Origin
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. pentamera Sherff, commonly known as the H?h? in Hawaii, is a native plant of Hawaii. It can be found growing in the wet forests of Kauai, Oahu, and Maui.
Common Names
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. pentamera Sherff is commonly known as H?h? in Hawaii. It is also referred to as kupukupu, meaning fern in Hawaiian, due to its fern-like appearance.
Uses
There are several traditional medicinal uses for Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. pentamera Sherff in Hawaiian culture. The leaves and stems of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as headaches, fever, and stomachaches. Additionally, its antioxidant properties have been known to help prevent and treat diseases. The plant has also been used for making traditional Hawaiian lei.
General Appearance
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. pentamera Sherff is a herbaceous plant that typically grows up to 2 meters in height. It has thin, branching stems and leaves that resemble fern fronds. The leaves are pinnately compound and have serrated edges. The flowers are small and yellow, with dark centers. The plant produces small fruits with hooked bristles that attach to animal fur, allowing for seed dispersal.
Light requirements
The Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. pentamera Sherff plant typically requires a good amount of sunlight for optimal growth. These plants thrive in full sun but can also grow in partial shade. It is best to place them in an area of your garden that receives direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day.
Temperature requirements
The Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. pentamera Sherff plant prefers moderate to warm temperatures between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is relatively tolerant and can withstand low temperatures to an extent. However, it is essential to protect the plant from frost and extreme weather conditions which may cause harm to the plant.
Soil requirements
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. pentamera Sherff plant prefers well-drained, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.6 to 6.8. It is important to ensure that the soil adequately drains as waterlogged soil may lead to the development of root rot and other fungal diseases. Also, adding organic matter to the soil will help enhance the growth of the plant and provide much-needed nutrients.
Cultivation
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. pentamera Sherff is an herbaceous plant that can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 7-11. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5 and full sunlight to partial shade. This plant can be propagated by seed or division of its outer root clumps.
To plant Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. pentamera Sherff, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough to allow the plant to rest at the same soil level as it was growing in the container. Fill the hole with soil and water thoroughly. You can space individual plants 15-24 inches apart.
Watering Needs
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. pentamera Sherff prefers evenly moist soil but is sensitive to standing water. Water it weekly during the growing season, and reduce watering to once a month in winter when the plant is dormant. Be mindful to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can lead to diseases like powdery mildew.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and flowering, fertilize Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. pentamera Sherff every 6-8 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Do not over-fertilize, as it can cause lanky growth and reduce flower production. Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil before planting or use a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Pruning
Deadheading spent flowers regularly can encourage Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. pentamera Sherff to produce more blooms throughout the growing season. You can also prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges to maintain a tidy appearance. Trim back any dead or damaged stems and remove one-third of the top growth to promote vigorous new growth.
Propagation of Bidens Campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. Pentamera Sherff
Bidens Campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. Pentamera Sherff can be propagated through seed and stem cuttings. However, propagating through stem cuttings is more reliable and easier to execute as compared to seeds as they have low germination rates and require a lot of care and attention.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
The following steps can be followed to propagate Bidens Campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. Pentamera Sherff through stem cuttings:
- Select a healthy and disease-free stem from the parent plant, which is about 10 cm long.
- Cut the stem just below a node using a sharp and sterilized pair of pruning shears.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top intact.
- Dip the cut-end of the stem in rooting hormone powder to help the roots grow faster.
- Plant the stem cutting in a well-draining soil mix and water it thoroughly. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to keep the humidity level high and place it in bright and indirect sunlight.
- Keep the soil moist and mist the plant every day to prevent it from drying out.
- After about four weeks, roots should start to form, and new shoots will emerge from the top of the cutting. At this point, it can be transplanted into a new pot or location in the garden.
Propagation through Seeds
Bidens Campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. Pentamera Sherff can also be propagated through seeds, but this method can be more challenging as it requires a lot more care and attention. The following steps should be followed:
- Collect the seeds from a mature plant in the autumn season when the flowers have wilted.
- Clean the seeds by rinsing them in water.
- Place the seeds in a small bowl of warm water and let them soak for 24-48 hours.
- Fill a seed-starting tray with well-draining soil mix and sprinkle the seeds on top.
- Make sure not to cover the seeds, as Bidens Campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. Pentamera Sherff seeds require sunlight to germinate.
- Water the soil lightly, and cover the seed tray with a clear plastic lid or a plastic bag to retain moisture.
- Place the tray in a warm and bright location, away from direct sunlight.
- Maintain moisture levels by misting the soil regularly.
- After about 2-3 weeks, the seeds should germinate, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or a larger container.
Disease Management
Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. pentamera Sherff, popularly known as Hairy Beggarticks, is naturally resistant to most diseases. However, like any other plant, it is still susceptible to some fungal and bacterial diseases.
The most common diseases that affect the plant include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew manifests as white powdery spots on the leaves and flowers of the plant. Leaf spot appears as brown spots on the plant's leaves, eventually causing them to wilt and die. Root rot causes the stems and leaves to turn yellow before eventually withering.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good hygiene by removing any dead or decaying plant materials. Additionally, ensure that the plant is not overwatered, as this can create a favorable environment for fungal growth. Fungicides can also be applied to control fungal infections.
Pest Management
Just like with any other plant, Hairy Beggarticks can fall prey to a variety of pests. These pests can significantly decrease the plant's health, yield, and overall appeal.
The most common pests that affect the Bidens campylotheca Schultz-Bip. var. pentamera Sherff include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that cause leaves to curl, and discolour. Spider mites are tiny pests that spin webs and feed on plant sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to wilt. Whiteflies, on the other hand, are small, moth-like insects that feed on the plant's sap and reproduce quickly, eventually killing the plant.
To manage these pests, natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced. Additionally, physical removal of the pests by spraying the plant with water can be effective. Pesticides can also be applied, but it is important to note that they may harm the beneficial insects that also help control pest populations. As such, it is important to use pesticides as a last resort and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
