Overview
Pelea peduncularis Levl. var. nummularia B.C. Stone is a plant species that is native to the United States. It is a part of the Rutaceae family, which includes citrus trees and shrubs.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as roundleaf pellitory or coinleaf pelea. It is also referred to as the penny plant due to the round, coin-like shape of its leaves.
Appearance
The roundleaf pellitory plant grows up to 3 feet tall and has thin, wiry branches that are covered in small, green leaves. The leaves are obovate in shape, meaning they are wider towards the tip and narrower towards the base. They are also slightly curled under and have a glossy texture. The leaves are about the size of a penny, which is where the plant gets its common name. The plant produces small, white flowers that bloom in clusters from late spring to early summer.
Uses
Roundleaf pellitory has several medicinal uses, particularly in Native American traditional medicine. The plant's leaves and stems are believed to have pain-relieving properties and are used to treat headaches, earaches, and other types of pain. The plant's crushed leaves are also used as a poultice for skin irritations and bites. In addition to its medicinal uses, roundleaf pellitory is sometimes used as a decorative plant in rock gardens and as a ground cover.
Light Requirements
Pelea peduncularis Levl. var. nummularia B.C. Stone thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. When planting this plant, it is essential to find a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. In low light conditions, this plant may grow taller and develop larger leaves to reach out for more light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Pelea peduncularis Levl. var. nummularia B.C. Stone is between 60-85°F (15-29°C). In colder temperatures, this plant may become dormant or even die, whereas in excessively hot temperatures, it may wilt or dry out. In areas with moderate temperatures, this plant will grow best.
Soil Requirements
Pelea peduncularis Levl. var. nummularia B.C. Stone prefers well-draining soil, which is slightly acidic with pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. When growing this plant, one must ensure that the soil is loose and has good drainage. Adding compost and organic matter to the soil can further improve its nutrient content and drainage. Additionally, this plant can tolerate sandy, clay, and loamy soils.
Cultivation Methods
Pelea peduncularis Levl. var. nummularia B.C. Stone is a hardy plant that can be grown in both full sun and partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
If starting from seeds, they should be planted in a well-draining potting mix, barely covered with soil, and kept consistently moist. They germinate best in warm temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Transplant the seedlings into larger pots or the garden bed when they have at least two sets of leaves.
When growing Pelea peduncularis Levl. var. nummularia B.C. Stone from cuttings, take healthy stem cuttings and place them in a rooting hormone. Insert the cuttings into a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist. Over time, the cuttings will form roots, and they can be transplanted.
Watering Needs
Pelea peduncularis Levl. var. nummularia B.C. Stone requires regular watering during the growing season. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. Water the plant once the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, and allow the water to drain out of the bottom of the pot or drainage holes in the garden bed.
During the winter months, reduce watering and only water the plant when the soil is dry to prevent waterlogging. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but it is essential to regularly check the soil moisture levels.
Fertilization
Feed Pelea peduncularis Levl. var. nummularia B.C. Stone with a balanced fertilizer every six to eight weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months as it can encourage new growth, making the plant susceptible to frost damage.
If you notice the leaves turning yellow or the growth stunted, it can be a sign of under-fertilization, and you should increase the frequency of feeding.
Pruning
Pelea peduncularis Levl. var. nummularia B.C. Stone requires minimal pruning except to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, as it stimulates new growth. If the plant becomes leggy, it can be trimmed back to promote bushiness.
The plant can tolerate heavy pruning if needed, but it is essential to prune the plant gradually over time to avoid shock and stress. Always use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid infecting the plant with diseases.
Propagation of Pelea peduncularis Levl. var. nummularia B.C. Stone
Propagation is an important step towards preserving and expanding the population of Pelea peduncularis Levl. var. nummularia B.C. Stone. This plant is propagated via several methods including seed, cuttings, and layering.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common and easiest method of propagation. The seeds are extracted from the dried fruits collected from the plant. The collected seeds are cleaned and sown in a well-drained growing medium and kept under partial shade. After germination, the seedlings are gradually moved to a bright location with filtered sunlight.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another effective method that results in plants identical to the parent. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, vigorous, and disease-free plants during the early growing season. The cuttings should be about 8-10 cm long with at least two nodes on it. The cuttings are then treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil medium. The propagated plants need to be kept moist and under partial shade until the roots become well established.
Layering Propagation
Another method of propagation is through layering. A healthy stem is selected and bent down to the soil where it is pinned down with a stake. The bark of the stem is wounded and treated with rooting hormone to encourage root growth. After a few weeks, new roots will appear from the wounded part of the stem. Once the new plant has rooted well, the layer is separated from the parent plant and planted in a separate container or spot in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Pelea Peduncularis Levl. var. Nummularia B.C. Stone
Plea Peduncularis Levl. var. Nummularia B.C. Stone, commonly known as the Chinese Jade or the Coin-Leaf Pelea, is a small shrub that is native to the tropical forests of Asia. Like any other plant, the Chinese Jade is also susceptible to various diseases and pests that can damage its growth and overall health. Proper disease and pest management are crucial to ensure the well-being of the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and some ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Pelea Peduncularis Levl. var. Nummularia B.C. Stone are fungal diseases such as leaf spot, stem rot, and root rot. These diseases can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves, stem and root decay, and, in severe cases, death of the plant. Fungal diseases usually thrive in humid and moist conditions, so it is essential to maintain proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plant.
The best way to manage fungal diseases is to remove the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease. However, it is better to prevent fungal diseases by keeping the plant dry and well-ventilated.
Common Pests
The Chinese Jade is also susceptible to various pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests usually feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Infested plants also attract ants, which can further harm the plant.
The best way to manage pests is to remove them manually by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or spraying neem oil or insecticidal soap. Regularly inspecting the plant for any signs of infestation and taking prompt measures can prevent the pests from causing any significant damage.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management are crucial to ensure the growth and well-being of Pelea Peduncularis Levl. var. Nummularia B.C. Stone. Keeping the plant dry, well-ventilated, and properly maintained can prevent diseases and pests from affecting the plant. Taking prompt measures to remove infected or infested parts of the plant can go a long way in preventing the damage and ensuring the longevity of the Chinese Jade plant.
