Overview
Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murray var. oleracea auct. is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. Commonly known as the toothache plant, it is native to South America and Africa but is widely cultivated in many other parts of the world for its medicinal properties and ornamental value.
Appearance
The toothache plant is a small, herbaceous perennial that grows up to 2 feet tall. It has bright yellowish-green leaves that are smooth and oval-shaped with serrated edges. The plant produces small yellow button-like flowers with a distinctive red or purple center that resembles an eye. The flowers bloom during the summer months and have a distinct aroma.
Common Names
The toothache plant is known by various common names around the world including Acmella oleracea, Paracress, Peek-a-boo, Sichuan buttons, Buzz buttons, Electric button, Jambu, and Kenso.
Uses
The toothache plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of health conditions such as toothaches, gum pain, sore throat, and fever. It is believed to have potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anesthetic properties. The plant is also used as a natural remedy for headaches, digestive issues, and as a natural insect repellent. In cuisine, the toothache plant is used as a spice in various dishes to add a tingling sensation and enhance flavor.
Light Requirements
Spilanthes acmella var. oleracea generally requires full sunlight exposure to grow and thrive. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight is necessary for this plant to produce flowers and develop properly. Insufficient light can cause stunted growth and leaf yellowing.
Temperature Requirements
This plant variety prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. Temperatures below 15°C can damage the plants and hinder their growth. Temperatures above 35°C might also cause stress to the plants, and hence, should be avoided.
Soil Requirements
Spilanthes acmella var. oleracea requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A moderately fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5 is suitable for this plant. The soil should also be adequately aerated and moist. Overwatering or waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and damage.
Cultivation methods
Spilanthes acmella var. oleracea is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soils with moderate organic matter content. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The seeds can be directly sown in the soil or started indoors in seed trays. The soil should be moist, and the seeds should be planted 1/4 inch deep.
Watering needs
Spilanthes acmella var. oleracea has shallow roots, and as such, requires frequent watering. The plant should be watered frequently, particularly during hot and dry weather, to keep the soil moist. However, excessive watering could lead to root rot, which can damage or kill the plant.
Fertilization
Spilanthes acmella var. oleracea is not a heavy feeder and does well in soils with modest fertility levels. Organic fertilizers such as compost or aged manure may be used to improve soil fertility. Fertilizing should be done every three months, using about 1/2 pound of fertilizer for every 10 square feet of planting area. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers such as blood meal can be used in the early stages of growth to promote vegetative growth.
Pruning
Pruning Spilanthes acmella var. oleracea is not necessary, as the plant grows to about 12 inches in height and has a low, bushy growth habit. However, deadhead faded flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Removing the seeds on the flowers can also prevent the plant from reseeding all over the garden.
Propagation of Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murray var. oleracea auct.
Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murray var. oleracea auct. is propagated either through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation through seeds:
The recommended time to sow the seeds of Spilanthes acmella is during the spring season when the temperature is between 20-25°C. The seeds are planted in a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. The seeds are covered with a thin layer of soil and watered. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 5-10 cm, they can be transplanted to separate pots or directly in the ground.
Propagation through cuttings:
Spilanthes acmella can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the summer season. Cuttings of about 10-15 cm in length are taken from healthy plants. The lower leaves are removed, and the cuttings are dipped in a rooting hormone to stimulate root growth. The cuttings are then planted in a propagation mix consisting of a well-draining potting mix and sand. The soil should be kept moist and warm until the cuttings have rooted, which usually takes around 3-4 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to separate pots or directly in the ground.
Overall, Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murray var. oleracea auct. is a relatively easy plant to propagate through either seeds or cuttings. With proper care and attention, this plant can thrive in various growing conditions.
Disease Management for Spilanthes Acmella
Spilanthes acmella is a relatively hardy plant with few known diseases. However, some of the disease that may affect the plant include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can lead to defoliation if left untreated.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by a bacterial disease that results in yellow or brown spots on the leaves. The disease can rapidly spread and lead to defoliation of the plant if not managed.
- Bacterial wilt: Bacterial wilt causes wilting and death of leaves, stems, and branches of the plant. It is a severe and contagious disease that can kill the plant if not contained.
The following practices can help in the management of Spilanthes acmella diseases:
- Ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.
- Practice crop rotation to reduce the build-up of disease-causing organisms in soil.
- Provide adequate plant spacing to enhance air circulation and sunlight penetration, which reduce the spread of diseases.
- Use clean equipment when pruning the plant to avoid the spread of pathogens from infected plants to healthy ones.
- Apply copper-based fungicides at the earliest signs of infestation to prevent the spread of diseases.
Pest Management for Spilanthes Acmella
Spilanthes acmella is also relatively pest-resistant, but some common pests that may attack the plant include:
- Leaf-mining flies: These are insects that feed on plant tissue, leaving winding tunnels in leaves. They are considered a minor pest and can be controlled by handpicking and destroying affected leaves.
- Spider mites: Spider mites feed on the underside of plant leaves, causing yellowing and dryness of leaves. They can be controlled by applying insecticidal soaps and oils.
- Aphids: Aphids feed on the sap of the plant, causing curling and distortion of leaves. They can be controlled by washing the plant with a strong jet of water or applying insecticidal soaps and oils.
The following practices can help manage pest infestations in Spilanthes acmella plants:
- Avoid over-fertilization, as it can encourage pest infestations.
- Regularly inspect the plant for signs of pest infestations and take appropriate action when detected.
- Practice companion planting by growing pest-repelling plants near Spilanthes acmella. Examples include basil, marigold, and garlic.
- Apply neem oil or insecticidal soaps to the plant at the first sign of infestation to prevent the spread of pests.
- Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and trap flying insects that may attack the plant.
