Overview
Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn. is a highly adaptable plant that belongs to the Compositae family. It is herbaceous and perennial in nature, and it is native to central and northeastern parts of Asia, including Siberia and China.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as hairy lachnea or Lachnaea tenella. In China, it is known as xi yan hua or xi yan mu.
General Appearance
Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn. is a small perennial herb that grows up to 25-30 cm tall. It has a hairy stem that is erect and branched, with leaves that are simple, alternate, and lanceolate. The plant produces yellowish-green flowers that are arranged in small clusters; these flowers are small and inconspicuous, measuring around 4-5 mm in diameter. The plant is self-fertile and is pollinated by insects, including bees and flies.
Uses
Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn. is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments such as asthma, cough, fever, and bronchitis. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The plant is used as a decorative plant in gardens.
Light requirements
Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn. typically requires full sunlight to thrive. It grows best in areas that receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown indoors, the plant will require supplemental lighting to achieve the necessary light levels.
Temperature requirements
This plant species grows best in a warm and humid environment. It prefers temperatures that range between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Extreme temperature fluctuations or prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of this range may cause stunted growth or even death of the plant.
Soil requirements
Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn. prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH level of 6.0-6.5. The ideal soil composition for this plant includes organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or aged manure. The soil should also be moist but not wet, as overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn. is an easy-to-grow plant and can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. For indoor cultivation, it can be grown in pots with well-draining soil, while outdoor cultivation requires well-drained soil, moderate sunlight, and a warm climate.Watering Needs
The Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn. plant requires moderate watering. It is important not to overwater or underwater the plant. The soil must be kept moist but not wet. Overwatering can cause root rot, and underwatering can cause the plant to wilt and dry out.Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the growth of Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn. The plant can be fertilized once a month during the growing season, which is from late spring to early fall. Any balanced fertilizer can be used for this purpose. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization.Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn. plant. However, if the plant has grown too tall or leggy, pruning can be done to encourage bushier growth. It is best to prune during the growing season. Any pruning cuts must be made just above the leaf node and with sterilized pruning shears. Additionally, any dead or diseased foliage must be pruned as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease to the rest of the plant.Propagation of Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn.
Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn. is propagated through seeds and cutting.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn. are sown in well-draining soil during the spring season. The seeds are sown at a depth of approximately 1-2 cm and spaced at least 10 cm apart. The soil is kept moist but not waterlogged until the seedlings emerge. At this point, the seedlings are thinned to at least 30 cm apart to ensure that they have enough space for proper growth.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings of Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn. are taken during the early spring or late summer. The cuttings should be approximately 10-15 cm long and taken from healthy, vigorous plants. The lower leaves are removed, and the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged until the cutting establishes roots and new growth appears.
Disease Management
Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn. may be affected by several diseases, including:
- Leaf spots: These leaf diseases are caused by fungi, and symptoms include small, circular spots on leaves that can merge and cause yellowing or wilting.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or brown pustules on leaves and stems. It usually spreads in wet and humid conditions.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that results in the production of a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. It affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize, resulting in stunted growth and yellowing.
To manage diseases infection in Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn., it is essential to apply a range of control measures, such as:
- Use disease-free seed or cuttings when planting.
- Avoid overhead watering when plants are actively growing.
- Water the plant early in the day to allow foliage to dry out before nightfall.
- Practice crop rotation to avoid repeated cultivation of the same soil.
- Use appropriate fungicides to prevent diseases from spreading.
Pest Management
Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn. may also be affected by pests such as:
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny and difficult to notice, but they cause damage by sucking the sap from leaves, causing them to yellow and wither.
- Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small insects that feed on plant sap; they cause yellowing and browning of the leaves and reduce plant vigor.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from leaves, causing them to deform and curl up, leading to yellowing and discoloration.
To manage pest attack in Lachnaea diosmoides Meisn. var. tenella Meisn., it is important to apply the following control measures:
- Use natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to keep pests under control.
- Clean the area around the plant to eliminate hiding places for pests.
- Use an insecticidal soap or a pyrethrum spray to control pests.
- Apply insecticides carefully, following the manufacturer's instructions and precautions to avoid health hazards.
Employing the above measures will help prevent the outbreaks of diseases and pests, as well as keeping the plant healthy and in good condition.
