Helichrysum fulgens Humbert & Staner
Helichrysum fulgens Humbert & Staner, also known as red everlasting, is a plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. This perennial herbaceous species is native to Madagascar where it can be found in the eastern part of the island, in altitude between 1000 and 1800 m.
Common Names
Helichrysum fulgens is commonly known as red everlasting due to its bright red, long-lasting flowers. Other names used for this plant include Helichrysum perrieri, Helichrysum annuum, and Helichrysum broterianum.
Uses
Helichrysum fulgens has long been used in traditional medicine for its various health benefits. The plant's essential oils have shown to be effective in treating respiratory problems, inflammation, and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The essential oil is also used as a natural fragrance in soaps, perfumes, and skincare products.
Helichrysum fulgens is also valued for its ornamental value and is commonly grown in gardens and pots for its attractive red flowers that bloom for several months.
General Appearance
Helichrysum fulgens is a small shrub that grows up to 1 meter tall. The leaves of the plant are elliptical and range from green to grayish-green in color. The flowers of the plant are small and papery, with a bright red color and a diameter of approximately 1 cm. The plant blooms continuously from late spring to early fall.
Overall, Helichrysum fulgens is a beautiful and versatile plant with medicinal and aesthetic value. Its bright red flowers make a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape while its essential oil offers various health benefits that have been utilized by traditional medicine for many centuries.
Light Requirements
Helichrysum fulgens Humbert & Staner, also known as Scarlet Everlasting, thrives in full sun. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and cannot tolerate heavy shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to mild to warm climates. For optimal growth, the temperature should range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 24 degrees Celsius) during the day and 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 18 degrees Celsius) at night. Scarlet Everlasting is tolerant of light frost, but extended periods of cold weather can damage or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Helichrysum fulgens requires well-draining soil that is enriched with organic matter. It is better to plant Scarlet Everlasting in slightly alkaline soil, with a pH range between 7.0 and 8.0. The plant is drought tolerant but needs occasional watering when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation methods for Helichrysum fulgens Humbert & Staner
Helichrysum fulgens can be grown indoors or outdoors. If you are planting outdoors, this plant prefers a well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The ideal temperature range for this plant is from 21 to 26ºC. The best way to propagate Helichrysum fuIgens plant is by stem cutting or transplanting. The ideal time for planting is in the spring.
Watering needs for Helichrysum fulgens Humbert & Staner
Watering is necessary to maintain the moisture level in the soil. Overwatering can cause damage to the roots. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season, Helichrysum fulgens needs to be watered once a week. In the dormant season, watering should be reduced to once a month.
Fertilization of Helichrysum fulgens Humbert & Staner
Helichrysum fulgens requires a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Apply the fertilizer once a month. The type of fertilizer used should have a balanced ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
Pruning Helichrysum fulgens Humbert & Staner
Pruning can be done to shape the plant and remove dead or diseased stems. The ideal time for pruning is in the spring when new growth starts. Cut off the top one-third of the stem to promote bushier growth. Pinch back the stem tips during the growing season to prevent the plant from getting leggy.
Propagation of Helichrysum fulgens
Helichrysum fulgens is mainly propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
Seeds should be sown in moist, well-draining soil in a bright, warm location. The soil temperature should be kept around 68°F (20°C) and the seedlings will usually emerge within 7 to 14 days. Thin the seedlings once they are large enough to handle, leaving the strongest ones to grow on.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cuttings should be taken from mid-summer to early autumn from shoots that are firm and free of disease. Cuttings around 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) long should be used and dipped into rooting hormone before being inserted into a pot filled with sandy soil. Keep the soil moist and the pot in a warm, bright location. Roots should form in around 4-6 weeks, after which the cuttings can be planted outside.
Division Propagation
For division propagation, clumps of the plant can be divided in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. Dig up the clump and gently pull it apart into smaller clumps, ensuring each piece has plenty of roots. Replant the divided clumps into well-draining soil in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
Disease and Pest Management for Helichrysum fulgens
Helichrysum fulgens is a South African plant that is highly valued for its showy and long-lasting blooms. While the plant is generally considered to be quite hardy, it is still susceptible to a number of pest and disease issues. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Phytophthora root rot: This is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant and causes stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of the leaves. To prevent this disease, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. If the disease is already present, remove affected plants and avoid replanting in the same spot.
Botrytis blight: This is also a fungal disease that can affect the plant's leaves and stems, causing them to turn brown and wilt. To manage this disease, remove any affected plant parts and avoid overcrowding plants, which can promote the growth of the fungus.
Common Pests
Aphids: These tiny insects can be found on the stems and leaves of the plant and suck the sap, causing the leaves to yellow and curl. To control aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to help control the population.
Spider mites: These pests are too small to be seen with the naked eye, but a sign of their presence is small, yellow speckles on the leaves of the plant. To manage spider mites, you can wash the plant with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By keeping an eye out for these common diseases and pests and practicing good management practices, you can help your Helichrysum fulgens plant thrive and produce beautiful blooms for many years to come.
