Cineraria Plants with unique stunning flowers
Image by anncapictures from Pixabay
These flowering plants bloom in almost all the colors thus adding beauty to the garden. Cineraria Plants require very little care and maintenance. The bright colors and the unique pattern of the flowers make it attractive thus drawing attention to it.
Quick Details of Cineraria Plant
| Other Common Names | Cineraria, Purple-Leaved Groundsel, Bug plant. |
| Type | Outdoor flowering plant |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Flowering | Spring |
| Light | Partial indirect sunlight or shade |
| Water | Regular watering |
| Temperature | Normal conditions with high humidity |
| Soil | Well draining nutrient rich soil. |
| Fertilizer | A balanced fertilizer during growing season |
| Habitat | Canary Island |
| Toxicity | Toxic |
| Common Diseases | Rot, mold, aphids |
| Scientific name | Cineraria spp. |
Cineraria Plant Buying Instructions
- Buy a plant with lots of buds.
- Do not buy a full flowered plant
- It is a seasonal flowering plant so buy it accordingly.
Overview of Cineraria
These are herbaceous flowering plants belonging to the family Asteraceae. They are native to Canary Islands. These plants are grown as ornamental plants and grows up to a height of 5 feet tall. The flowers bloom mostly during spring and are available in almost all the colors except for yellow. Each flower has an eye in the center which is surrounded by white ring. The flowers are surrounded by dark green leaves. The plants are short lived.
Usage and Advantage of Cineraria
- Grown as an ornamental plant.
- Flowers stay for up one month after blooming.
General Care for Cineraria
Soil
They prefer well draining nutrient rich soil with a slightly acidic pH. The soil should have the ability to hold enough moisture but also have enough aeration to provide drainage. Mixing cocoa peat or moss can help obtain a perfect mix.
Water
Water the regularly to maintain moisture in the soil. Water the plants regularly during summers. Do not over water the plants. Make sure that the soil has started to dry out before watering.
Sunlight
They prefer partial indirect sunlight or shade. The plants can wilt if placed under bright direct sunlight.
Temperature
They prefer normal temperature. The plants cannot tolerate temperatures below 1 degree Celsius and above 20 degree Celsius. The plants can wilt and die when the temperature goes out of this range. They cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold. These plants prefer humid conditions and thrive best in high humidity.
Special Care for Cineraria Plants
Cineraria Plant require tips pruning to grow a bushier. Deadhead the flowers and remove any dead or infected leaves as soon as possible to prevent the formation of molds. Place the pots on a pebble tray to provide enough moisture to the plant.
Fertilization
Feed the plants with a fertilizer rich in phosphorus ones in a month during the growing season. A liquid fertilizer or a slow release fertilizer can also be used.
Pests and other problems for Cineraria
Cineraria plants are not prone to any pests or pathogens when grown in optimum conditions. Any form of stress or inadequate nutrients lead to the plants being prone to pests like aphids, thrips and bugs. They are also prone to diseases like rot and mold.
Force spray water or use a mild insecticide to get rid of pests and a fungicide can be sprayed in case of any fungal infections.
Viral infections
Mostly caused due to Mosaic virus and impatiens necrotic spot viruses. The infected leaves develop yellow spotting, becomes mottled, line or ring spots are seen on the leaves. The infected plants can have stunted growth, the plays become distorted. The entire plant can get affected and die. Remove the infected part of the plant or destroy the whole plant.
Phytophthora Root and Collar Rot
It is a fungal disease caused by different species of Phytophthora . The root and the stem near the soil line starts to rot and die. The fungal spores are seen present in the soil. Make sure to use a decontaminated soil. Use a mild fungicide.
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease caused due to pathogens like Alternaria sensecionis. Dark brown or black spots are seen on the leaf surface which spread throughout the leaf. The leaf curl, wilt and die. Avoid overhead watering of the plants and high humidity.
Powdery mildew
White powdery layer is formed on the surface of the leaves which spread turn black causing the leaves to curl, wilt and die. It is a fungal disease caused by Golovinomyces cichoracearum or Sphaerotheca fusca. Mostly seen in plants that have high water content on the leaves because of overhead watering or in plants grown in conditions with not enough sunlight and high humidity. Use a mild fungicide or neem oil to get rid of the disease. Remove the infected leaves from the plant.
Propagation of Cineraria
The best way to propagate cineraria is through seeds. The plants can also be propagated through cuttings.
The seeds are can be sown in the month of June. Make sure not to cover the seeds with soil. The seeds need bright sunlight to germinate and it is best to scatter the seeds on the soil surface without burying them deep. Water the soil prior to sowing the seeds. Allow the seeds to germinate. The plants can self-seed.
The plants can also be propagated through cuttings. Make a 4-6 inch long cuttings from the growing tip, preferably during summers. Remove the leaves from the base and dip the tip into a growing hormone and plant the cutting in a well draining soil.
