Mikania, also known as creeping charlie, is a fast-growing, invasive plant that can quickly take over your garden. Mikania is a member of the Asteraceae family and is native to Central and South America. This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and spreads rapidly via its creeping stems. Mikania is a nuisance plant that can crowd out other plants in your garden and is difficult to control once it establishes itself. If you are looking for a fast-growing ground cover, there are many other options that are more desirable than Mikania.
Is it easy to grow Mikania plant? Although Mikania plants are not difficult to grow and take care of, there are a few things to keep in mind. They need moist soil and plenty of sunlight, so make sure to water them regularly and place them in a bright spot. Mikania plants are also susceptible to pests and diseases, so be sure to check them regularly for any problems. With a little care, your Mikania plant will thrive and provide you with beautiful, fragrant flowers.
How big can it be? known as "mile-a-minute" because of its rapid growth rate, this tropical climbing vine can grow up to 50-180 cm in length and in diameter. The leaves are opposite, ovate to cordate in shape, and 6-15 cm long and 3-10 cm wide. The leaf margins are serrate with small acute teeth. The upper leaf surface is green and pubescent, while the lower surface is paler and glabrous. The stem is slender, twining, and slightly woody. The small white flowers are borne in axillary clusters. The fruit is a small schizocarp 6-8 mm in diameter.
How fast is the growth? If you want your Mikania plant to achieve its full potential growth, you need to provide it with the right growing conditions. These include plenty of sunlight, moist soil, and a warm climate. If you can provide these conditions, your Mikania plant will reward you with lush, green growth.
| Plant Form | Grassy |
| Family | Asteraceae (Compositeae) |
| Origin | South America: Brazil. |
How long is the lifespan? If the plant is grown in cold wintering conditions, it will have a shorter lifespan. In areas with mild winters, the plant can live for many years.
What is the ideal temperature? The reason for this is that the Mikania plant is native to the tropics. It grows best in warm climates with high humidity and temperatures that do not fluctuate too much. In the summer, it is better to keep the temperature around 69,8 ° F. In winter, the temperature should be around + 53,6 ° F.
What about the humidity? The reason it is grown as a houseplant is that it does not tolerate low humidity. The optimum humidity for Mikania is 50-70%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and fall off. In winter, when the temperature is above 59 degrees Fahrenheit, it is advisable to put the plant on a wet pebble tray. You can not spray the leaves with water, because this can cause them to rot. In extreme cases, you can use a very thin nebulizer.
What amount of light this plant needed? So, It needs at least 3 hours of direct sunlight,but In very bright sun, it should be slightly shaded.
What is good soil for Mikania? So, the best soil for Mikania is the one that is breathable and it should be a mixture of humus, coarse sand, and perlite. If the soil is too dense, then peat or sphagnum should be added to the mixture. It is important to use a pot with an opening and drainage to prevent the plant from becoming too saturated.
How much I must water Mikania? Common Mikania is a climbing plant that originates from the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. It is an evergreen vine that can grow up to 20 m in length. The leaves are opposite, cordate-ovate, and 1025 cm long. The flowers are small, white, and borne in large panicles. The plant is dioecious, with male and female flowers borne on separate plants.
About fertilizer. The best time to fertilize Mikania is during the growing season every 15 days with a half dose of liquid fertilizer. Mikania is not a heavy feeder, so too much fertilizer can damage the plant.
How to reproduce Mikania? Because it is a climbing plant, Mikania can be propagated by taking apical cuttings from the tips of its stems. The cuttings should be rooted in sand at a temperature of 71.6-77 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the cuttings have taken root, they can be transplanted into pots and placed on a windowsill or another warm, sunny spot. Mikania can also be propagated by dividing the plant. To do this, simply dig up the plant and divide the roots into two or more sections before replanting. Finally, Mikania can also be propagated by seed. Seeds should be sown in early spring in a mixture of moss and peat. They should be sprinkled on the surface and lightly pressed (but not covered with soil). The pots should then be placed in a warm spot and sprayed regularly with water.
Why Mikania won't bloom? Since it's a tropical plant, it's not surprising that it would have such beautiful and colorful flowers. The Mikania plant is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 30 feet tall, and the flowers are about an inch in diameter. They are usually a deep yellow color, but can also be orange or red. The Mikania plant blooms from late summer to early fall, and the flowers last for about a week.
How much I must water Mikania? So, the best time for Mikania plant transfer is spring every year.
How to care the plant? So, it is necessary to change the location of the pot with the plant, and also to ensure that the leaves of the mica do not get wet. In winter, it is impossible to keep the water got on the leaves of the mica.
What is the challenge when caring Mikania plant? Eventually, it can reach a length of about 20 meters. The stem is covered with large, heart-shaped leaves. The plant blooms white flowers. Mikania very popular among gardeners, because it can quickly cover a large area.
Are Mikania poisonous? Common ly known as the climbing hempweed or the mile-a-minute vine, Mikania plant is an invasive, fast-growing vine that smothers native plants and disrupts ecosystems. Mikania plant is native to South America, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including the United States. Mikania plant is a climbing vine that can grow up to 30 feet in a single growing season. The vine has small, white flowers and small, oval-shaped leaves. Mikania plant is very difficult to control once it has become established in an area. The best way to prevent Mikania plant from spreading is to remove it from your property as soon as you see it.
