Overview
Cotula vulgaris Levyns, commonly known as Brass Buttons, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a herbaceous plant that has gained popularity for its ornamental value and medicinal properties. This plant has various uses from traditional medicine to the horticulture industry.
Origin
Cotula vulgaris is native to South Africa, specifically in the Western Cape province. It grows naturally in grasslands, rocky outcrops, and along riverbanks. However, this plant's distribution has expanded to other parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Australia, due to its ornamental value.
General Appearance
The Brass Buttons plant has a mat-forming habit that grows up to 10 to 30 cm tall and 15 to 45 cm wide. The leaves are finely divided, feathery, and have a glossy green color that gives them an elegant look. The plant's stem is slender, branched and supports numerous flower heads. Each head has yellow button-like ray and disk flowers that bloom during the summer and autumn season.
Uses
The Cotula vulgaris plant has several uses, including:
- Medicinal purposes - Brass buttons are believed to have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic properties that can help treat ailments such as stomach upsets, digestive problems, and menstrual cramps.
- Ornamental purposes - Its low-growing and compact habit make it suitable for rock gardens, borders and groundcovers.
- Insect repellent - Brass buttons contain aromatic oils that have insecticidal properties that repel pests such as mosquitoes, flies, and ants.
- Animal fodder - The cotula vulgaris plant is edible and often fed to livestock in South Africa, especially during winter and drought seasons.
Light conditions
Cotula vulgaris Levyns require full to partial sunlight for optimal growth and development. They can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in poor growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature requirements
The plant thrives well in moderately warm temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Extreme heat or cold can cause stress and affect the plant's growth and flowering. The plant can tolerate short-term frost conditions, but prolonged exposure can be detrimental.
Soil conditions
Cotula vulgaris Levyns prefer well-draining soils that retain moisture and are rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range required for growth is between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, poorly drained soils should be avoided as they can cause root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation
When cultivating Cotula vulgaris Levyns, it is essential to ensure that it's in a well-draining soil mix. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil. Therefore, growers should aim to keep the pH level at around 5.5-6.0. It's important to note that the plant can tolerate poor soil conditions, but it will thrive in nutrient-rich soil.
The best temperature range for growing this plant is between 50°F to 85°F. Growers must provide enough light as it enhances the plant's growth. The plant can grow in both full sun or partial shade.
Watering
The Cotula vulgaris Levyns plant prefers consistent moisture. It should be watered when the soil is dry up to 2 inches deep. To prevent overwatering and root rot, ensure to let the soil dry partially before watering. Additionally, growers should avoid overhead watering because it may cause fungal infection or foliar diseases.
Fertilizing
Applying a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks will promote the growth of Cotula vulgaris Levyns. Growers may use a water-soluble or granular fertilizer. However, it's important not to overfertilize the plant as it can lead to leaf burn or stunted growth.
Pruning
To maintain a good form and size, Cotula vulgaris Levyns require regular pruning. Growers can prune the plant using bypass pruners or scissors. Prune the plant in early spring, ensuring to remove any dead or diseased leaves. Additionally, pruning can be done regularly to encourage bushier growth while keeping the plant's shape.
Propagation of Cotula vulgaris Levyns
Cotula vulgaris Levyns is commonly known as water buttons and belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is a small, herbaceous plant typically found in coastal areas and wetlands.
Propagation methods
Cotula vulgaris Levyns can be propagated through either seed or vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Cotula vulgaris Levyns are small and can be sown directly into soil or started indoors. When planting the seeds, make sure the soil is moist and the seeds are only lightly covered with soil. Germination usually occurs within two weeks.
When starting seeds indoors, use a seed starting mix and place the pots in a warm, well-lit location. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once the plants have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
Vegetative propagation
Cotula vulgaris Levyns can also be propagated through vegetative means, such as cuttings or division. To propagate through cuttings, take stem cuttings from the plant and place them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cuttings in a warm, well-lit location until they begin to root. Once rooted, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
To propagate through division, dig up an established plant and carefully divide the root ball into smaller sections. Replant each division in its own pot or directly in the garden.
Regardless of the propagation method, Cotula vulgaris Levyns prefers moist soil and bright, indirect light. It is a relatively easy plant to propagate and grows well in containers or in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Cotula vulgaris Levyns
Cotula vulgaris Levyns, commonly known as water buttons, is a low-growing plant that is mainly grown as a ground cover. Gardeners and landscapers should be aware of the common pests and diseases that can affect water buttons and the best ways to manage them.
Diseases
Water buttons can be susceptible to a few common diseases:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves. It can be avoided by watering the plant at the base rather than from the top and ensuring the soil has good drainage.
- Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that causes orange or brown pustules on the underside of the leaf. This can be managed by removing infected leaves and ensuring good air circulation around the plant.
- Pythium Root Rot: This is a soil-borne disease that causes the plant to wilt and rot. It can be avoided by ensuring good drainage and the use of sterilized soil or potting mix.
Pests
Water buttons can also be affected by a few common pests:
- Slugs and snails: These pests can cause significant damage to young water buttons. They can be managed by clearing debris away from the plant, handpicking them off the plant, or using a slug bait.
- Aphids: These are tiny insects that can suck the sap out of the plant, causing stunted growth and deformities. Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These pests are tiny, but they can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking the juice out of the leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by using an insecticidal spray.
It is important to maintain good plant hygiene and to keep the plant healthy to reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Water buttons are relatively hardy and can tolerate a range of growing conditions, but avoiding over-watering and ensuring good soil drainage is key to keeping them healthy. If affected by pests or diseases, it is essential to take prompt action to prevent further damage to the plant.
