Overview
Bidens micrantha Gaud. ssp. micrantha is a flowering plant species in the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as the smallfruit beggarticks or littlefruit bur-marigold. This plant is native to North America, from the Canadian Northwest Territories south to Arizona, Florida, and Mexico.Description
This annual or perennial plant can grow up to 100 cm tall. It has alternate, pinnately compound leaves, made up of two to five leaflets. The plant produces small yellow flowers that are about 1.5 cm in diameter, arranged in heads 1-5 in number. The plant's fruit consists of small, triangular achenes with hooked bristles that can stick to clothing and fur.Uses
Bidens micrantha Gaud. ssp. micrantha has a few uses in traditional medicine. The indigenous people of the United States used it for a variety of ailments, including coughs, colds, and swollen glands. The plant has also been used externally to treat skin sores and to ease the pain caused by arthritis. Nowadays, it is more commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens for its bright yellow flowers.Appearance
Bidens micrantha Gaud. ssp. micrantha is an erect, branching plant that is usually found growing in wet soil, such as in marshes, swamps, and along streams. The plant produces yellow flowers that bloom from July to September. Its leaves are green, pinnately compound, and toothed. The fruit of the plant is achenes with hooked bristles, which can get stuck to clothing or animal fur as a dispersal mechanism. Overall, the plant's appearance is quite striking, making it a popular choice for gardeners who value its bright yellow flowers and unique, hook-shaped fruits.Light Requirements
Bidens micrantha Gaud. ssp. micrantha typically thrives in full sunlight, though it can tolerate partial shade. For optimal growth and flower production, it is recommended to place it in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature requirements
This plant can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it typically grows best in warm to hot temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Bidens micrantha Gaud. ssp. micrantha generally requires a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F) for its proper growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
Bidens micrantha Gaud. ssp. micrantha grows best in well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and nutrients, as this plant is a heavy feeder and needs ample resources to produce its bright yellow flowers.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens micrantha Gaud. ssp. micrantha, commonly known as smallfruit beggarticks, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is indigenous to North America. The plant thrives in a sandy or loamy soil mix that is well-draining, and it is adaptable to acidic or alkaline pH levels. The ideal exposure for Bidens micrantha Gaud. ssp. micrantha is full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates.
The plant can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings. When growing from seed, sow the seeds directly into the soil in the spring, providing adequate moisture. When growing from cuttings, select cuttings that are about six inches long, strip the lower leaves, and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone. Place the cutting into a soil mix and maintain moisture until new growth is evident.
Watering Needs
Bidens micrantha Gaud. ssp. micrantha requires regular watering in the growing season, especially during the first year of growth. Ensure that the soil is consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as the plant does not tolerate drought well. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases that may kill the plant.
In the winter season, reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to dry slightly between watering events. Avoid watering the plant from above as water droplets on the foliage can promote the spread of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Bidens micrantha Gaud. ssp. micrantha benefits from fertilization to maintain vigorous growth and to produce abundant flowers. Apply a standard balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK mix, or an organic alternative, like compost or manure, in the early spring.
Avoid over-applying fertilizer, as this can burn the roots and cause damage to the plant. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, or application rates for the organic fertilizer, and avoid getting the fertilizer onto the foliage as this can cause leaf burn.
Pruning
Bidens micrantha Gaud. ssp. micrantha does not need regular pruning, but occasional maintenance is necessary to keep it looking healthy and tidy. In the early spring, remove any dead or damaged foliage and cut back any stems that did not overwinter well.
During the growing season, pinch off any spent flowers as soon as they appear to encourage prolonged blooming. If the plant becomes too leggy, prune back the stems by one-third to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Bidens Micrantha Gaud. ssp. Micrantha
Bidens Micrantha Gaud. ssp. Micrantha is a beautiful plant with yellow flowers that blooms annually. It can be propagated through several methods including:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagation for Bidens Micrantha Gaud. ssp. Micrantha is through seed propagation. Collect the seeds from a mature and healthy plant after the blooming season and plant them in fertile soil in the spring. The seeds germinate easily, and the plant starts to grow vigorously.
Division
The propagation through plant division is another popular method. In the early spring before the growing season begins, carefully divide the mature plant roots and replant the divided portions to produce new plant specimens. This method is suitable for larger plants that have established themselves for several years.
Cuttings
Bidens Micrantha Gaud. ssp. Micrantha can also be propagated through cuttings. Take cuttings from the mature plant's healthy stems and place them in damp soil mix in a pot or garden bed. Keep the soil moist and warm, and new roots will form within a few weeks. This method is best done during the growing season.
Layering
Layering can also be used to propagate Bidens Micrantha Gaud. ssp. Micrantha. This method involves bending a low-growing stem to the ground and burying it partially underground. The plant's tip should remain above the ground surface, and the stem can be secured with a rock or a piece of wire. After some time, roots will develop along the underground stem, and a new plant will form. Cut the rooted stem from the parent plant and replant it elsewhere.
Overall, the Bidens Micrantha Gaud. ssp. Micrantha plant is easy to propagate and can be grown from seeds, division, cuttings, or layering.
Disease and Pest Management of Bidens micrantha Gaud. ssp. micrantha
Bidens micrantha Gaud. ssp. micrantha, commonly known as smallfruit beggarticks, is a plant species that belongs to the aster family, Asteraceae. Like all plants, it can be affected by various diseases and pests that can compromise its growth and overall health. Below are common diseases and pests that often affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects many plant species, including Bidens micrantha. The disease appears as a white powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers, often causing them to wilt and die. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts and use fungicides and neem oil sprays to control the disease's spread.
Grey Mold: Also known as Botrytis cinerea, grey mold is a fungal disease that affects Bidens micrantha's leaves and flowers. The disease causes brown spots on the leaves and flowers, leading to rot and decay. To manage grey mold, remove infected plant parts and use fungicides and copper sprays to prevent the disease's spread.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap, causing leaves to curl, yellow, and distort. They also leave sticky residue on leaves, attracting ants and promoting the growth of sooty mold. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil to spray on infected plants. Additionally, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that feed on aphids.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on plant tissues, causing leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. The tiny pests can be identified by their webbing on the leaves' undersides and the presence of small dots on the leaves. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil to spray on infected plants. Additionally, increase humidity levels by misting the plant's foliage regularly.
By managing diseases and pests that affect Bidens micrantha Gaud. ssp. micrantha, gardeners can keep the plant healthy and productive while enjoying its ornamental value in the garden.
