Plant Description:
Wedelia parviflora L.C. Rich. is a lovely perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It can also be called the creeping daisy or yellow dots. It is native to South America and Africa but can also be found in Asia, Australia, and other tropical and subtropical regions. It is a herbaceous plant that is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Appearance:
The Wedelia parviflora can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and can spread up to 2 meters wide. It has a long life span and is a vigorous grower. Its leaves are simple, ovate, and alternate, measuring about 2.5 centimeters long and 1 centimeter wide. The leaves are smooth or slightly hairy with small marginal teeth. The plant's flowers are small and yellow, with a diameter of about 8 millimeters, and are arranged in clusters on the stems.
Uses:
Wedelia parviflora is used for its medicinal properties and its ornamental value. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to alleviate symptoms of fever, diarrhea, and coughs. The plant is also used as a treatment for respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma. The plant's leaves can be boiled to make a tea that can also be used for treating skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
As an ornamental plant, Wedelia parviflora is valued for its attractive yellow flowers and as a ground cover. Because of its rapid growth rate and its ability to spread quickly, it is often used in landscaping to cover large areas. It is also suitable for growing in containers and hanging baskets.
Light Requirements:
Wedelia parviflora L.C. Rich. requires full sun exposure for proper growth and development. It requires at least 6-8 hours of sunlight every day to produce healthy foliage and vibrant flowers. This plant should be planted in an area where it can receive direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures, making it suitable for tropical and subtropical regions. Temperatures between 20-30 degrees Celsius are optimal for growth. Wedelia parviflora L.C. Rich. cannot tolerate frost and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements:
This plant grows best in well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5-7.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogging can cause root rot. Wedelia parviflora L.C. Rich. can grow in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, but it prefers sandy or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. Adding compost or aged manure to the soil can improve soil quality and promote healthy growth.
Cultivation methods
Wedelia parviflora, also known as creeping daisy is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives well in warm and humid climates. This plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Planting in well-draining soil with good organic matter is essential for Wedelia parviflora growth.
Before planting, ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Loosen the soil to make it more permeable and plant at a depth of about two centimeters. The recommended spacing between plants is 15 to 20 centimeters apart. The ideal location for growing Wedelia parviflora is in an area with full sunlight to partial shade.
Watering needs
Wedelia parviflora requires moderate watering, with the soil remaining moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered once a week if grown in an area with low rainfall or if it's growing in a planter. However, during the rainy season, watering can be reduced to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Wedelia parviflora requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. Applying a fertilizer high in nitrogen every six to eight weeks will help boost the plant's growth. However, it's important to avoid over-fertilizing as this can cause the plant to become leggy and prone to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of Wedelia parviflora. The best time to prune is in early spring before the plant starts to grow actively. Cut back the stems, leaving about a third of the plant's length, and remove any dead or diseased leaves and stems. Pinching can also help create a bushier growth habit and encourage more flowers.
Propagation of Wedelia parviflora L.C. Rich.
Wedelia parviflora L.C. Rich. is a herbaceous plant that grows up to two meters tall. Its attractive yellow flowers make it a desirable garden plant. Propagation can be done through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Wedelia parviflora L.C. Rich. are small, brown, and slightly curved. They should be planted in well-draining soil in a warm, sunny location. The ideal time for planting seeds is at the beginning of the rainy season. The seeds should be sown at a depth of around 1 cm and kept moist until germination. Germination usually occurs within ten to fifteen days.
Propagation by Cuttings
Wedelia parviflora L.C. Rich. can be propagated by stem cuttings. Take 10-15 centimeter cuttings of young stems with leaves and plant them in a well-draining, fertile soil mixture. The cuttings should be planted deep enough so that the soil covers at least one node. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a warm, bright location, but not in direct sunlight. New growth should appear in around four weeks, and the plants can be transplanted when they reach a suitable size.
Propagation by Division
The division method is the easiest way to propagate Wedelia parviflora L.C. Rich. Find mature plants that have been growing for a few years and carefully dig them up. Gently divide the plant from the base and remove any dead or damaged parts. Replant the divided segments in well-draining soil, and water them generously. Keep the plants moist for the first few weeks, and avoid direct sunlight until new growth appears.
Propagation of Wedelia parviflora L.C. Rich. is relatively easy and can be done through seeds, cuttings, or division. With proper care, the plant will produce attractive yellow flowers and grow to be a beautiful addition to any garden.
Disease Management for Wedelia parviflora L.C. Rich.
Wedelia parviflora is a sturdy plant, but it is still susceptible to certain diseases. One of the most common diseases that affect Wedelia parviflora is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white or gray powder on the leaves, and it can cause the leaves to wilt and die. To manage powdery mildew, you can use fungicides such as sulfur-based products, neem oil, or potassium bicarbonate. You can also try removing the affected leaves and shoots and disposing of them properly.
Another disease that may affect Wedelia parviflora is leaf spot. Leaf spot causes reddish or brownish spots to appear on the leaves. These spots can grow and eventually merge, leading to the death of the entire leaf. To manage leaf spot, you must remove and dispose the affected leaves carefully since the spores of the disease can survive for a long time and spread to healthy leaves. You can also use copper-based fungicides to help control this disease. Applying a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer will also help reduce the severity of infection.
Pest Management for Wedelia parviflora L.C. Rich.
Wedelia parviflora faces several pest problems that gardeners must manage. One common pest that may affect Wedelia parviflora is thrips. These tiny insects will suck the sap from the leaves and buds, eventually causing the plant to stunt its growth. Use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils such as neem oil to control thrips. Always read the label of the product and apply it appropriately to avoid a detrimental effect on non-target insects. Always apply early in the morning or late afternoon when pollinators are less active.
Spider mites can affect Wedelia parviflora, causing yellowing and mottling to appear on the leaves, eventually defoliating the plant. Use neem oil or horticultural oils to control spider mites. Applying a strong, brisk spray of water will help to reduce spider mite infestation on the plants. Always repeat the application every 7-10 days until pests are under control.
Caterpillars may also affect Wedelia parviflora, causing extensive leaf damage. You can pick and dispose of the caterpillars manually, or you can use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticides to control the caterpillar. Always read the label of the product before using it.
In conclusion, Wedelia parviflora L.C. Rich. may face several diseases and pests challenges, but with proper management protocol in place, you can grow the plant with minimal problem.
