Origin
Spilanthes americana (Mutis ex L. f.) Hieron. var. repens (Walt.) A.H. Moore is a herbaceous plant that is native to North and South America.
Common Names
The plant has various common names depending on the location, including toothache plant, eyeball plant, buzz button, electric daisy, and others.
Uses
The Spilanthes americana var. repens plant has a long history of medicinal use. Indigenous tribes have used it to treat toothaches, gum diseases, and throat infections. The plant's analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties have also been found useful in treating arthritis and rheumatism. It has even been used for snake venom bites, and as a narcotic in some cultures.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Spilanthes americana var. repens has culinary uses as well. The leaves and flowers of the plant are often used as a natural food flavoring agent due to their mildly numbing, tingling, and slightly sour taste.
General Appearance
Spilanthes americana var. repens is a small to medium-sized plant that can reach up to 60 cm in height. It has erect stems that are covered in fine hairs and bright green leaves that grow opposite each other on the stem. The plant produces yellow, ball-like flowers with a red or purple center, arranged in clusters at the tips of the stems. The leaves, stems, and flowers contain essential oils that are responsible for the plant's medicinal and culinary properties.
Light Requirements
The Spilanthes americana (Mutis ex L. f.) Hieron. var. repens (Walt.) A.H. Moore plant requires partial shade to full sun exposure. It thrives well in the sun, but its tender leaves may become scorched by too much direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. It is highly sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures and should not be grown in areas with temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Spilanthes americana var. repens requires soil with good drainage. The soil should have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Sandy loam or loamy soil with a rich humus content is ideal for this plant's growth. Additionally, the plant requires moderate moisture levels and should not be overwatered, which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Spilanthes americana var. repens is a hardy and versatile plant that is relatively easy to grow in most garden conditions. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil, but can tolerate partial shade and heavy soil as well.
The plant can be propagated by seed or by division of mature plants. Sowing can be done in spring, directly in the ground or in pots. The seedlings should be thinned to maintain spacing of about 6-12 inches between the plants.
Watering Needs
Spilanthes americana var. repens thrives in moist soil and therefore requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. It is important to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other fungal problems. A good method is to water deeply once a week, rather than frequent shallow watering.
Fertilization
Although this plant is not a heavy feeder, a balanced fertilizer application can help to encourage healthy growth and flowering. The best time to fertilize is during the growing season, using a slow-release organic fertilizer at the recommended rate. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this may cause excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning Spilanthes americana var. repens is not necessary, but it can help to maintain a tidy and bushy appearance. Deadheading of spent flowers can encourage more blooms, while removing excessive foliage can help to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Pruning can be done anytime during the growing season, but it is best to avoid pruning during the winter dormancy period.
Propagation Methods for Spilanthes americana var. repens
Spilanthes americana var. repens, also known as the creeping yellowtops, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North and South America. The plant can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The most common sexual propagation method for Spilanthes americana var. repens is through seed propagation. The seeds can be collected from the mature flower heads of the plant in early fall and can be planted immediately or stored for future use. The seeds require light for germination, so they should be lightly covered with soil or simply pressed into the soil surface. Ideally, the soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge, which usually occurs within two to three weeks.
Asexual Propagation
Spilanthes americana var. repens can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. The cuttings can be taken from the plant during the growing season and should be approximately four to six inches in length. The lower leaves on the cutting should be removed, leaving only the top few leaves. The cutting can then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Mist the soil and cover it with a plastic bag or plastic wrap to maintain humidity and allow the cutting to root.
Another asexual propagation method for Spilanthes americana var. repens is through division. The plant's rhizomes can be dug up and divided into several sections, each with a healthy stem and root system. These sections can then be planted in their desired location and watered well.
Disease Management
Spilanthes americana var. repens is typically resistant to diseases. However, it can be subjected to a few fungal and bacterial infections under certain conditions.
The most common fungal infection that affects Spilanthes americana var. repens is powdery mildew. This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. Powdery mildews appear as white or grayish-white patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers. The fungus spreads quickly in warm, humid weather. To control powdery mildew, remove and destroy all infected plant parts. Fungicides are also available to manage the disease.
Bacterial blight can also occur in Spilanthes americana var. repens. This disease causes water-soaked spots on leaves, stems, and flowers. The spots may later turn brown and necrotic. To control bacterial blight, remove and destroy all infected plant parts. Copper-based fungicides are effective in managing the disease.
Pest Management
Spilanthes americana var. repens is susceptible to insect pests, which can affect the growth and development of the plant.
One of the most common pests of Spilanthes americana var. repens is the aphid. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that are usually found on the undersides of leaves. They suck plant sap and excrete honeydew, which attracts ants. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can also help control aphid populations.
The leafhopper is another insect pest that can damage Spilanthes americana var. repens. This pest feeds on plant sap and can transmit plant viruses. Leafhoppers are difficult to manage, but regularly spraying the plants with insecticides can help reduce their populations.
Note: Always read and follow the label instructions of any pesticides used on Spilanthes americana var. repens.
