How to Grow Wedelia Chinensis in India

Wedelia Chinensis is a beautiful flowering plant that’s really easy to grow in the Indian climate. Let’s have a look at the details!

Learn the secrets to successfully growing Wedelia chinensis, a hardy plant beloved by both gardeners and naturalists alike. With its deep green foliage and vibrant flowers, this impressive ground cover can bring a burst of life to any outdoor space!

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Wedelia Chinensis Information 

Wedelia chinensis, also called Sphagneticola trilobata or the creeping daisy, is a low-growing perennial plant native to Asia but has naturalized in many parts of the world, including India.  Additionally, it belongs to the Asteraceae family and produces small yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom year-round in warm climates.

Wedelia chinensis is often grown as a ground cover due to its ability to spread and form a dense mat of foliage. It has trailing stems that root at the nodes and can reach a height of 15-20 cm.  

The leaves are dark green, glossy, and three-lobed, giving it its specific epithet, “trilobata.” In addition to its ornamental value, Wedelia chinensis is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including skin conditions, fever, and respiratory infections. However, it is important to note that the plant can be toxic in large quantities and should be used with caution. 

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How to Propagate Wedelia chinensis?

Seeds: Collect mature seeds, and sow them in well-draining soil. Water well and ensure they get plenty of filtered sunlight. Transplant the seedlings once they develop several true leaves. 

Stem Cuttings: Take stem cuttings from a healthy plant, remove leaves from the lower half, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder, and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid location with bright but indirect light. 

Division: Dig up an established plant, separate the roots into several clumps, and re-plant each clump into its own container or directly into the ground. Keep the newly transplanted plants in a warm, humid location with bright but indirect light. 

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Requirements to Grow Wedelia chinensis 

Sunlight

Wedelia chinensis thrives in full sun to partial shade, meaning it requires at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In India, it can be grown in areas with tropical or subtropical climates and warm temperatures.

However, in hotter regions, it may require some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent the leaves from scorching. Overall, Wedelia chinensis prefers bright but filtered sunlight that is not too intense, especially during the afternoon hours. 

Soil

The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Wedelia chinensis can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils.

Wedelia chinensis is tolerant to a wide range of soil pH, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Additionally, if your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur or peat moss to lower the pH. If it is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH. 

Water

Wedelia chinensis requires regular watering to thrive, especially during the hot and dry months. However, it does not like to sit in waterlogged soil, so it is important to ensure good drainage.

Water the plant deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out partially between waterings. 

Temperature

Being a tropical plant, it thrives in warm temperatures. Wedelia chinensis can tolerate temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F) but prefers temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 35°C (95°F).

It does not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures, so it should be protected or brought indoors during the winter in cooler regions. 

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Wedelia Chinensis Care 

Fertilizer

Wedelia chinensis is a relatively low-maintenance plant and does not require frequent fertilization. However, if you want to encourage vigorous growth and flowering, apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year.

Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant and water it well. Do not feed the plant in winter.

Pruning

You can prune the plant to maintain its shape and size, promote bushy growth, and remove any dead or damaged stems. Prune Wedelia chinensis in early spring before new growth begins.

Cut back the stems by up to one-third of their length, making the snips just above a leaf node. Also, pinch back the growing tips to encourage branching. 

Pest and Diseases

Wedelia chinensis is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation, such as webbing, yellowing or distorted leaves, or sticky residue on the leaves.

You can control minor infestations by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or wiping the leaves with a damp cloth. For more severe infestations, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.  

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