Overview
Spilanthes pusilla Hook. & Arn., also known as small-spotted eyeball plant, is a plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America, including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Peru. This plant is known for its unique flower buds and leaves, which have been used for various medicinal purposes for centuries.Description
Spilanthes pusilla is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 30 cm in height. Its leaves are simple, alternate and lanceolate, with a length of 1-8 cm and a width of 0.5-2 cm. The plant produces yellow colored flower heads, which have a complex structure consisting of a central disc surrounded by several elongated petals. The flower heads are mostly found at the tips of stem branches and are about 9-12 mm in diameter.Uses
The flower buds and leaves of Spilanthes pusilla are widely used in traditional medicine for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. They are known to contain several bioactive compounds such as sesquiterpenoids, alkylamides, and flavonoids. The leaves are commonly used as an anesthetic for toothaches and as a remedy for gum infections. The plant is also used in the treatment of respiratory and digestive disorders, as well as diarrhea and dysentery. Additionally, Spilanthes pusilla is used in the field of ethnobotany as a natural insecticide and antibacterial agent.Cultivation
Spilanthes pusilla is a relatively easy plant to cultivate as it does not require much attention. It grows best in well-drained soil and partial shade. The plant can tolerate both dry and moist soils, making it adaptable to a variety of growing conditions. It can be propagated through seed or stem cuttings. The plant has a short life cycle and can be harvested after 3-4 months of planting.Growth Conditions for Spilanthes Pusilla Hook. & Arn.
Light Requirements: Spilanthes pusilla Hook. & Arn. prefers sunlight and thrives in full sun. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, provided that the plant gets at least 4 hours of direct sunlight every day. Make sure the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, as it may wilt.
Temperature Requirements: Spilanthes pusilla Hook. & Arn. is a tropical plant, and it prefers warm conditions for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum temperature of 35°C (95°F). It is essential to protect the plant from strong winds, as it can damage the delicate foliage.
Soil Requirements: Spilanthes pusilla Hook. & Arn. prefers well-draining, fertile soil that retains moisture. The soil should have a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. An ideal soil mixture for the plant includes equal parts of compost, sand, and loam. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
Watering Requirements: Spilanthes pusilla Hook. & Arn. requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Ensure that the soil has good drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer Requirements: Spilanthes pusilla Hook. & Arn. requires occasional fertilization to promote healthy growth. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once every month during the growing season. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the application rate to avoid over-fertilization, which can damage the plant.
In conclusion, Spilanthes pusilla Hook. & Arn. thrives in full sun, warm temperatures, well-draining soil, and regular watering. By providing the plant with optimal growing conditions, you can enjoy its vibrant blooms for an extended period.
Cultivation of Spilanthes pusilla Hook. & Arn.
Spilanthes pusilla Hook. & Arn. is a herbaceous plant that is native to South America. It grows well in warm and humid conditions. In order to cultivate this plant successfully, it is important to choose a well-drained soil which is rich in organic matter.
The plant should be grown in an area that receives full to partial sun. It is recommended to sow the seeds in the spring or early summer. The seeds should be sown shallowly, no more than 1 cm deep. After planting, water the soil thoroughly but avoid overwatering as it may cause rotting of the seeds.
Watering Needs
Spilanthes pusilla Hook. & Arn. prefers moderate watering, and it is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the hot and dry season, the plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. On the other hand, in the winter season when the plant is dormant, it is important to reduce the amount of water given as this can cause rotting of the roots.
Fertilization
Spilanthes pusilla Hook. & Arn. requires adequate nutrition in the form of fertilizers. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with low nitrogen levels, as high nitrogen levels tend to reduce flowering. Apply it at the beginning of the growing season and after the first bloom. Do not use too much fertilizer as it will cause foliage growth to the detriment of blooming.
Pruning
Spilanthes pusilla Hook. & Arn. requires light pruning to keep it compact and retain its shape. The best time to prune this plant is in the spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead and damaged branches to encourage new growth. Avoid pruning during the flowering season as this may reduce the number of blooms.
Propagation of Spilanthes pusilla Hook. & Arn.
Spilanthes pusilla, commonly known as Para cress or Toothache plant, is a herbaceous annual/biennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is mainly propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division. In this section, we will discuss the propagation methods of Spilanthes pusilla in detail.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Spilanthes pusilla are small, black, and slightly curved. They can be collected from mature plants just before they start to disperse. To ensure a higher germination rate, it is recommended to soak the seeds for 24 hours before sowing them in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, but not wet, until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7-14 days. The ideal temperature for germination is around 20-25°C. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation through Cuttings
Spilanthes pusilla can also be propagated through stem cuttings, which are taken from mature plants in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be around 7-10 cm in length and taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings can be dipped into a rooting hormone powder before being planted in a soilless mix. The soil should be kept moist until the cuttings develop roots, which usually takes 3-4 weeks. Once the roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is another method of propagating Spilanthes pusilla. It involves dividing the plant into two or more clumps, each containing roots and shoots. Division is usually done in the spring, just before active growth begins. The clumps should be carefully dug up and divided using a sharp, sterile knife. Ensure that each clump has enough roots and shoots to ensure successful growth. The divided clumps can then be replanted into individual pots or directly into the garden and should be kept moist until new growth appears.
Introduction
Spilanthes pusilla Hook. & Arn. is a herbaceous plant commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions and is grown for its medicinal properties. However, like all plants, Spilanthes pusilla is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Spilanthes pusilla is leaf spot. This is a fungal disease that manifests as circular or irregular-shaped spots on the leaves. The infected leaves may eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, it’s important to keep the plant healthy by maintaining good soil health, avoiding overhead irrigation, and removing infected leaves immediately.
Another common disease is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can cause stunted growth and reduce yield. To manage powdery mildew, you can spray the plant with a mixture of water and baking soda, prune infected areas, and improve air circulation around the plant.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that affect Spilanthes pusilla is aphids. They are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing distorted growth and reducing yield. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, and remove heavily infested areas.
Another common pest is spider mites. These are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant’s sap, causing leaves to turn yellow, dry up, and fall off. To manage spider mites, you can increase humidity around the plant, prune heavily infested areas, and use insecticidal soap.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management is crucial in maintaining healthy Spilanthes pusilla plants. By keeping the plant healthy, providing adequate nutrition and maintaining proper spacing, diseases and pests can be avoided or treated in an effective and timely manner.
