Overview
Spilanthes oleracea L. is a herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is also known as the toothache plant, buzz buttons, electric daisy, and other common names. This plant is widely cultivated for its medicinal and culinary properties.
Origin
Spilanthes oleracea L. is native to South America, particularly Brazil and Peru. It has spread to other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. The plant grows in a variety of soils and climatic conditions and can adapt well to high temperatures and dry weather.
General Appearance
The Spilanthes oleracea L. plant is a small annual or perennial herb that grows up to 35 cm in height. It has a thick taproot and a branching stem that is covered with fine hairs. The leaves are alternate and oval-shaped, with serrated edges and a glossy surface. The flowers are yellow or red, and the plant blooms from summer through fall.
Uses
The Spilanthes oleracea L. plant has several medicinal and culinary uses. The leaves, flowers, and roots contain a compound called spilanthol, which has analgesic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional medicine practitioners use the plant to treat toothaches, gum diseases, sore throat, and other ailments. The plant is also used in culinary dishes, such as salads, stews, and herbal teas, to enhance the flavor and provide health benefits.
Light Requirements
Spilanthes oleracea L. prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight exposure every day to grow properly. Plants grown in too much shade often have weak stems and reduced flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant has a warm temperature preference, growing best when mean temperatures are between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C can delay germination and slow down growth. While Spilanthes oleracea L. can tolerate slight temperature fluctuations, it cannot tolerate extreme cold or heat. Thus, it is not suitable for regions with freezing or high temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Spilanthes oleracea L. requires well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It grows best in loamy soil. However, it can also grow in sandy soil as long as it is well-drained. Soil compaction slows down root growth and reduces water infiltration, leading to reduced plant productivity. Therefore, the soil should be tilled before planting to create a friable, loose soil.
Cultivation Methods
Spilanthes oleracea, commonly known as the electric daisy plant, is a perennial herb that is easy to grow. This plant prefers well-drained soil with ample organic matter and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The plant can be propagated by seeds or through cuttings.
If you are growing from seeds, start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Sow the seeds in pots or seed trays, and keep them in a warm, well-lit area until they germinate. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of leaves, transplant them into individual pots. Water the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.
If you are starting from cuttings, take a 3-4 inch stem cutting from an established plant. Remove the lower leaves and dip the end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil and keep it in a warm, humid location until it begins to root.
Watering Needs
Electric daisy plants prefer moist but well-drained soil. Water the plants regularly, but do not let the soil become waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can lead to wilting.
Water the plants deeply once a week, and adjust the frequency based on the weather conditions and the plant's growth stage. Check the soil moisture content by sticking your finger into the soil. If the top inch of the soil feels dry, it's time to water the plants.
Fertilization
Electric daisy plants are not heavy feeders and can grow well in soil with ample organic matter. However, adding fertilizer can help boost growth and flowering.
Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 13-13-13, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. Fertilize the plants once a month during the growing season, from spring to fall.
Pruning
Electric daisy plants do not require regular pruning, but you can pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth. Pinching can also help delay flowering, which is desirable if you want to harvest the leaves or flowers for culinary or medicinal purposes.
If you want to harvest the leaves or flowers, wait until the plant has reached at least 6 inches in height before taking cuttings. Harvest the leaves and flowers in the morning when the plant's oils are at their highest concentration. Cut the stems just above a leaf node and leave some foliage on the plant to promote regrowth.
Propagation of Spilanthes oleracea L.
Spilanthes oleracea L. is commonly known as toothache plant due to its analgesic properties. It is an annual plant native to South America but is cultivated globally for its medicinal properties. The main propagation methods for Spilanthes oleracea L. are by seeds, stem cuttings, and tissue culture.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Spilanthes oleracea L. are small, black, and cylindrical. The plant matures and produces seeds throughout the year, and a single plant can produce numerous seeds. The propagation of Spilanthes oleracea L. by seeds is easy. The first step is to collect the seeds from mature plants. Once the seeds are collected, they should be dried and stored in a cool, dry place. To propagate Spilanthes oleracea L. from seeds, they need to be sown in a fertile soil mixture. The ideal soil pH for the plant is around 6.0-7.0. The seeds should be sown in rows with a spacing of 30-45 cm in between rows. The germination process takes about 7-14 days. Care should be taken to ensure the soil is moist during the germination phase.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
The stem cuttings are also a common method of propagating Spilanthes oleracea L. The first step is to select healthy shoots from mature Spilanthes oleracea L. plants. Cut small sections of stem with at least 2-3 leaves attached. Remove the lower leaves and pinch the tips to encourage branching. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder, then plant them in a rooting medium. Keep the soil moist and in the shade. After about 3-4 weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and formed new shoots.
Propagation by Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced method of propagating Spilanthes oleracea L. It is also referred to as micropropagation. The first step is to identify a healthy plant from which to extract the explant. The explant is a small portion of the plant that contains the meristematic tissue. The explant is then sterilized to remove any bacteria or fungi. The explant is then placed in an artificial medium that promotes growth, consisting of a nutrient-rich agar gel. The agar gel is stored in a temperature-controlled environment to promote growth. After a few weeks, the plant tissue should start growing and forming new shoots. Once the new shoots are strong enough, they can be transferred to soil to continue growth.
Disease Management of Spilanthes oleracea L.
Spilanthes oleracea L., commonly known as the toothache plant, is susceptible to various diseases that may affect its growth and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases that affect the toothache plant and ways to manage them:
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases are the major cause of damage to Spilanthes oleracea L., especially during the rainy season. The common fungal diseases that infect the toothache plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. To manage the fungal diseases, it is essential to keep the plant healthy and avoid over-watering. Applying a fungicide can also help manage fungal infections.
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial diseases like bacterial wilt and leaf blight affect the toothache plant, causing the leaves to lose color, wilt, and eventually die. To manage bacterial infections, removing infected plants and improving the soil's drainage to avoid the build-up of bacteria in the soil are essential. Additionally, applying a bactericide can help control bacterial infections.
Viral Diseases
Viral infections like mosaic virus damage the plant's foliage, affecting its productivity. The best way to manage viral infections is to remove infected plants or parts of the plant and isolate them to prevent the spread of the virus. There is no cure for viral infections.
Pest Management of Spilanthes oleracea L.
Spilanthes oleracea L. is also vulnerable to pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and die prematurely. Here are some ways to control pest infestations:
Biological Pest Control
Biological pest control involves introducing natural enemies like ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantis into the garden to feed on pests like aphids and spider mites. Introducing predators is an effective and eco-friendly way to manage pest infestations.
Chemical Pest Control
If the pest infestation is severe, chemical pesticides may be necessary to manage the problem. However, it is essential to choose the right pesticide and use it in the recommended doses to avoid damaging the plant and harming beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Mechanical Pest Control
Mechanical pest control involves physically removing pests from the plant. This can be done by spraying the plant with a jet of water or by manually picking off the pests. It is an effective way to manage mild pest infestations.
By practicing the above disease and pest management techniques, gardeners can ensure the healthy growth and productivity of Spilanthes oleracea L.
