Introduction
Spilanthes acmella auct. is a flowering plant known for its medicinal properties. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is commonly known as the toothache plant or paracress. The plant is native to South America but is now also found in India, Africa, and other tropical regions.
Appearance
The plant is a small herbaceous annual or perennial, growing up to 60cm tall. Its leaves are simple, alternately arranged, and slightly toothed. The plant produces yellow spherical flowers, about 12mm in diameter, which have a distinctive button-like shape. The flowers of Spilanthes acmella auct. look like tiny daisies with a yellow center surrounded by a red or purple ring and white petals. The plant has a strong aroma and taste, and both leaves and flowers tend to have a slightly spicy, tingling sensation when chewed.
Uses
The toothache plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. The plant has also been used as an aphrodisiac, a digestive aid, and to treat mouth ulcers and sore throats. In addition, the plant has been used in cosmetics and skincare products for its skin-healing properties. Its extract is added to toothpaste because it has antimicrobial properties and could help eliminate gum disease and other feelings that cause dental issues. The plant has a wide range of other applications, including treating parasites, reducing fever, relieving hypertension, and treating rheumatism.
Conclusion
The toothache plant is undoubtedly a handy medicinal plant that is essential for the treatment of so many illnesses. It is easily accessible because of its widespread cultivation in different countries. More research is still ongoing to explore other beneficial properties of this fantastic plant.
Light Requirements
Spilanthes acmella grows best in full to partial sunlight. It can tolerate shade but the plant will be leggy and produce fewer flowers. It is recommended to provide 4-6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Spilanthes acmella is between 20 and 30°C (68-86°F). The plant is sensitive to frost and should be protected in cold weather. Extremely high temperatures (above 35°C or 95°F) can also be detrimental to the plant's growth.
Soil Requirements
Spilanthes acmella grows well in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter, such as compost and manure. The plant prefers a moist soil but can tolerate drought conditions. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Spilanthes acmella
Spilanthes acmella is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It is best grown in well-draining soil in a sunny location that receives partial shade during the hottest part of the day. This plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs for Spilanthes acmella
Spilanthes acmella prefers moist soil but should not be overwatered. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Ensure there is proper drainage to avoid waterlogging the roots, as this may lead to root rot.
Fertilization for Spilanthes acmella
Spilanthes acmella requires regular fertilization to thrive. Apply a balanced fertilizer, high in nitrogen, every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid getting the fertilizer on the leaves, as it may burn them. Stop fertilizing in winter when the plant goes dormant.
Pruning Spilanthes acmella
Spilanthes acmella doesn't require regular pruning, but it is good to cut back the plant to encourage bushier growth. Pinch back the tips of the stems to promote lateral branching. Deadhead regularly to prevent the plant from setting seeds and to encourage the production of more blooms. Remove dead or yellowing leaves as they appear to maintain the plant's overall health.
Propagation of Spilanthes acmella
Spilanthes acmella, commonly known as the toothache plant, is propagated through both seeds and cuttings. The plant can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, and it requires warm and moist conditions to germinate and develop new roots.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Spilanthes acmella can be collected from mature plants, which produce small, cone-shaped flower heads that contain many small, black seeds. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in tepid water for at least 24 hours to soften the outer seed coat and improve germination rates. The seeds should then be sown in a well-draining potting mix and lightly covered with soil. The pot should be kept moist and warm, ideally around 25°C, until germination occurs in about 7 to 10 days.
Propagation by cuttings
Spilanthes acmella can also be propagated by stem cuttings, which should be taken from the soft, young growth of the plant in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 10cm long and should be stripped of the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. They should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and placed in a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be kept moist and warm, ideally around 25°C, until new roots develop in about 3 to 4 weeks. Once roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted to their final position in pots or directly in the ground.
Whether propagated by seeds or cuttings, Spilanthes acmella is an easy plant to propagate and can readily produce new plants for either home gardening or commercial cultivation.
Disease and Pest Management for Spilanthes Acmella Auct.
Spilanthes acmella is a species of flowering herbaceous plant that is primarily grown for medicinal purposes. While it is relatively low maintenance and easy to grow, it is not immune to pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases and ways to manage them:
Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Spilanthes acmella is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can cause significant damage to the plant if left untreated. Signs of spider mite infestation include yellowing leaves, webbing on the plant, and stunted growth.
To manage spider mite infestations, the first step is to quarantine the affected plant to prevent the spider mites from spreading to other plants. You can also use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control spider mites. Another option is to introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings, which are natural predators of spider mites.
Diseases
Spilanthes acmella is susceptible to several diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and damping off.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, you can use natural remedies such as neem oil, baking soda, or milk spray. You can also remove and destroy any infected plant parts to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants.
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that manifests as circular spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots may be yellow, brown, or black and can cause leaf drop. To manage leaf spot, you can prune affected leaves and dispose of them. You can also use a fungicide spray to control the spread of the disease.
Damping off is a fungal disease that affects the stems of seedlings, causing them to wilt and die. To manage damping off, ensure that the seedlings are not overwatered and that they are provided with adequate ventilation. You can also use a fungicide spray to prevent the spread of the disease.
By following these tips and monitoring your Spilanthes acmella plant regularly, you can help prevent and manage pest and disease infestations, preserving the health of the plant and ensuring a bountiful harvest.
