Origin
Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p., also known as the water crowfoot, is a plant species that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is native to regions of Europe, Asia, and Northern America.
Common Names
The Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. is known by several common names including common water crowfoot, white water crowfoot, and small-flowered water crowfoot.
Uses
The Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. is used primarily as a decorative plant in aquariums and garden ponds. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and jaundice. However, care should be taken when using the plant medicinally as it is toxic and can cause skin irritation.
General Appearance
The Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. is an aquatic plant with slender white stems that can grow up to 60 cm in length. The leaves are dark green and finely divided, giving the plant a feathery appearance. The small white flowers have five petals and a bright yellow center, and bloom from June to September. The plant prefers to grow in clear, shallow water and can often be found in streams, rivers, and ponds.
Light Requirements
The Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. plant typically thrives under partial to full sunlight exposure. However, this species may also adapt in areas with limited light, and can even become invasive in some darker aquatic environments.
Temperature Requirements
The Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. thrives in water temperatures from 4°C to 24°C. However, they typically thrive in colder temperatures, specifically from 8°C to 10°C, which is ideal for its growth and development. The plant may experience dormancy during the hot summer months, but once the temperatures cool, the plant will regrow again.
Soil Requirements
R. aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. grows best in nutrient-rich soil, especially in aquatic or marshland environments. This species prefers soil that is well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 6.5-7.2.
Additionally, R. aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. requires high levels of dissolved oxygen to facilitate its growth, which can be maintained with regular water changes or aeration.
Overall, providing optimal lighting conditions, a suitable temperature range, and nutrient-rich, well-draining soil are key elements to ensure the healthy growth and development of R. aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. plant.
Cultivation
Ranunculus aquatilis is a water plant that grows best in shallow ponds, slow-moving streams or water gardens. The plant requires full sunlight to grow and spread. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for cultivation.
Watering Needs
The Ranunculus aquatilis plant is a water plant and requires regular watering to grow. Ensure that the plant is continuously submerged in water, with the water level not below 2 inches from the top of the soil. Check the water levels daily, especially during hot, dry weather, and refill if necessary.
Fertilization
Ranunculus aquatilis requires regular fertilization to thrive. Use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season for optimal results. Follow the instructions on the package to determine the correct amount of fertilizer to use for your pond or water garden size. If using liquid fertilizer, add it to the water in small doses to avoid overfeeding.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Ranunculus aquatilis, but you can remove any dead or dying foliage to promote new growth. Deadhead the flowers regularly to prevent seed production and encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Trim back any overgrown or unwanted stems to maintain the desired shape and size.
Propagation of Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p.
Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. is a perennial aquatic plant that naturally grows in shallow water. It can be propagated through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. can be done through seeds. Seeds can be collected from the mature plant in late summer once the flowerhead has withered. The collected seeds can be broadcasted over the surface of the water or the substrate of the pond. They can also be sown in a container with aquatic soil and submerged in water to encourage germination. To facilitate seed germination, maintain the water temperature between 10 to 16° Celsius.
Vegetative Propagation
Propagation of Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. can be done through vegetative propagation. The process involves dividing the parent plant into several smaller portions, each with roots and shoots. Vegetative propagation can be done in the early spring before active growth by collecting plant runners or seeds. Plant runners are vegetative shoots that grow out from the parent plant and develop new roots along their length. To propagate the plant, gently dig up the runners and separate them from the parent plant. Ensure each runner has several roots and shoots. Replant the runner into the pond or new container filled with aquatic soil and submerged in water.
Cutting Propagation
Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. can also be propagated through cutting. Cutting propagation involves taking a cutting from a healthy parent plant and encouraging it to develop roots and shoots. To propagate the plant using cuttings, select a healthy stem of the parent plant, making sure it has several nodes. Cut the stem between two nodes, making sure the cutting is at least 3 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom inch of the cutting and the flowerhead if it’s present. Plant the cutting into a container with aquatic soil and submerged in water, making sure the leaves are above the water surface. The cutting should have developed roots and shoots within six weeks.
Propagation of Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. is an easy way to establish the plant in new water gardens or aquaria. Propagation can also be used to increase the plant’s population in its native habitat or to replace a dying plant in an established pond.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that can affect Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew can cause foliage discoloration, stunted growth, and reduced flowering. It is a fungal disease that thrives in humid conditions, and it can spread rapidly. To manage powdery mildew, remove and discard affected leaves, increase plant spacing to improve air circulation, and apply a fungicide. Some of the effective fungicides for powdery mildew control include neem oil, sulfur, and potassium bicarbonate.
Gray mold is another disease that can attack Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. Gray mold is a fungal disease that can rot and kill stems, flowers, and leaves of the plant. The disease thrives in wet conditions, especially in poorly ventilated areas. You can manage gray mold in your garden by proper plant sanitation, such as removing and destroying affected plant parts. Ensure your plants have adequate ventilation and space to minimize humidity build-up. Applying fungicides can also help control gray mold. Some of the effective fungicides for gray mold control include copper-based fungicides, neem oil, and sulfur.
Pest Management
Several pests can attack Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p., including aphids, slugs, and snails. Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant's tissues, leading to stunted growth, foliage curling, and wilting. The pests also attract other insects such as ants, which can spread them to other plants. You can manage aphids by removing them manually by handpicking, spraying the plant with a strong jet of water, and applying insecticidal soap. Neem oil and horticultural oil are also effective in controlling aphids.
Slugs and snails are other common pests that can attack Ranunculus aquatilis L. var. diffusus Withering p.p. The pests can cause extensive damage to the plant's leaves, flowers, and stems by eating them. You can manage slugs and snails by handpicking them or setting up traps with beer, grapefruit, or other attractive baits. Another effective way of controlling these pests is by placing a copper barrier around your plants, as they hate the sensation of copper in their slime. You can also apply iron phosphate-based baits that are safe to use around pets and wildlife.
