Origin
Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff forma lasiocarpa (Schultz) Sherff belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific. It is commonly found in moist habitats such as swamps, marshes, and wetlands.
Common Names
Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff forma lasiocarpa (Schultz) Sherff has several common names including smooth beggarticks, swamp marigold, smooth bur marigold, and larger bur marigold.
Uses
The plant has several medicinal properties and is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The leaves and stems of the plant are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They are used to treat stomach ailments, respiratory infections, fevers, and headaches. The plant also has analgesic and diuretic properties and has been used to reduce the symptoms of arthritis and urinary tract infections.
General Appearance
The Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff forma lasiocarpa (Schultz) Sherff plant typically grows to a height of 1-3 meters. It has a fibrous root system and produces several stems that grow upright or horizontally along the ground. The leaves are lance-shaped and range from 2 to 10 centimeters in length. The flowers are yellow and usually have a diameter of 2 to 3 centimeters. The plant produces small, black, barbed fruits that are about 4-7 millimeters long.
Growth Conditions of Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff forma lasiocarpa (Schultz) Sherff
Light: Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff forma lasiocarpa (Schultz) Sherff prefers bright indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight can damage the plant, especially in hot and dry climates.
Temperature: This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in a temperature range of 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can tolerate both high and low temperatures but can suffer in extreme conditions.
Soil: Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff forma lasiocarpa (Schultz) Sherff prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0-7.5. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soil.
Water: It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but it prefers to be kept moist. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to not let water accumulate in the bottom of the pot.
Fertilizer: Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff forma lasiocarpa (Schultz) Sherff benefits from fertilization during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to burning of the leaves and decreased growth.
Humidity: This plant can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels but will benefit from higher humidity. Misting the leaves with water can help to increase humidity around the plant.
Propagation: Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff forma lasiocarpa (Schultz) Sherff can be propagated by stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer and placed in moist soil or water until roots develop. Division should be done in the spring.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff forma lasiocarpa (Schultz) Sherff, commonly known as Two-leaved Beggarticks, is a native plant of North America that grows in moist meadows, marshes, and wetlands. It is easy to cultivate and can be grown in moist soils that receive partial or full sun. The plant can be propagated by seeds and stem cuttings, and it requires well-drained soil for proper growth.
Watering Needs
The Two-leaved Beggarticks plant needs plenty of moisture to grow. It should be watered regularly during the growing season, but do not overwater it, which can lead to root rot. Watering should be reduced during the dormant season to avoid waterlogging of the soil.
Fertilization
Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff forma lasiocarpa (Schultz) Sherff does not require much fertilizer, but you can add organic compost to the soil to improve its fertility. You can also use nitrogen-rich fertilizers to promote healthy foliage growth. It's important to avoid using too much fertilizer, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.
Pruning
The Two-leaved Beggarticks plant does not require much pruning, but it benefits from removing dead or diseased leaves and stems. Pruning can help stimulate new growth and prevent the spread of diseases. You can also pinch the tips of the stems to encourage branching and increase the plant's overall fullness.
Plant Propagation for Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff forma lasiocarpa (Schultz) Sherff
Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff forma lasiocarpa (Schultz) Sherff is commonly known as Hairy-fruited beggarticks. It is a perennial plant that grows in moist and shady places. Propagation is the process of producing new plants from the existing ones. The following methods can be used to propagate Bidens biternata.
Seed Propagation
The easiest method of propagating Bidens biternata is by seeds. Seeds should be collected from the matured flower heads and then sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place. The seeds should be sown in a pre-prepared seedbed with well-drained soil and kept moist. Germination will begin within two weeks, and once the seedlings are matured enough, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Bidens biternata can also be done by stem cuttings. The cuttings, which can be 4 - 6 inches long, should be taken from the matured and healthy stems of the plant. The cuttings should then be dipped in a rooting hormone powder and planted in a well-drained soil mixture. After planting, the cuttings should be watered frequently but not excessively. Rooting should begin after two or three weeks, after which the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method for propagating Bidens biternata. This method involves dividing the matured plant into two or more sections. Before carrying out this procedure, ensure the matured plant has developed new growth and has been watered adequately. You can then divide the plant into sections and plant each section in its individual pot or prepared bed. Keep the soil moist and monitor the plants' growth.
Conclusion
Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff forma lasiocarpa (Schultz) Sherff can be propagated through seed, cuttings, and division methods. However, it is essential to select healthy plant portions, prepare the soil, and maintain optimum growth conditions to ensure successful propagation.
Pest and Disease Management for Bidens Biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff Forma Lasiocarpa (Schultz) Sherff
Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. & Sherff forma lasiocarpa (Schultz) Sherff, commonly known as swamp marigold, is a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, some conditions may weaken the plant and make it susceptible to damage from pests and diseases. Here's some useful information on how to manage common pests and diseases that might affect the plant.
Pest Management
One of the most common pests that might affect the swamp marigold is the aphid. These tiny insects suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to yellow and distort. To manage aphids, you can try spraying the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off. Alternatively, you can use neem oil or insecticidal soap, following the instructions on their labels.
Another pest that might damage the swamp marigold is the spider mite. These pests are tiny and difficult to spot with the naked eye. They suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to appear yellow, bronze, or stippled. To manage spider mites, you can try spraying the plant with a strong jet of water, or using insecticidal soap or neem oil. It would help if you also removed the heavily infested leaves to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases that might affect the swamp marigold is powdery mildew. This fungal disease causes a powdery white growth on the leaves and stems, which can eventually cause them to curl and turn brown. To manage powdery mildew, you can try pruning the affected parts of the plant and removing any fallen leaves. You can also use a fungicide spray, following the instructions on its label.
Another disease that might affect the swamp marigold is root rot. This disease is caused by overwatering and poor soil drainage, which can cause the roots to rot and the plant to wilt. To manage root rot, you can try improving the soil drainage and avoiding overwatering. You can also try cutting back on watering the plant and allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
In conclusion, while swamp marigold is a resilient plant, it is not immune to pests and diseases. However, by knowing how to manage common pests and diseases, you can keep it healthy and thriving.
