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Description
Celosia Spicata, also known as Wheat Celosia, is a flowering plant species belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. It is an annual herbaceous plant that grows up to 90 cm tall. The plant has a straight stem with long narrow leaves that are slightly hairy. The flowers of Celosia Spicata are small and clustered together to form spikes that are 10-30 cm long. The flowers are usually purple, pink, or white in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Celosia |
Appearance
Celosia Spicata has a unique appearance due to its long spikes of flowers. The flowers are usually purple, pink, or white in color, and they bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The plant can grow up to 90 cm tall and has a straight stem with long narrow leaves that are slightly hairy. The leaves are usually green in color and can grow up to 15 cm long. The flowers of Celosia Spicata are small and clustered together to form spikes that are 10-30 cm long.
Care Guide
Celosia Spicata is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here’s what you need to know to keep your plants healthy:Water: Celosia Spicata prefers moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogging. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure the soil has good drainage.Fertilization: Celosia Spicata requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.Soil: Celosia Spicata prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0-7.5 is ideal.Sunlight: Celosia Spicata requires full sun to thrive. Make sure the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Celosia Spicata is hardy in zones 10-11. In cooler zones, it can be grown as an annual.
Common Pests & Diseases
Celosia Spicata is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and leaf spot. To prevent these issues, ensure the plant is grown in a well-ventilated area and avoid overwatering. If pests or diseases do occur, treat them with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Celosia Spicata is native to Africa but is now widely grown as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world. It prefers warm and humid environments and can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Celosia Spicata be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Celosia Spicata can be grown indoors as long as it receives plenty of sunlight.Q: How often should I fertilize my Celosia Spicata plant?
A: Fertilize your Celosia Spicata plant every two weeks during the growing season.Q: How tall can Celosia Spicata grow?
A: Celosia Spicata can grow up to 90 cm tall.Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Celosia Spicata?
A: The ideal soil pH for Celosia Spicata is 6.0-7.5.
Related Plants
- Celosia Argentea
- Celosia Cristata
- Celosia Plumosa
- Celosia Virgata
References
- “Celosia spicata L.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 2 Aug. 2021.
- “Celosia spicata Wheat Celosia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 2 Aug. 2021.
- “Celosia spicata.” Floridata. Accessed 2 Aug. 2021.
