Introduction
Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as the sticky chrysanthemum and is native to China.Appearance
Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch. is a perennial plant that grows up to 100 cm in height. It has an upright stem with numerous branches. The leaves are dark green and are arranged alternately on the stem. The leaves are ovate in shape and have serrate margins. The plant produces numerous small yellow flowers that bloom in late summer or early fall.Uses
Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch. has several medicinal uses in traditional Chinese medicine. The plant is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is commonly used to treat respiratory diseases, fever, sore throat, and cough. The plant is also used in cosmetic products as it has emollient and skin-soothing properties.Common names
Aside from sticky chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch. has other common names. In China, it is called "Ye Ju Hua", which translates to "wild chrysanthemum flower". Some other names for this plant include the creeping chrysanthemum, the Chinese chrysanthemum, and the wild chrysanthemum.Light Requirements:
Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch. is known to require full sun exposure of about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant would require ample sunlight and would fail to thrive if grown in shade or inadequate sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant is native to mountainous regions with temperatures ranging from cold to cool temperate. Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch. typically grows well in areas with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C. In the summer, Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch. prefers temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C which makes it an ideal plant for growing in summer gardens. Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch. plant requires a cool temperature during the fall season to initiate flowers, and the temperature should not exceed 7°C.
Soil Requirements:
The plant can grow well in well-drained sandy-loam soil. It can adapt to various soil conditions but requires a neutral soil pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. However, the plant requires rich and fertile soil to promote its growth and health. The soil for Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch. should contain organic matter and be enriched with compost or manure if necessary. The plant requires regular watering, but the soil should not be too moist, which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch., commonly known as the Japanese chrysanthemum, is a hardy perennial plant that requires minimum maintenance. It can grow up to 3-6 feet tall and wide, depending on the growing conditions. The plant prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
The best time to plant the Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch. is in the spring or fall. It is recommended to prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to the planting hole. Ensure that the plant is placed at the same depth as it was in the container or nursery pot, and space individual plants 18-24 inches apart.
Watering Needs
The Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch. requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during periods of drought. The plant should be watered at the base to prevent water from getting on the foliage. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Drought-tolerant varieties may require less frequent watering, but it is essential to keep the soil moist to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Fertilization
Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended.
The plant should be fertilized in the early spring before new growth begins and again in mid-summer after the first wave of flowers fades. Follow package instructions carefully to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to weak growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch. looking neat and to promote healthy growth and abundant flowers. Pruning should be done in the early spring before new growth begins and again in mid-summer after the first wave of flowers fades.
Remove any dead or damaged stems, as well as any weak, spindly growth. Pinch back the stem tips in mid-summer to promote branching and more abundant flower production. This will encourage the chrysanthemum to produce a more bushy, compact shape.
Propagation Methods for Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch.
Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch., commonly known as the wild chrysanthemum, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea. Propagation of Chrysanthemum decurrens can be done through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Chrysanthemum decurrens. The seeds should be sown in early spring, about 2-3 mm deep in a well-drained soil mix and placed in a warm, bright location. The seeds should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take between 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Division
Division is a technique used to propagate mature Chrysanthemum decurrens plants. It involves digging up the plant and dividing it into smaller pieces using a sharp knife or spade. Each division should have an adequate amount of roots and shoots. The plant should be divided in early spring or fall, and the divisions should be replanted immediately. Ensure that the soil around the divisions is moist.
Cuttings
Propagation of Chrysanthemum decurrens can also be achieved through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in early summer from new shoots that have not yet flowered. The cuttings should be about 8 cm long and should have at least three nodes. The leaves should be removed from the lower part of the cutting, leaving only a few at the top. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil mix and placed in a bright location. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Roots should develop within a few weeks, and new growth should appear within a month.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves making a cut in a stem of the Chrysanthemum decurrens plant and then wrapping the cut with moist sphagnum moss and plastic. The moss should be kept moist, and roots should begin to develop at the cut. Once the roots have developed, the new plant can be cut away from the parent plant and transplanted into a new pot or location.
Propagation of Chrysanthemum decurrens can be achieved through various methods, and it is important to choose the method that best suits the grower's capabilities and objectives.
Disease and Pest Management for Chrysanthemum Decurrens Hutch.
Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch, commonly known as the Japanese chrysanthemum, is a beautiful plant that is famous for its multiple uses, including ornamental, commercial, and medicinal purposes. However, this plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can reduce its quality or even kill it.
Common Diseases
Powdery Mildew: This is a common fungal disease that affects Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch. It appears as powdery white or gray spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can cause leaves to yellow and fall off if left untreated. You can manage this disease by ensuring that your plants are well-spaced to increase air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides.
Botrytis Blight: This is another fungal disease that causes gray rot on leaves and flowers, which can quickly spread throughout the entire plant. You can manage this disease by removing any infected plant parts, ensuring proper spacing, and watering your plants from below.
Root Rot: This is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and eventual death if left untreated. You can prevent this disease by avoiding over-watering, planting in well-drained soil, and using fungicides.
Common Pests
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing stunted growth and deformation of the leaves. You can manage them by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the plant sap, causing yellow stippling and webbing on the leaves. You can manage them by using a strong water spray or insecticidal soap.
Thrips: These are slender insects that cause silvery streaks on leaves, discoloration, and deformation. You can manage them by spraying your plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
To ensure that Chrysanthemum decurrens Hutch remains healthy and strong, it is important to practice good cultural practices such as adequate water, fertilization, and soil maintenance. Additionally, keep an eye out for any signs of pests or disease and promptly treat them to avoid further damage.
