Origin
Bidens formosa (Bonato) Sch.Bip. belongs to the family Asteraceae and is native to South America. It is also commonly found in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Common Names
Bidens formosa is also known by several common names including Picao preto, Black Jack, Tandie, and le jaune Porte.
Uses
Bidens formosa has several medicinal properties. Its leaves and roots are used to treat various health issues such as stomach pains, respiratory issues, and infections. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in treating skin diseases, such as warts, boils, and eczema. It is also believed to have anti-carcinogenic properties. In addition, Bidens formosa is used in various industries, such as cosmetics, due to its astringent and antiseptic properties.
General Appearance
Bidens formosa is an annual plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The stem is green and ridged with short hairs. The leaves are opposite, pinnate to bipinnate, and have an ovate-lanceolate shape. The flowerheads are yellow, composed of several small ray flowers and disc florets. The fruit is an achene with two awns (long bristle-like projections), which aid in seed dispersal. The plant prefers damp soils in areas with plenty of sun.
Growth Conditions for Bidens Formosa
Bidens Formosa, commonly known as Bonato, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South America and is used both as an ornamental and medicinal plant due to its attractive yellow flowers and its anti-inflammatory properties. In order to grow a healthy and vibrant Bidens Formosa, certain growth conditions need to be met.
Light Requirements
Bidens Formosa requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and flowering. It is recommended that the plant gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, but it can also tolerate light shade. If the plant is placed in too much shade, it may become prone to diseases and pests.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens Formosa is a heat-loving plant and grows best in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range is between 18°C to 26°C. In colder regions, it can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in a sunny window.
Soil Requirements
Bidens Formosa prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 5.5-7.0 is ideal. The plant can grow in a range of soil types including sandy, loamy or clay soils. However, the soil must not stay waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Therefore, it is essential to ensure good drainage in the planting site.
Overall, Bidens Formosa is a relatively low maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Meeting its basic requirements of light, temperature and soil will ensure a healthy and beautiful plant.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens formosa (Bonato) Sch.Bip. is an herbaceous plant that grows between 20 and 60 centimeters in height. It is best grown in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. This plant thrives in well-draining soil. Ensure that the soil you plant your Bidens formosa in is rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth.
This plant also prefers a location with partial shade to full sunlight. If you choose to grow it in a container, ensure that the pot contains sufficient drainage holes. When planting in a garden, space the plants at least 30 centimeters apart to give them enough room to grow.
Watering Needs
The Bidens formosa is quite drought-tolerant. It does not require frequent watering but needs watering when the soil is dry to a depth of about 2 inches. When watering, avoid overhead watering, which can cause diseases and rot. Instead, water the plants at the base, allowing the water to slowly soak in.
Fertilization
Bidens formosa responds well to regular fertilization. Fertilize your plants every six to eight weeks with a balanced fertilizer, following the instructions on the packaging. If you notice any yellowing of the leaves, increase the frequency of fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning helps maintain the shape and size of your Bidens formosa plant. Deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Pinch back the growing tips frequently to encourage a fuller, bushier plant.
After the blooming season, cut back Bidens formosa to about six inches above the ground to encourage new growth the following year. Remember to disinfect your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol before and after use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Bidens Formosa
Bidens formosa (Bonato) Sch.Bip. is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a common ornamental plant in Europe and North America, but it is native to South America. Propagation of this plant is relatively easy, and it can be achieved through several methods.
Method 1: Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Bidens formosa is through seeds. The plant produces abundant seeds, and they can be harvested from the mature flower heads. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and they should be covered lightly with soil. Adequate watering is necessary to ensure germination. It takes about 2-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate, and the seedlings should be transplanted outdoors once they reach at least 3-4 inches in height.
Method 2: Stem Cuttings
Bidens formosa can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from the plant's healthy parent stems. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long, and the bottom leaves should be removed. The cuttings should then be planted in soil mixed with perlite. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. It takes about 2-3 weeks for the cuttings to root, and they should be transplanted outdoors once established.
Method 3: Division
Bidens formosa can be propagated through division. The plant should be dug up, and the root ball should be separated into several smaller sections. Each section should have several stems with healthy leaves. The sections should then be replanted in well-draining soil, and they should be watered thoroughly. It takes about a month for the plant to establish itself in the new soil.
With these three propagation methods, Bidens formosa can be easily propagated and grown in any garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens Formosa (Bonato) Sch.Bip.
Bidens formosa, commonly known as showy tickseed, is a beautiful flowering plant that is generally low-maintenance, but it's not entirely invulnerable to diseases and pests. This plant may encounter some issues that require proper management to keep them healthy and beautiful. Here are some common problems that may affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Plant Diseases
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease is usually caused by wet foliage and stagnant air. It's usually easy to identify since it appears as white powdery growth on the surface of the leaves and flowers, which can lead to the death of the plant if uncontrolled. The best way to manage it is to remove the infected foliage and flowers regularly and avoid overhead watering as much as possible. Applying fungicides to the plant may also help control the disease.
Root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant, leading to wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant if left untreated. You can manage root rot by ensuring good drainage to avoid waterlogging and reduce soil moisture. Additionally, it's advisable to ensure that the soil is not compacted and that dead plant materials are removed regularly to reduce the risk of fungal growth.
Common Plant Pests
Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and curled leaves. You can manage them by squishing them with your hands, spraying the plant with soapy water, or using insecticidal sprays. Introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings will help in reducing their population.
Spider mites: These pests feed on the sap of the plant, and the first signs of infestations include yellowing and speckled leaves. They thrive in dry and dusty conditions. You can manage them by spraying the leaves with water frequently, using insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introducing predatory mites that feed on them.
It's important to keep monitoring your Bidens formosa regularly to ensure early identification of any disease or pest problem. Prevention is always better than cure. Always keep your plant healthy by providing the right amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients, and ensure that the environment is clean to avoid disease and pest infestations.
