Overview
Cineraria capillacea Thunb. is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is known for its attractive flowers and foliage making it an excellent horticultural subject.
Origin
Cineraria capillacea Thunb. is endemic to South Africa and can be found in the Highveld grassland areas of the country.
Common Names
The common names for this plant species are Silver Ragwort and Silver Cineraria.
Appearance
The Cineraria capillacea Thunb. is a semi-evergreen plant species with a clump-forming habit. It has silvery-gray foliage and daisy-like flowers with soft yellow centers and white ray florets. The plant can reach a height of up to 60 cm and a spread of about 45 cm. The leaves are basal and linear, measuring approximately 15 cm in length.
Uses
Cineraria capillacea Thunb. is commonly used in landscaping for its attractive foliage and flowers. It is also used to prevent soil erosion due to its shallow roots that bind the soil together. Additionally, some indigenous tribes in South Africa use the plant for medicinal purposes, especially to treat stomach ailments.
Light Requirements
Cineraria capillacea Thunb. thrives in bright, indirect light. It is recommended that the plant is placed near an east or west-facing window that receives morning or afternoon sun. The plant should be shielded from direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Cineraria capillacea Thunb. is between 60°F (15.5°C) to 75°F (24°C). The plant does not tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations. It is important to keep the plant away from drafts or sudden changes in temperature.
Soil Requirements
Cineraria capillacea Thunb. prefers to grow in well-draining potting soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. The plant is sensitive to root rot and should never be allowed to sit in water.
Cultivation methods
Cineraria capillacea Thunb. is a relatively easy plant to cultivate. It can grow in a variety of soil types but prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The plant likes full sun to partial shade and grows well in temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Watering needs
Cineraria capillacea Thunb. requires consistent and moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid drought stress, especially during the plant's growing phase. It is recommended to water the plant in the morning to give the leaves ample time to dry out before evening. Watering should be reduced during the winter months to prevent overwatering.
Fertilization
Cineraria capillacea Thunb. benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 can be used. Fertilizing can be done every two weeks during the growing season and reduced to once a month during the winter months. In addition, organic compost or well-rotted manure can be added to the soil to improve its quality.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Cineraria capillacea Thunb., but it can be done to shape the plant and encourage fuller growth. Deadheading can also be done to remove spent flowers and promote the growth of new ones. Additionally, regular pinching of the tips of stems can be done to encourage lateral branching and a more compact shape.
Propagation of Cineraria capillacea Thunb.
Cineraria capillacea Thunb., commonly known as laceleaf, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial that is native to South Africa.
Propagation methods
The following are the common propagation methods for Cineraria capillacea Thunb.:
- Division: This is the easiest and most common method of propagating Cineraria capillacea Thunb. It involves dividing the root clumps into smaller sections. The best time for division is during the dormant season in late fall or early spring. Each section should have at least one healthy shoot and a portion of the roots.
- Cuttings: This method involves taking stem cuttings from a healthy plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long with at least 2-3 leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and plant in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a bright, indirect light location. Roots will develop in 4-6 weeks.
- Seed: This is a less common method of propagation because Cineraria capillacea Thunb. is not reliably propagated from seed. The seeds are very small and should be planted in a well-drained, moist soil mix. Cover them lightly with soil and keep them in a warm, bright location. Germination can take up to 2-3 weeks.
When propagating Cineraria capillacea Thunb., it is important to use a well-draining potting mix to prevent the roots from rotting. Also, keep the newly propagated plants in a warm, bright location and water them regularly.
Disease Management for Cineraria capillacea Thunb.
Cineraria capillacea Thunb. is a commonly cultivated plant, and like all plants, it is susceptible to the attack of microorganisms. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant along with their management tips:
Crown rot
Crown rot is caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. The fungus affects the roots, the crown, and the basal stem of the plant. The first symptoms of the disease are wilting, stunting, and yellowing of the leaves. The management tip is to avoid overwatering and provide good drainage.
Botrytis blight
Botrytis blight or gray mold is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. The fungus affects the flowers, the leaves, and the stems of the plant. The first symptoms of the disease are brown spots, gray mold, and wilting of the affected parts. The management tip is to avoid high humidity and remove the infected parts of the plant.
Leaf spots
Leaf spots are caused by several fungi and bacteria. The symptoms are small, yellow, brown, or black spots on the leaves. The management tip is to avoid overhead watering, provide good air circulation, and remove the infected leaves.
Pest Management for Cineraria capillacea Thunb.
Cineraria capillacea Thunb. is also vulnerable to the attack of insects and mites. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant along with their management tips:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves and the stems of the plant. The symptoms are wilting, yellowing, and curling of the leaves. The management tip is to wash the plant with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the undersides of the leaves. The symptoms are stippling, yellowing, and dropping of the leaves. The management tip is to wash the plant with a strong stream of water, increase the humidity around the plant, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the flowers and the leaves of the plant. The symptoms are distorted flowers, stippling, and silvery patches on the leaves. The management tip is to remove the infected flowers, increase the humidity around the plant, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
