Acmella uliginosa — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Acmella uliginosa

Acmella Uliginosa

Updated · 60 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Acmella uliginosa, the marsh para cress, is a species of flowering herb in the family Asteraceae. The plant is native to South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela, etc.) and is naturalized in parts of Asia (China, Philippines, India, etc.) and Africa.

A note from PlantMom

Marsh para cress has moderate resistance to disease but can be prone to problems like leaf spot. Its sensitivity to insect pests varies by variety, although most varieties are relatively less resistant to pests. For care, Marsh para cress requires regular watering and fertilization, and yellow leaves should be pruned frequently. It is important to address pests and diseases when they appear and to harvest the plant promptly. Marsh para cress is suitable for people who can dedicate some time and effort to regular care.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Acmella Uliginosa.

Light

Marsh para cress performs best with plentiful sunlight but can tolerate moderate light levels. It is native to sunlit marshes, which supports its vigorous growth and maturation. Too much or too little sun can impede its development, resulting in a weak structure and stunted growth.

Water

Marsh para cress thrives in moist environments and requires consistent watering, ideally following a weekly schedule. It grows best outdoors in damp soil, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens where water tends to accumulate.

Temperature

Marsh para cress prefers moderate temperatures, similar to what people generally find comfortable. It does best in conditions that are neither excessively hot nor too cold. The main problem with high temperatures is the chance of sunburn, so providing some shade in summer is recommended to avoid excessive heat. When temperatures fall, marsh para cress goes dormant. If continuous growth is wanted, warmer conditions must be maintained through the winter. Frost can damage the plant and should be avoided.

Fertilizer

To achieve the highest yield, Marsh para cress does best with frequent applications of a balanced fertilizer, particularly formulations rich in nitrogen. Apply fertilizer prior to planting, at the time of planting, and again when seedlings are about 2 inches tall. Incorporating compost or manure also gives a steady supply of nutrients. Poor soil fertility causes underdeveloped leaves and stems, weaker flavor, thin stems, and can lead to a bitter taste.

Pruning

Marsh para cress is a colorful, low-growing herb with yellow flowers that offers medicinal benefits. To keep your garden healthy, prune the plants in early spring. This will help remove dead stems and improve airflow. Regular pruning encourages both growth and blooming. Make sure to use sterilized tools to prevent the spread of disease and maintain a vibrant garden display.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Acmella
Family
Asteraceae
Hardiness Zone
10
Mature Height
30 cm to 91 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 49 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Summer, Fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall, Early winter
Native Area
Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Honduras, Philippines, Dominican Republic, Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, Kenya, Central African Republic, Jamaica, Tanzania, Benin, Panama, Colombia, Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Haiti, Cameroon, Liberia, Bolivia, Venezuela, Myanmar, Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Ghana, Guyana, Senegal, Suriname, Thailand, Congo
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Marsh para cress
PLATES
Acmella uliginosa leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Acmella uliginosa leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Acmella uliginosa flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Acmella uliginosa flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Acmella uliginosa bark
PLATE 05 · bark
Acmella uliginosa habit
PLATE 06 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

You might also like.