Origin
Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC. ssp. stolonifera (Wallich ex DC.) Murata, also known as the water celery, originates from Southeast Asia and has spread throughout the world. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions, including China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India.
Common Names
The plant Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC. ssp. stolonifera (Wallich ex DC.) Murata is commonly known by several other names, including water dropwort, Japanese parsley, Chinese celery, and water celery. It is also referred to as the "poison parsley" due to its toxic nature if consumed in large quantities.
Uses
The Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC. ssp. stolonifera (Wallich ex DC.) Murata is commonly used for medicinal and culinary purposes. It is widely used in traditional medicine to treat hypertension, fever, cough, and sore throat. It is also used as a diuretic and to promote digestion. In the culinary field, it is used in soups, salads, stir-fries, and as a garnish.
General Appearance
The Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC. ssp. stolonifera (Wallich ex DC.) Murata is a perennial herb that grows along the banks of streams, rice paddies, and wetlands. It is a small, delicate plant that reaches a height of about 30-60 cm. The leaves are long, slender, and lobed, resembling the leaves of celery. The plant produces small white flowers in umbels, which eventually produce small, round fruits. The plant spreads through stolons, creating a dense mat of foliage, and may serve as a valuable tool for erosion control in riparian and wetland areas.
Light Requirements
The Oenanthe javanica ssp. stolonifera grows best in full sunlight or partial shade. In areas with extremely hot summers, it can tolerate full shade to prevent the plant from drying out too quickly.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Oenanthe javanica ssp. stolonifera is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C, but it will die if temperatures get too cold. High temperatures above 35°C can also cause the plant to wilt.
Soil Requirements
The Oenanthe javanica ssp. stolonifera prefers moist, loamy or sandy soils rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic or neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist to prevent the plant from wilting.
Cultivation Methods
The Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC. ssp. stolonifera (Wallich ex DC.) Murata, also known as water celery, is a semi-aquatic perennial plant that is favorable in warm and damp environments. The plant prefers to thrive in consistently moist soil types that range between pH 6.0-7.5. For proper growth and survival, water celery requires full sunlight to thrive, though it can also does well in partial shade areas.
Watering Needs
Since water celery is a semi-aquatic plant, it naturally thrives under wet conditions. It is essential to ensure that the soil is consistently wet throughout the plant growth stage, and the water levels remain dependable at all times. This can be achieved using a drip irrigation system, conventional garden hoses or watering cans that provide consistent slow and steady water supply to the soil. The frequency of watering may vary depending on your area's climate, but it is important to ensure the soil never completely dries out.
Fertilization
Water celery is a heavy feeder and will respond positively to regular fertilization. You can use Organic fertilizers like compost or manure or inorganic fertilizers with higher potassium and phosphorus to promote growth, flowering, and strong root structure. Fertilization can be done every four weeks during the growing season to give the plants the necessary nutrients for optimal performance. Ensure you follow the fertilizer manufacturer's instructions to avoid scorching the plant or damaging nearby water systems.
Pruning
Pruning of water celery should be done promptly. The plant has a relatively invasive nature, can rapidly spread, and take over areas of the garden or pond if not managed correctly. The best time to prune your water celery is during the late winter or spring. You should remove any dead, wilted, or decayed foliage, or any sections that may appear diseased. This can be achieved by trimming back the leaves and stems of the plant, making sure not to remove more than 30% of the plant growth in one pruning session. You may use pruning shears or a sharp pair of scissors to complete the process. Frequent pruning will promote more compact and robust growth and provide the plant with an aesthetically appealing appearance.
Propagation of Oenanthe javanica ssp. stolonifera
Oenanthe javanica ssp. stolonifera can be propagated by seed, division, or stem cutting.
Propagation by seed
The seeds of Oenanthe javanica ssp. stolonifera are small and should be sown while they are fresh. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept consistently moist. Germination can occur within a few weeks.
Propagation by division
Oenanthe javanica ssp. stolonifera can also be propagated through division. The plant should be carefully dug up and the rhizomes separated. Each division should have a good amount of roots and foliage. The divisions can be replanted in a well-draining soil mix and kept consistently moist until established.
Propagation by stem cutting
Another method for propagating Oenanthe javanica ssp. stolonifera is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants. Cuttings should be around 10 cm in length and include several nodes. Cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept consistently moist. Rooting can take several weeks and the cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until established.
Disease Management
Some common diseases that might affect Oenanthe javanica ssp. stolonifera include:
- Leaf spot diseases: These are caused by various fungal pathogens and result in circular or irregular spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot diseases, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and a fungicide application may be necessary.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by various fungal pathogens and can result in stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting. To manage root rot, it is necessary to reduce moisture levels in soil and avoid over-watering. Fungicide treatment may also be necessary in severe cases.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease results in a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, it is necessary to remove and destroy affected parts, reduce humidity levels, and apply a fungicide if necessary.
Pest Management
Some common pests that might affect Oenanthe javanica ssp. stolonifera include:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plant and can cause stunted or distorted growth. To manage aphids, it is necessary to remove them by hand or with a strong stream of water. Insecticidal soap or oil may also be effective.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can cause significant damage by eating leaves and stems. To manage slugs and snails, it is necessary to remove them by hand or with traps. Copper barriers or slug pellets may also be effective.
- Whiteflies: These tiny insects can cause yellowing leaves and the presence of sticky residue called honeydew. To manage whiteflies, it is necessary to remove affected leaves and apply a sticky trap or insecticidal soap.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the plant can help prevent and manage diseases and pests. It is also important to maintain good growing conditions, including proper watering and fertilization, to promote plant health and resilience.
