Origin
Wedelia gracilis L.C. Rich. is a plant species which belongs to the family Asteraceae and is native to South America, specifically Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Common Names
This plant has several common names including creeping oxeye, sedum wedelia, and weevil-witness; it has also been called creeping oxeye sunflower, trailing sunflower, and zeb-a-deb.
Uses
Wedelia gracilis L.C. Rich. has a variety of uses in traditional medicine and for agricultural purposes. In traditional medicine, it has been used for treating stomach problems, fever, respiratory problems, and snakebites. In agriculture, it is considered a valuable plant for erosion control, as it forms a dense ground cover and binds soils together. It is also used as a forage crop for livestock and is a desirable plant for beekeepers as it provides a good source of nectar.
General Appearance
This plant is a perennial herb with a creeping habit and long trailing stems that root at the nodes. The leaves are green, ovate, and have toothed margins. The flowers are small, yellow, and daisy-like in appearance. They bloom from spring through fall and are followed by small achenes that are dispersed by the wind or water.
Light Requirements
Wedelia gracilis L.C. Rich. thrives in areas with full sun exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and produce flowers. The plant may survive in partially shaded areas but may not bloom as prolifically.
Temperature Requirements
Wedelia gracilis L.C. Rich. is a warm-weather plant, and its growth is restricted by cold temperatures. It thrives in areas with a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C. It cannot withstand frost, and cold temperatures may slow its growth or even cause its death.
Soil Requirements
Wedelia gracilis L.C. Rich. grows in a variety of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It prefers well-drained soils with good fertility. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.8. It requires moderate watering but can tolerate short periods of drought.
Cultivation Methods
Wedelia gracilis L.C. Rich. is a low-maintenance plant that thrives well in cactus or succulent soil mixtures, or any well-draining soil. It can handle full sun or partial shade, but it is ideal to place it in a spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or by dividing their root ball during repotting. To propagate by stem cuttings, one should cut a healthy stem, remove the leaves from the bottom 2 to 3 inches, and plant it into moist soil. The cuttings should be placed in a warm, brightly lit location, with moist soil, to encourage strong root growth. The roots will start appearing in about 4-6 weeks.
Watering Needs
Wedelia gracilis L.C. Rich. is drought-tolerant, and overwatering can cause root rot. Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry. During the summer months, water deeply, and let it dry out before the next watering. In winter, water sparingly.
The plant can also tolerate some level of salt in the water source. Still, if possible, one should avoid using saltwater or softened water to avoid mineral buildup in the soil, which can reduce the plant's vitality.
Fertilization
Fertilize Wedelia gracilis L.C. Rich. during the growing season, which is from spring to late summer. A balanced fertilizer, with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12, can be used every month during this season. Follow the instruction on the package to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage or kill the plant.
A slow-releasing granular fertilizer can also be used following the recommended dose. Alternatively, one can use compost or well-rotted manure as a top-dressing around the plant's base to provide it with nutrient support.
Pruning
Wedelia gracilis L.C. Rich. can be pruned to control its size, remove dead or diseased parts, or encourage new growth. Pruning should be done during spring or early summer, and no more than a third of the plant should be removed.
To prune, one should use sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors to make clean cuts. Branches that are touching the ground should be trimmed to avoid moisture accumulation and pest infestation. Wedelia gracilis L.C. Rich. is a relatively fast-growing plant, and proper pruning will help maintain its neatness and shape.
Propagation of Wedelia Gracilis L.C. Rich.
Propagation of Wedelia Gracilis L.C. Rich. is usually done through stem cuttings or seeds. Both methods have been successful with this species, depending on the preferences of the grower and the available resources.
Stem Cuttings
The stem cutting method involves cutting a stem from a mature, healthy plant, allowing the cuttings to callus for a few days, and then planting them in moist, well-draining soil. Wedelia Gracilis L.C. Rich. stem cuttings should be taken from the tips of the branches and should be at least 4-6 inches long, with at least two sets of leaves.
After planting, the cuttings should be kept in a warm, sunny location and kept moist to encourage rooting. The cuttings should develop roots in about three to four weeks, at which point they can be transplanted into a larger pot or planted directly into the ground if conditions are favorable.
Seeds
Wedelia Gracilis L.C. Rich. seeds should be planted in well-draining soil, moistened, and placed in a warm, bright location to encourage germination. The seeds should be planted shallowly, around 1/8 of an inch deep. Seedlings will emerge within a few weeks, and as they grow, they can be transplanted into larger containers or moved directly into the ground.
While both seed and stem cutting methods have been successful with this species, stem cuttings are the more common propagation method. This is because the plant's seeds are small and can be difficult to germinate without the proper conditions. Additionally, Wedelia Gracilis L.C. Rich. plants produced from cuttings tend to grow more quickly and may be healthier than those grown from seed.
Disease and Pest Management for Wedelia Gracilis L.C. Rich.
As with any plant, Wedelia gracilis L.C. Rich. can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and suggestions for how to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Wedelia gracilis is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can cause a white or grayish powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove affected plant parts and dispose of them. Applying a fungicide may also help to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another potential disease that can impact Wedelia gracilis is root rot. This condition can occur when the plant is overwatered, leading to the roots becoming damaged or infected. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and make sure it is planted in well-draining soil. If the plant is already affected by root rot, it may be necessary to remove and replace the affected plant parts or even the entire plant.
Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Wedelia gracilis is the whitefly. These small, winged insects can cause damage to the plant by sucking on the sap from the leaves. To manage a whitefly infestation, it is recommended to use an insecticidal soap or oil spray. Encouraging natural predators, such as ladybugs, can also help to reduce the population of whiteflies.
Another potential pest that can impact Wedelia gracilis is the spider mite. These tiny insects can cause damage to the leaves by sucking out the plant fluids, causing discoloration and eventually leading to the leaves falling off. To manage a spider mite infestation, it is recommended to use a miticide and also to maintain a healthy plant environment by avoiding overwatering and providing proper ventilation.
Overall, maintaining proper plant care practices such as watering, fertilizing, and providing adequate sunlight can help to prevent or manage both pest and disease issues with Wedelia gracilis L.C. Rich.
