Overview of Bidens Pilosa L.
Bidens pilosa L. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is a herbaceous plant that is native to South America but now can be found in almost all tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Bidens pilosa L. is known by various common names such as beggarticks, bur marigold, devil's needle, and Spanish needle.
Appearance of Bidens Pilosa L.
Bidens pilosa L. is an upright annual plant that typically grows up to a height of 100 cm. Its leaves are pinnately divided, and the leaflets usually have serrated edges. Its stems are often reddish to green and covered with tiny hairs. The plant produces small bright yellow flowers that are about 1-2 cm in diameter and have numerous disc and ray florets borne on the same head, giving the flower a pom-pom appearance. The flowering period of Bidens pilosa L. ranges from April to October.
Uses of Bidens Pilosa L.
Bidens pilosa L. has been used for various medicinal purposes in traditional medicine. In China, it is used to treat bronchitis and hepatitis, while in Africa, it is used to treat malaria, dysentery, and bacterial infections. It is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The leaves and stems of the plant are often used to make herbal teas, which are consumed as a natural remedy for various ailments. In some parts of Africa, the leaves are also used as a vegetable in soups and other dishes.
Light Conditions
Bidens pilosa L. typically requires full sunlight for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate partial shade but may not grow to its full potential. If grown indoors, it is recommended to place the plant near a south or west-facing window to ensure it receives adequate light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Bidens pilosa L. grows best in warm temperatures with a range of 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 10°C can cause damage to the plant and inhibit growth. However, Bidens pilosa L. can adapt to a variety of temperature conditions and can withstand short periods of heat or cold stress.
Soil Requirements
Bidens pilosa L. can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the plant prefers soils that are well-draining and moist. Bidens pilosa L. can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil to improve its overall quality and provide necessary nutrients to the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens pilosa L. is an easy to grow plant that thrives in a wide variety of soil types. It can be cultivated in both open fields and home gardens. Look for areas with full sun exposure and ample drainage.
Seeds should be planted directly on the soil surface, and should only be lightly covered with a thin layer of soil, as they need light to germinate. Seeds should be sown during the rainy season or when rainfall is heavy, as the plant is drought sensitive. For optimal growth, maintain a spacing of 30-45 cm between the plants.
Watering Needs
Bidens pilosa L. thrives in slightly moist soil. To prevent overwatering and root rot, water the plant only when the topsoil is dry to the touch. The watering should be deep enough to penetrate the roots of the plant, but should not cause waterlogged soil. The frequency of watering depends on the climate and soil type, but generally, once or twice a week should suffice.
Fertilization
Bidens pilosa L. does not require heavy fertilization, but will benefit from occasional feedings. Use of organic fertilizers such as bone meal or compost is recommended, which should be applied to soil a few weeks before planting. Chemical fertilizers may be used; apply them sparingly as excess nutrients may cause the plant to produce blooms, and negatively impact its growth.
Pruning
Bidens pilosa L. does not require frequent pruning, but you should regularly remove old or diseased leaves to promote healthy plant growth. The plant may also require pruning to control its size, remove dead blooms, or to shape it. Be careful not to remove too much foliage or blooms, as this can negatively impact the plant's growth.
Propagation of Bidens pilosa L.
Bidens pilosa L. is a plant that reproduces both sexually and asexually. It can propagate through seeds or various vegetative methods.
Propagation through Seeds
Bidens pilosa L. produces a large number of seeds, which are dispersed through wind or by animals. The seeds are small and can be directly sown in the soil or germinated in seed trays before transplanting. The best time for sowing seeds is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. The seeds require light for germination and can be lightly pressed into the soil or placed on the soil surface and covered with a thin layer of soil. Germination usually occurs within 7-10 days, and the seedling can be transplanted after 4-6 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Bidens pilosa L. can be propagated through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings of about 5-6 inches long and with several leaves can be taken from the plant during the growing season. The lower leaves are removed, and the cuttings are dipped in a rooting hormone before planting. The stem cuttings are then planted in a well-drained soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots develop. It takes about 2-3 weeks for the cuttings to root, and they can be transplanted into the garden after 4-6 weeks.
Propagation through Division
Bidens pilosa L. can also be propagated through division. The best time to divide the plant is during the growing season. The plant is carefully dug up, and the root system is divided into smaller sections, each containing a few stems and roots. The divisions are planted in a well-prepared bed, and the soil is kept moist until the plants become established. Division is a quick and easy way to propagate Bidens pilosa L., and it ensures that the new plants are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management
Bidens pilosa L. is susceptible to several diseases. One common disease that affects the plant is powdery mildew, which causes white powdery growth on leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove infected plant parts and apply fungicides such as sulfur or potassium bicarbonate. Another disease that affects the plant is rust, which causes orange or rusty-looking spots on leaves. To manage rust, remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide like copper.
Pest Management
Bidens pilosa L. is also vulnerable to several pests. One common pest that affects the plant is aphids, which sucks the sap from the leaves, causing discoloration and deformation. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Another pest that affects the plant is spider mites, which cause yellowing of leaves and webbing. To manage spider mites, remove the infested leaves and apply an insecticide like pyrethrin.
