Overview
Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. ciliato-vaginata Cufod. is a species of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. It is native to tropical regions of Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
This plant is known by a variety of common names including Kirk's beggarticks, African beggarticks, and yellow beggarticks.
Appearance
Bidens kirkii is an annual or short-lived perennial plant growing up to 1.5 m tall. It has hairy, branched stems, and the leaves are oppositely arranged and deeply lobed with linear segments. The flowers are yellow and daisy-like with a prominent central disk. The plant blossoms from late summer to early fall.
Uses
Bidens kirkii is used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of conditions such as malaria, stomach-ache, and fever. The plant has anti-inflammatory properties and has been found to contain several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and saponins, which have potential use in modern medicine.
Growth Conditions for Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. ciliato-vaginata Cufod.
Light: Bidens kirkii requires a moderate amount of sunlight to grow. Therefore, it is essential to place it in a spot where it can receive about 4 - 6 hours of direct sunlight or bright, indirect light daily.
Temperature: This plant thrives in warm temperatures between 18°C - 25°C (65°F -77°F) during the day and 10°C - 18°C (50°F -65°F) at night. It would help if you kept it in a room with a constant temperature to avoid stunting or damaging the growth.
Soil: The soil requirement for growing Bidens kirkii is well-draining, fertile soil that can hold moisture for an extended period. An ideal soil mix for this plant would comprise potting soil, sand, and perlite in a 1:1:1 ratio, respectively. Alternatively, mix garden soil and compost in a 1:1 ratio for outdoor planting.
Water: This plant requires regular watering to maintain the moistness of the potting mixture. However, you need to strike a balance between watering and overwatering as waterlogged soil can be detrimental to the plant's health. Water the soil when the top layer is dry to the touch, but make sure the water drains out of the pot's bottom to prevent the roots from drowning.
Fertilizer: Bidens kirkii requires periodic feeding from late spring to summer when growth is most active. Use water-soluble fertilizer by diluting it to half strength and apply every 2 - 3 weeks. You can also use organic matter such as worm castings or vermicompost to enrich the soil with nutrients.
Cultivation Methods for Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. ciliato-vaginata Cufod.
Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. ciliato-vaginata Cufod. can be grown from seeds and propagated vegetatively. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It thrives in well-draining soil and is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
To grow Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. ciliato-vaginata Cufod., plant the seeds in moist soil and cover lightly with soil. If you plan to propagate the plant vegetatively, take cuttings from the stem tips and root them in a well-drained rooting medium.
Watering Needs
Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. ciliato-vaginata Cufod. requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. When watering, give the plant enough water so that the soil is moist but not soggy.
Fertilization
Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. ciliato-vaginata Cufod. benefits from a regular feeding schedule during the growing season. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be used every two weeks during the active growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can cause salt burn or other damage to the plant.
Pruning
Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. ciliato-vaginata Cufod. benefits from occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged branches. Prune the plant in early spring before new growth begins. Regular pruning can also help to encourage bushier growth and more flowering. Be sure to sanitize your pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Bidens Kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. Ciliato-vaginata Cufod.
Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. ciliato-vaginata Cufod. can be propagated through various means. Below are some of the ways to propagate this plant.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. ciliato-vaginata Cufod. through seeds is the most common method. The seeds are readily available, and the process is relatively easy, making it an ideal option for most gardeners. Sow the seeds in a nutrient-rich soil mix, and then moisten the soil. Keep the soil moderately damp until the seedlings emerge. Once they reach a suitable height, you can transplant the seedlings to a permanent spot.
Cuttings Propagation
Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. ciliato-vaginata Cufod. can also be propagated through cuttings. Take cuttings from the plant and dip them in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix, and ensure they remain moderately moist until they establish roots. Transplant the cuttings to a permanent spot once they have grown enough.
Division Propagation
The division method is another way of propagating Bidens kirkii (Oliv. & Hiern) Sherff var. ciliato-vaginata Cufod. The process involves dividing a mature plant into smaller portions to create more plants. Gently dig out the plant, and then carefully separate the root ball into smaller clumps. Replant the clumps in separate spots, ensuring they have adequate moisture and nutrients.
Disease Management for Bidens kirkii
Bidens kirkii is not known to be highly susceptible to diseases. However, like all plants, it is vulnerable to certain diseases. One of the most common diseases that affect Bidens kirkii is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the foliage of the plant, causing white or gray powdery patches on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, one should ensure proper air circulation around the plant, remove affected parts, and spray fungicides, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Another disease that might affect Bidens kirkii is Leaf Spot. It causes small, shiny spots on the leaves of the plant, which eventually turn brown with yellow halos. This disease can be managed by removing affected parts of the plant, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
Pest Management for Bidens kirkii
Bidens kirkii is attractive to a wide variety of pests, with some of the most common being spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the plant's sap, causing the plant's leaves to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, one can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or apply insecticidal soap.
Aphids are tiny insects that form colonies on the plant's leaves and stems, causing the leaves to yellow and curl. To manage aphids, one can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or apply insecticidal soap, taking care to direct the solution at the undersides of the plant's leaves.
Whiteflies are tiny insects that multiply rapidly and suck the plant's sap, causing yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth of the plant. To manage whiteflies, one can remove affected parts of the plant, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, or apply insecticidal soap.
