Origin and Common Names
Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum (P. Mill.) Syme is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Papaveraceae family. This plant is native to Europe and Asia and has been naturalized in North America and other parts of the world. It is commonly known by several names, including Greater Celandine, Tetterwort, Nipplewort, and Devil's Milk.Appearance
Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum has a bright yellow sap that runs through its yellow-green stem, which measures about 30-90 cm in height. The leaves of this plant are deeply lobed, measuring about 3-4 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. The flowers of this plant are small and yellow, measuring about 2 cm in diameter, and bloom from May to August. The fruit of this plant is a 4-6 cm long capsule that contains several black seeds.Uses
Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum has been used in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties. The plant contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins that have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-tumor properties. The sap of this plant has been used topically to treat skin conditions such as warts, eczema, and psoriasis. It has also been used orally to treat digestive disorders such as colic, indigestion, and constipation. However, it is important to note that the sap of this plant can be toxic if ingested in large amounts and can cause skin irritation if applied topically to sensitive skin. In addition to its medicinal uses, Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum has also been used in the cosmetics industry to produce yellow and orange dyes. The plant has also been used as a garden plant for its ornamental value, especially in rock gardens. Overall, Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum is a versatile plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine and other industries.Light Requirements:
The Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum (P. Mill.) Syme plant grows well in full sunlight or in partial shade. However, it prefers a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements:
The ideal temperature range for Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum (P. Mill.) Syme is between 20 and 25°C (68 - 77°F). However, it can tolerate higher temperatures up to 30°C (86°F) for short periods. The plant cannot survive in freezing temperatures and should be protected from frost.
Soil Requirements:
The Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum (P. Mill.) Syme plant prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH range of the soil can be between 5.5-7.0. The plant can tolerate moderately acidic soil. However, it does not do well in highly alkaline soil. It is important to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged as this can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum (P. Mill.) Syme, commonly known as greater celandine or tetterwort, is a perennial herb that prefers well-draining, moist soil with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline. This plant thrives in partial shade, but it can also grow in full sun exposure. The best time to plant is in the early spring, usually from March to May.
Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum (P. Mill.) Syme grows up to 0.6 meters in height and 0.3 meters in width with creeping roots. It also spreads rapidly, so it is crucial to provide enough space between each plant, preferably 0.45 to 0.6 meters apart.
Watering Needs
The greater celandine plant needs consistent moisture to grow and thrive, particularly during the dry season. However, the soil must not remain waterlogged for an extended period since it can cause root rot. Water the plants slowly and deeply, ensuring that the water reaches the deep roots. You should reduce watering during rainy seasons, but you should also check the soil moisture frequently to avoid drying out.
Fertilization
Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum (P. Mill.) Syme requires light fertilization, preferably during the spring growth. You can use a slow-release fertilizer or organic materials such as compost or well-rotted manure. You should avoid over-fertilizing since it can lead to excessive growth and weak stems. Fertilize once every month throughout the growing season, usually from April to September.
Pruning
Pruning the greater celandine plant promotes bushier growth and prevents legginess. You can carry out pruning in the early spring before new growth appears. Trim the plant's top to encourage lateral branching and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems. Use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid injuring the plant. You can also remove the spent flowers to prevent self-seeding.
Propagation of Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum (P. Mill.) Syme
Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum (P. Mill.) Syme, also known as the cut-leaved celandine, can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, division, or cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The plant produces abundant seeds in late summer, making seed propagation an easy method. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil in late fall or early spring, or indoors in pots.
If sowing indoors, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining compost mix and kept in a warm, sunny area until they germinate. Once germinated, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground in the spring or autumn.
Division
Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum can also be propagated through division, which involves separating the plant's roots into smaller pieces and replanting them. This method is best carried out in the spring or autumn.
To divide the plant, gently lift it from the ground and separate the roots into smaller sections. Ensure each section has enough roots and foliage before replanting it in a new spot.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is a more complicated but efficient method of propagation. Softwood cuttings are the best option and should be taken in late spring or early summer.
Cuttings should be taken from the plant's tips, and only 1-2 internodes should be used. The lower leaves should be removed, and the remaining foliage should be cut in half. The cuttings should be dipped into a rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining compost mix.
The cuttings should then be kept in a warm, humid area and misted regularly until roots have formed. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
The plant Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum (P. Mill.) Syme is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by a fungus and can lead to yellowing and defoliation of the leaves. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove and destroy the affected leaves, reduce humidity levels by avoiding overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves, which can lead to a loss of vigor and growth. To manage this disease, it is necessary to remove and destroy the affected leaves, reduce humidity levels, improve air circulation, and apply fungicides.
- Rust: This fungal disease can cause rust-colored spots on the leaves and can reduce plant vigor. To manage this disease, it is crucial to remove and discard the affected leaves, reduce humidity levels, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
The plant Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum (P. Mill.) Syme is also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Aphids: These small insects can cause distortion and stunting of the leaves and stems. To manage aphids, it is essential to remove small infestations by hand, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, and apply insecticidal soaps or oils.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellow or brown leaves and a fine webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, it is necessary to increase humidity levels by misting, improve air circulation, remove and destroy affected leaves, and apply insecticidal soaps or oils.
- Caterpillars: These larvae can cause significant damage to the leaves and stems. To manage caterpillars, handpicking is effective when the infestation is small. Otherwise, apply biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis or spinosad-based insecticides.
