Origin:
Chamaesyce celastroides (Boiss.) Croizat & Deg. var. odonatoides (O. Deg. & Sherff) O.& I. Deg. belongs to the botanical family of Euphorbiaceae. This species is native to the Canary Islands in the eastern Atlantic Ocean.
Common Names:
This species is commonly known as "gusanillo salado" in Spanish, which loosely translates to "little salty worm." It is also known as "devil's shoestring" or "silver spurge."
Uses:
Traditionally, Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides has been used for medicinal purposes, particularly for its antiseptic and diuretic properties. It is also used as a traditional remedy for the treatment of urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and as a general tonic. Nowadays, this plant is also used as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful appearance and drought tolerance.
General Appearance:
Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides is a small, perennial succulent herb that grows up to 10 cm in height. The plant features light green, fleshy stems with glabrous, elliptical leaves that are arranged in pairs along the stems. The leaves are around 5 mm long and 3 mm wide with slightly toothed edges. The flowers of the plant are tiny and have a yellow-green color. This plant produces small fruits that resemble capsules and bear small, brown, and shiny seeds inside.
Growth Conditions for Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides
Light Requirements: Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives in areas with bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. However, it can tolerate periods of shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements: This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives in warm temperatures between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can damage the plant, while temperatures above 40°C (104°F) can cause sunburn and dehydration.
Soil Requirements: Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. The plant is not drought-tolerant and requires regular watering.
Fertilizer Requirements: With adequate nutrients, Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides can reach its full potential. It requires occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, excessive fertilization can lead to overgrowth and undesirable sprawling habit.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Cuttings have a higher success rate, and they can be taken throughout the year. Seeds should be sown in spring and summer for best results. Germination can take up to three weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots once they are large enough to handle.
Cultivation Methods
Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides is a succulent plant that prefers well-draining soil. It can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. The plant requires full sunlight to grow well and can tolerate slightly acidic to alkaline soil pH.Watering Needs
The watering needs of Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides depend on the soil type and climate. During the growing season, the plant requires moderate watering. However, it is essential to allow the soil to dry slightly between watering to prevent root rot. In winter, the plant requires less watering as it goes dormant.Fertilization
The plant does not require heavy fertilization. A mild dose of organic fertilizer during the growing season can support growth. Over-fertilization can cause harm to the plant. Therefore, it is vital to follow the recommended dosage.Pruning
Pruning Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides is not necessary unless you want to shape the plant. If the plant gets leggy, pruning the stem tips can encourage bushier growth. It is essential to use clean and sharp pruners to prevent disease transmission. Pruning during the growing season can stimulate the plant to produce more branches and leaves.Propagation of Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides
Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides is a perennial herb that belongs to the spurge family Euphorbiaceae. Propagation of this plant can be achieved by vegetative means as well as by seed.
Vegetative Propagation
One of the ways to propagate Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides is through vegetative means. This can be done by taking stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy mature stems, and they should be at least 5 cm long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end of the stem should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting in a pot with well-draining soil. The soil should be kept consistently moist while the plant is establishing roots.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides can also be done through seed. The seeds are small and should be sown on the surface of a well-draining potting mix. They should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Seedlings should emerge within two to four weeks. Once the seedlings have several true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
It is important to note that germination rates for Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides can be low, so it is advisable to sow more seeds than needed to ensure success.
Disease Management
Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides is susceptible to various diseases, some of which are:
- Fungal Leaf Spot: Fungal leaf spot causes small, dark spots with yellow halos on leaves. It eventually leads to leaf yellowing and defoliation. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts, improve aeration, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides such as chlorothalonil can also be used.
- Crown Rot: Crown rot is caused by various soil-borne fungi and oomycetes. Symptoms include wilting, plant collapse, and yellowing of leaves. To manage crown rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid over-watering. Fungicides such as metalaxyl can also be used.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew causes a white, powder-like growth on leaves and shoots. It can lead to stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage this disease, apply fungicides such as sulfur or potassium bicarbonate. Also, ensure proper plant spacing and good air circulation.
Pest Management
Chamaesyce celastroides var. odonatoides is also vulnerable to a variety of pests, with the most common ones being:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites suck sap from leaves, leading to yellowing and eventual death. To control, regularly spray plants with water to dislodge the mites. Moreover, predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis can be introduced.
- Scale Insects: Scale insects suck sap from the leaves of the plant. They can be treated by using insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or neem oil.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that cluster on leaves. They can be treated with predatory insects such as ladybugs, insecticidal soaps, or neem oil.
To maintain good plant health, ensure proper nutrition and watering. Also, keep the plant area clean and free of debris that might harbor pests and diseases. Regular inspection is also necessary to detect and manage any pest or disease problems early.
