Wedelia lanceolata DC.: Overview
Wedelia lanceolata DC. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as Wedelia or creeping oxeye. It is indigenous to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. This species has been introduced to other parts of the world and has become naturalized in some regions like Hawaii and Florida.
General Appearance
Wedelia lanceolata is a creeping, evergreen herb that typically grows up to 3 feet tall. It has long, slender stems that tend to trail or climb over other plants. The leaves of Wedelia are simple, alternately arranged, and are lanceolate to ovate in shape, with toothed margins. The flowers of Wedelia are yellow and appear in clusters at the end of the stems. Each flower head is about 2-3 cm wide.
Common Uses
The Wedelia plant has a variety of traditional medicinal uses. It has been used in the treatment of inflammation, wound healing, skin conditions, and respiratory ailments like cough and asthma. In Mexico, it is used as a treatment for diabetes. Wedelia extracts have shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, which indicates its potential for medicinal uses.
Wedelia is also used as an ornamental plant and as ground cover due to its fast growth rate and spreading habit. It is also used in landscaping and horticulture as it is easy to care for and requires little water or maintenance.
Growth Conditions for Wedelia lanceolata DC.
Wedelia lanceolata DC. is a robust and fast-growing plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South America and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant can grow up to 2 meters tall and has green leaves that are usually lance-shaped.
Light Requirements
Wedelia lanceolata DC. thrives in full sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade. In areas with a high temperature, the plant prefers a spot with some shade during the hottest hours of the day. Inadequate sunlight can cause the plant to grow tall and lanky as it tries to reach for more light.
Temperature Requirements
Wedelia lanceolata DC. prefers a warm climate and thrives in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. It cannot tolerate frost and will die if exposed to freezing temperatures. In regions with mild winters, the plant may remain evergreen, but in colder regions, it may become dormant during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Wedelia lanceolata DC. prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the plant does not grow well in soils that are too acidic or alkaline. By applying a slow-release fertilizer to the soil, the plant can grow even better.
Cultivation methods for Wedelia lanceolata DC.
Wedelia lanceolata DC. is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial plant that is easy to cultivate. It can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division of the plant.
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It grows best in soil that is sandy, loamy, or clayey with a pH range of 6 to 7.5.
Wedelia lanceolata DC. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but is sensitive to frost. It is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions and can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Watering needs for Wedelia lanceolata DC.
Wedelia lanceolata DC. requires regular watering to thrive. It prefers soil that is constantly moist but not waterlogged. The plant does not tolerate drought and will wilt if not watered regularly.
It is best to water the plant deeply once a week rather than watering it lightly every day. This helps promote the growth of deeper roots, which makes the plant more resistant to drought.
Fertilization for Wedelia lanceolata DC.
Wedelia lanceolata DC. benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is ideal for the plant.
The plant should be fertilized every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season, which is typically from spring to fall. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can cause damage to the roots and foliage.
Pruning Wedelia lanceolata DC.
Wedelia lanceolata DC. benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.
The plant can be pruned at any time of the year and is typically pruned after blooming to remove any dead or diseased foliage and to promote the growth of new foliage and flowers.
It is best to use sharp, clean pruning shears to prevent the spread of disease. The plant can be pruned back by about one-third of its size without causing any harm.
Propagation of Wedelia lanceolata DC.
Wedelia lanceolata DC., also known as creeping daisy, is a flowering plant that can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds:
Seeds of Wedelia lanceolata DC. are small, flat, and have a fluffy pappus that aids in wind dispersal. The seeds germinate readily and can be sown directly in the garden or in seed trays.
The following steps should be followed to propagate through seeds:
- Collect the seeds from a mature and healthy plant.
- Clean the seeds to remove any dirt and debris.
- Sow the seeds in seed trays or directly in the garden.
- Keep the soil moist and warm, and provide sufficient light.
- Germination should occur within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings:
Stem cuttings is the easiest and fastest method to propagate Wedelia lanceolata DC.
The following steps should be followed to propagate through stem cuttings:
- Select a healthy and disease-free stem from the mother plant.
- Cut a 6-inch long stem just below a node.
- Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil.
- Apply a rooting hormone to the cut end of the stem.
- Water the soil and cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag to retain moisture and heat.
- Keep the cutting in indirect sunlight and maintain the soil moisture level.
- Within 4-6 weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted to the garden.
Propagation through Division:
Propagation through division is best suited for mature Wedelia lanceolata DC. plants that have developed a clump of stems.
The following steps should be followed to propagate through division:
- Carefully dig up the plant and loosen the soil around the roots.
- Gently separate the plant into smaller clumps, ensuring each clump has sufficient roots and stems.
- Plant each clump in the garden or in a pot filled with well-draining soil.
- Keep the soil moist and in a shaded area until new growth is observed.
Disease and Pest Management for Wedelia lanceolata DC.
Wedelia lanceolata DC. is a hardy plant that is generally not affected by diseases or pests. However, under favorable conditions, certain diseases and pests may affect the plant and reduce the yield. Therefore, it is essential to take adequate measures to manage them to ensure a healthy crop.
Common Diseases Affecting Wedelia lanceolata DC.
Wedelia lanceolata DC. is susceptible to a few diseases, but the most common diseases affecting the plant are:
- Leaf Blight: It is caused by the fungus Alternaria alternata and is characterized by the appearance of circular or irregular spots on the leaves. The spots turn black, and the leaves become yellow and fall off. The disease spreads rapidly in moist weather conditions.
- Rust: It is caused by the fungus Puccinia wedelia. The disease appears as small yellow spots on the leaves, and over time, it develops into brown rust pustules on the underside of the leaves, causing them to wilt and drop prematurely.
Disease Management
It is important to take preventive measures to avoid the incidence of diseases in Wedelia lanceolata DC. Here are some measures to manage diseases:
- Plant resistant varieties
- Practice crop rotation
- Avoid overhead irrigation
- Ensure adequate spacing between plants to promote air circulation
- Remove infected plant materials and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of diseases
- Apply fungicides if necessary and as advised by a professional
Common Pests Affecting Wedelia lanceolata DC.
Wedelia lanceolata DC. may suffer from attacks by some pests. The most common ones are:
- Aphids: They are small sap-sucking insects that attack tender shoots and leaves, causing stunted growth and curling of the leaves.
- Spider mites: They are tiny pests that suck sap and feed on the underside of leaves, causing discolored and mottled leaves. They thrive in hot, dry conditions.
- Caterpillars: They are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves, causing large holes and defoliation of the plant.
Pest Management
It is important to take preventive measures to avoid the incidence of pests in Wedelia lanceolata DC. Here are some measures to manage pests:
- Remove weeds and debris from around the plants to eliminate hiding places for pests
- Use sticky traps to capture flying pests
- Introduce natural predators like birds that feed on insects, or release beneficial insects like ladybugs or parasitic wasps that prey on pest insects
- Spray insecticides if necessary, and follow instructions and safety precautions recommended by a professional
