General Description
Spilanthes radicans Schrad. ex DC., also called toothache plant, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to South America but has been naturalized in other parts of the world, including Asia and Africa. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant.
Appearance
The toothache plant has a unique appearance. It grows up to 1.5 feet tall and has bright green leaves that are oval and toothed. The flowers are yellow and small, with a cone-shaped center surrounded by a star-shaped ring of petals. The plant blooms from late spring to early fall.
Common Names
Spilanthes radicans Schrad. ex DC. is commonly known as the toothache plant because it contains spilanthol, a natural anesthetic that can numb the mouth and gums. It is also known as the buzz button plant, electric daisy, and para cress.
Uses
The toothache plant has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The leaves and flowers of the plant contain spilanthol, which is used in traditional medicine to treat toothaches, gum diseases, and other mouth-related problems.
Additionally, the toothache plant has been used in culinary applications as a natural flavoring agent. Its unique taste, which has been described as a combination of spicy, sour, and tingling sensations, has made it a popular ingredient in salads, cocktails, and other dishes.
The plant has also been studied for its potential health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is currently being researched for its potential use in alternative medicine.
Light Requirements
Spilanthes radicans Schrad. ex DC. requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but full shade can result in poor growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Spilanthes radicans Schrad. ex DC. is a warm-season plant, thriving in temperatures ranging from 21°C to 30°C (70°F to 86°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can cause growth retardation, and temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can cause damage or death to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Spilanthes radicans Schrad. ex DC. prefers well-draining, sandy loam soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. It can also grow in rocky, gravelly soils. The plant can tolerate drought conditions and low-fertility soils, but regular watering and fertilization can improve growth and flowering.
Cultivation of Spilanthes radicans Schrad. ex DC.
The cultivation of Spilanthes radicans Schrad. ex DC. can be done both indoors and outdoors. This plant thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
If planting indoors, use a pot with drainage holes, and place it near a sunny window with at least six hours of direct sunlight. Outdoors, select a location that receives direct sunlight for most of the day, but avoid placing it in areas with strong winds.
Watering Needs
Spilanthes radicans Schrad. ex DC. prefers moist soil but cannot tolerate overwatering. Water the plant only when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. When watering, ensure that the soil is thoroughly soaked, and avoid waterlogging by ensuring proper drainage. During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Spilanthes radicans Schrad. ex DC. does not need frequent fertilization and can thrive in nutrient-poor soil. However, applying a balanced fertilizer once every six months can help encourage growth if the soil lacks natural nutrients. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to excessive leaf growth with reduced flowers.
Pruning
Pruning Spilanthes radicans Schrad. ex DC. can help promote healthy growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. To prune, use sharp, sterile scissors and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Additionally, prune away any spent flowers to encourage new growth and promote the appearance of new blooms.
Propagation of Spilanthes radicans Schrad. ex DC.
Spilanthes radicans Schrad. ex DC., commonly known as the toothache plant, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is extensively grown for its medicinal as well as ornamental value. The plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to South America. Propagation of the toothache plant is usually carried out through seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common method used for growing Spilanthes radicans. The seeds of the plant are small and need to be sown in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They can be sown directly in the garden bed or in seed trays. If sowing in seed trays, it is essential to keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. The seedlings must then be transplanted into larger pots for their growth.
Propagation through Vegetative Methods
Spilanthes radicans can also be propagated through vegetative methods, which include stem cuttings and division. Stem cuttings can be obtained during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be approximately 5-6 inches long. Once the cuttings are taken, they should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in well-draining soil. After planting, the cuttings should be watered well and placed in a shaded area until they have developed roots.
Division is another vegetative method used for propagating Spilanthes radicans. It involves separating the plant's rhizomes to produce new plants. Care must be taken to ensure that each divided segment has at least one healthy shoot. The divided segments should be planted in well-draining soil in a shaded area and watered well to establish themselves.
Disease Management
Spilanthes radicans Schrad. ex DC. is not particularly susceptible to diseases, but some pathogens may still affect its growth and development. One of the most common diseases that affects this plant is Alternaria leaf blight, which is caused by Alternaria zinniae. This disease appears as small spots on leaves which grow in size and cover the entire leaf, leading to defoliation if left untreated. The best way to manage Alternaria leaf blight is through cultural control measures such as removing infected plant debris and practicing good sanitation. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease, but it is important to rotate them to prevent the development of resistance.
Another disease that can affect Spilanthes radicans is damping-off, which is caused by several soil-borne fungi such as Rhizoctonia, Pythium, and Phytophthora. This disease affects the seedlings, leading to the wilting and death of the entire plant. The best way to manage damping-off is through cultural control measures such as ensuring proper soil drainage and watering practices, using sterile soil mixes, and avoiding overcrowding of seedlings. Fungicides can also be used but are less effective in controlling damping-off.
Pest Management
Spilanthes radicans Schrad. ex DC. is also susceptible to pest infestations, which can affect plant growth, pod development, and yield. One of the most common pests that attack this plant is the aphid, which feeds on the sap of the plant and causes leaf curling and distortion. The best way to manage aphids is through cultural control measures such as removing weeds and other sources of alternate hosts, practicing good sanitation, and introducing natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings. Insecticides can also be used to control aphids, but they should be used judiciously to prevent the development of resistance.
Another pest that can infest Spilanthes radicans is the spider mite, which sucks the sap from the underside of the leaves and causes yellowing and bronzing of the foliage. The best way to manage spider mites is through cultural control measures such as avoiding overhead irrigation, practicing good sanitation, and introducing natural enemies such as predatory mites and lacewings. Insecticides can also be used to control spider mites, but they should be used with caution to prevent the development of resistance.
