Origin
Bidens crataegifolia (O.Hoffm.) Sherff var. burttii Sherff, commonly known as Burtt's beggarticks, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. The plant is native to the southern parts of Brazil and Argentina.
Common Names
Bidens crataegifolia var. burttii is commonly known as Burtt's beggarticks. It is called so because of its small, burr-like seeds that attach to clothing and fur.
Uses
The plant is not commonly used for medicinal purposes. However, the leaves of Bidens crataegifolia var. burttii are used by some South American indigenous communities to make tea that is believed to help with stomach problems and headaches.
General Appearance
Bidens crataegifolia var. burttii is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has long, lance-like leaves that are serrated at the edges. The flowers are small and yellow and they bloom during the late summer and early fall. The plant produces small seeds that have burrs attached to their ends, which allows them to spread and attach to clothes, fur, or skin. The plant is often found on the banks of streams and in wet meadows and ditches.
Growth Conditions for Bidens crataegifolia var. burttii
Bidens crataegifolia var. burttii, also known as Burtt’s beggarticks, is a flowering plant that naturally occurs in the tropical regions of Africa. To grow healthy Burtt’s beggarticks, it is important to provide ideal growth conditions that will promote growth and development.
Light Requirements
Burtt’s beggarticks requires full exposure to sunlight to grow and thrive. It can tolerate partial shade but may produce fewer flowers in such conditions. Inadequate light conditions can cause the plant to grow thin and weak, with a lower flower yield.
Soil Requirements
For optimal growth, Burtt’s beggarticks requires fertile, well-draining soil. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should also have good moisture retention but should not be waterlogged. Sandy loam soil is ideal for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
Burtt’s beggarticks can tolerate a wide range of temperatures between 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F). It cannot survive frost, and the minimum temperature for growth is around 10°C (50°F). The plant thrives in warm and humid conditions with moderate rainfall. Hot and dry conditions may cause the plant to wilt and stunt its growth.
Water Requirements
Burtt’s beggarticks requires consistent moisture to thrive. Water the plant regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture. However, overwatering should be avoided, as it can cause the plant to develop root rot. A good watering schedule is once or twice a week, depending on the humidity and the moisture retention capacity of the soil.
By providing adequate lighting, soil, temperature, and water conditions, you can grow healthy and blossoming Burtt’s beggarticks.
Cultivation
Bidens crataegifolia (O.Hoffm.) Sherff var. burttii Sherff, commonly known as Burtt's dwarf marsh aster, can be grown in containers or in the ground. It thrives in moist soil, which can be replicated by planting it in a pot with well-draining soil mixed with organic matter. Choose a spot in full sun or light shade for optimal growth.
Watering Needs
Watering frequency depends on the temperature, humidity, and soil moisture. The plant requires regular watering to prevent the soil from drying out completely. It is recommended to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be cautious not to water excessively.
Fertilization
Bidens crataegifolia (O.Hoffm.) Sherff var. burttii Sherff does not require frequent fertilization. Feeding the plant every two weeks during the active growing season with a diluted, balanced fertilizer can enhance its growth. Be sure to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can burn the roots and hinder the plant's health.
Pruning
Regular pruning is not necessary for this plant. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can prolong the blooming period and improve the plant's appearance. Additionally, cutting back the stem tips in mid-summer can encourage bushier growth and a higher yield of blooms.
Propagation of Bidens crataegifolia (O.Hoffm.) Sherff var. burttii Sherff
Bidens crataegifolia (O.Hoffm.) Sherff var. burttii Sherff can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, layering, and division. These methods are relatively simple and do not require any specialized equipment or materials.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest way to propagate Bidens crataegifolia (O.Hoffm.) Sherff var. burttii Sherff is through seeds. The seeds must be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until they germinate. Germination can take up to two weeks, depending on the conditions. Once the seedlings have grown to a sufficient size, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly outdoors.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Bidens crataegifolia (O.Hoffm.) Sherff var. burttii Sherff. Select a healthy stem and cut a section approximately three inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, leaving only two or three leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist, and the cutting should root and start to grow in a few weeks.
Propagation by layering
Another propagation method for Bidens crataegifolia (O.Hoffm.) Sherff var. burttii Sherff is layering. This involves bending a low hanging stem towards the soil, making a small cut on the underside of the stem, and burying the cut section with soil. After a few weeks, roots will form at the cut section, and the plant can be separated from the parent plant.
Propagation by division
Bidens crataegifolia (O.Hoffm.) Sherff var. burttii Sherff can also be divided to create new plants. When the plant has grown to a sufficient size, dig it up, and separate the roots into smaller sections. Replant each section into a well-draining potting mix or directly into the ground. Water the newly planted sections well and keep them moist until they have established a new root system.
Disease Management
Like all plants, Bidens crataegifolia var. burttii is susceptible to several diseases. Here are some of the common ones:
- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing infected leaves and spraying with a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that creates a powdery white coating on the leaves. It can be managed by pruning infected areas and spraying with a fungicide.
- Leaf spot: A fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing infected leaves and spraying with a fungicide.
Preventative measures can also be taken to avoid diseases such as ensuring that the plant has proper airflow, avoiding over-watering, and keeping a close eye on the plant for any signs of disease.
Pest Management
Bidens crataegifolia var. burttii is also prone to pest problems. Here are some of the common ones:
- Aphids: They are small insects that suck sap and cause yellowing of the leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a mix of water and dish soap.
- Spider mites: They are small arachnids that create a fine webbing on the plant and cause yellowing of the leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with water and insecticidal soap.
- Whiteflies: Small white insects that suck sap and cause yellowing of the leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Preventative measures such as regular cleaning of the plant and removal of any infected parts can also help to prevent pest infestations.
