var. depressa Adamson is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 10 cm high and spread indefinitely. The plant is native to South Africa and is ideal for cultivation in warm climates. It can grow in both full sun and partial shade.
The soil should be well-draining and should contain nutrients that the plant requires. The addition of compost or organic matter can help to improve the soil quality.
Watering Needs
Centella linifolia (L.f.) Drude var. depressa Adamson requires consistent moisture, but the soil should not be waterlogged. The soil should be kept moist, and the plant should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
With that said, the plant is not drought-tolerant, and the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. Watering in the early morning or evening hours is recommended to reduce water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization
Centella linifolia (L.f.) Drude var. depressa Adamson requires frequent fertilization to grow vigorously. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.
The fertilizer should be applied every two weeks during the growing season, which is from spring to early fall. Make sure to read and follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Centella linifolia (L.f.) Drude var. depressa Adamson. However, if you notice any yellow or dead leaves, you can pinch them off with your fingers to promote healthy growth.
Additionally, if the plant becomes straggly or overgrown, you can trim it back to encourage bushier growth. Use a pair of sharp garden shears and make clean cuts just above a node or leaf.
Propagation of Centella linifolia (L.f.) Drude var. depressa Adamson
Centella linifolia (L.f.) Drude var. depressa Adamson can be propagated through several methods including:
Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected from the matured plant and sown immediately after collection. The seeds should be cleaned thoroughly and sown in well-prepared soil. The soil should be moist and drained well to prevent waterlogging which can result in the death of the seeds. Germination takes about two weeks to a month, and seedlings should be transplanted to a permanent place after they reach a height of 2-3 cm.
Division
The plant can also be propagated through division. The roots of the plant are dug out carefully and separated into smaller sections each with leaves. Each section can be potted separately in a well-prepared soil mixture of potting soil, sand, and organic compost. The plant should be watered gently and kept warm and moist to facilitate the growth of new roots. After a few weeks, the divisions will have established enough roots to be transplanted to their permanent place.
Cuttings
Cuttings involve taking a stem cutting from a mature plant, then rooting and growing it in the soil. The cutting should be done with a clean and sharp pair of scissors, then dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mixture of sand, peat moss, and perlite. The stem should be kept moist and warm until it develops roots and transplanted to a permanent location when it has established itself. Cuttings can be taken at any time where the plant is actively growing.
Disease and Pest Management for Centella linifolia (L.f.) Drude var. depressa Adamson
Centella linifolia (L.f.) Drude var. depressa Adamson, commonly known as slender centella, is a low-growing perennial herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family. Like all plants, slender centella is susceptible to different types of diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Slender centella can be affected by different diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the plant's roots, causing them to rot and turn brown. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, make sure the soil has good drainage, and remove infected plants.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that leaves white patches on the plant's leaves. To manage powdery mildew, use a fungicide and maintain good airflow around plants.
Leaf spot is a bacterial or fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves, and use a fungicide or bactericide.
Pests
Slender centella can also be susceptible to different types of pests such as aphids, spider mites, and slugs.
Aphids are tiny insects that suck plant sap and can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage aphids, remove infested plants, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites are small arachnids that feed on plant sap and can cause yellowing leaves and a fine webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and maintain a humid environment around plants.
Slugs are small mollusks that feed on the plant's leaves and stem, causing holes and damage. To manage slugs, remove infested plants, use slug bait, and maintain a dry soil environment.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests in slender centella is to maintain good plant care practices and act quickly at the first sign of an infestation or disease. Regularly inspecting plants helps to identify problems early on and prevent further spread.
