Overview
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff is a plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as the Fern-leaved Beggartick, Fern-leaved Bur Marigold, or as it is referred to in Tagalog, Tangisang-Bayan.
Origin
The Fern-leaved Beggartick is native to Asia and can be found growing in various countries such as the Philippines, Japan, China, and Taiwan. It is well adapted to tropical and subtropical regions.
Appearance
The Fern-leaved Beggartick has delicate, fern-like leaves that grow in a bushy or mounding pattern. The leaves are deeply divided into narrow lobes which are arranged opposite from each other along the stem. The plant also produces small yellow flowers that bloom in the summer through fall.
Uses
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff has several applications in traditional medicine, particularly in Asian countries. The leaves, stems, and roots of the plant are used to alleviate fever, colds, headaches, inflammation, and other ailments. It is also known to have anti-diarrheal properties. Aside from its medicinal uses, the plant is also used in the ornamental industry as a trailing plant for hanging baskets, ground covers, and borders due to its attractive foliage.
Growth Conditions for Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff is a plant species that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. The following factors affect the growth of the plant:
Light Requirements
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade as well. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight each day to grow properly.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. The soil type should be loamy and rich in organic matter. The plant can also grow in poor soils, but it may not produce as many flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The plant species prefers warm temperatures and does not tolerate frost well. The optimal temperature range for Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The plant can still grow, but at a slower pace, in temperatures below 20°C (68°F).
Water Requirements
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff requires an adequate amount of water to grow properly. The plant needs a moderate amount of water, and it should not be allowed to dry out between watering. Overwatering should also be avoided.
Fertilizer Requirements
The plant species does not require large amounts of fertilizer. However, it can benefit from periodic applications of balanced fertilizers during its growing period. It is recommended to apply a slow-release fertilizer during planting to provide adequate nutrients for the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff is easy to cultivate and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor gardening. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Ensure that your soil is adequately ploughed and void of weeds before planting.
Watering Needs
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff prefers moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. It is essential to water the plant regularly, especially during the dry season. When watering, ensure that water penetrates deeply into the soil, to encourage a sturdy rooting system.
Fertilization
The plant requires frequent fertilization every two weeks while actively growing, using water-soluble fertilizers. Ensure you read the instructions on the fertilizer package before application to avoid damaging the plant. Avoid using fresh manure when fertilizing for it may burn the roots.
Pruning
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff requires minimal pruning, mostly to remove dead or broken branches. Pruning encourages the plant to grow bushier, and you can prune just before the growing season or after the plant has finished flowering. Prune with clean and sharp garden tools to reduce any damage to the plant.
Propagation of Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff
Bidens micrantha Gaud. var. laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff, commonly called lacy beggarticks, is a species of annual flowering plant in the sunflower family. The plant is native to North America and is primarily found in wetland areas, along streams, and in moist fields. To propagate B. micrantha, there are several methods that you can use, including seed propagation, division, and stem cutting propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used for propagating B. micrantha. To begin, you should first collect the seeds from mature plants. Collecting the seeds should be done when the seed heads are fully mature and dry. Once collected, the seeds should be cleaned and removed from the seed heads and stored in a cool, dry place. You can then germinate the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date or sow them directly into the soil after the last frost date. The seeds should be sown at a depth of ¼ - ½ inch and should germinate within a week or two.
Division
Division is another method used for propagating B. micrantha. To propagate through division, choose a healthy, mature plant and divide it into several sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and at least one stem. You can then replant the divided sections in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist until the plant has established itself.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cutting propagation is less common but can still be used to propagate B. micrantha. To propagate through stem cutting, select a healthy, mature stem and cut a section that is at least 2-3 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top. You can then dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright area until roots have formed, then move it to a location with bright but indirect sunlight.
Disease Management for Bidens Micrantha Gaud. var. Laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff
The plant Bidens Micrantha Gaud. var. Laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff is susceptible to various diseases that can cause significant damage. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Downy Mildew: Downy mildew is a fungal disease that causes yellow-green spots on the leaves and the formation of a downy white mold on the underside of the leaves. To manage downy mildew, remove and destroy infected plants, avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation by spacing out plants, and using fungicides.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown or black lesions on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant materials, improve air circulation by spacing out plants, and using fungicides.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot, leading to wilting and death of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and remove infected plants.
Pest Management for Bidens Micrantha Gaud. var. Laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff
Various pests can also cause damage to the plant Bidens Micrantha Gaud. var. Laciniata (Hbd.) Sherff. Some of the common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing wilting and stunting. To manage aphids, physically remove them by wiping or spraying with water, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, and use insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. To manage spider mites, regularly wash the leaves with water, introduce natural predators like predatory mites and lacewings, and use insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of various moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves and flowers, causing holes and defoliation. To manage caterpillars, physically remove them by handpicking, introduce natural predators like birds and parasitic wasps, and use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or other insecticides.
