Origin of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff is a plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae and is native to Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. It is commonly found growing in open areas, along riverbanks, and in wetlands.
Common Names of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff
The common names of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff include African beggarticks, swamp marigold, and water marigold. The plant is also referred to as Bidens brachycera in some sources.
Uses of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff has some medicinal uses. It is traditionally used in the treatment of coughs, chest pains, and colds. The plant has also been used as a herbal remedy for dysentery and as a natural insect repellent.
General Appearance of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to a height of 1 meter. The stems are erect with green leaves that are pinnately divided. The plant produces yellow flowers that are about 2cm in diameter and have bright yellow-rayed petals. The fruit is a small, dry, oblong achene with two sharp barbs that aid in dispersal by attaching to animal fur and clothing.
Light Requirements
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff is a plant that requires full sun to grow well. In its natural habitat, it grows in areas with bright light and no shade. So for best growth, it should be placed in an area with strong sunlight, preferably receiving at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm temperatures and can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 24°C to 32°C. However, the plant can still grow in temperatures as low as 15°C. On the other hand, extremely hot temperatures may cause the plant to wilt and dry up quickly.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff is adapted to both sandy and loamy soils if they are well drained. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils, and this can cause root rot. It is best to ensure that the soil is slightly acidic, with a pH range of between 6.0 and 7.0. Additionally, the plant needs moderate levels of moisture, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
The Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff is a herbaceous perennial plant that requires a sunny location to grow well. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor gardening because it is easy to grow. The plant prefers well-drained soil, and it is tolerant of various soils provided they are well-draining.
The ideal temperature for the plant is between 60 and 75°F. It thrives well in a greenhouse set at 70 to 80°F. You should protect it from frost as it is susceptible to cold weather.
Watering Needs
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff is a drought-resistant plant that requires moderate watering. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging, which can damage the roots and make the plant susceptible to pests and diseases.
During the growing season, water the plant once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry up a bit between watering. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff does not require a lot of fertilizer. You can feed it once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid overfeeding the plant with nitrogen-rich fertilizers, as this can promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
If the leaves turn yellowish, it could be a sign of nutrient deficiencies. You can correct this by applying a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff. However, you can trim the plant to promote bushy growth and prevent it from becoming spindly. Deadheading spent flowers can also help the plant to produce more flowers.
If the plant becomes too large, you can divide it to propagate new plants or trim it to the desired size. Cut back the plant by one-third to half its size in early spring to encourage healthy new growth.
Propagation of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff can be propagated by various methods. These methods include:
Seed propagation
The most common and easiest method of propagating Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff is through seed propagation. Seeds can be obtained from mature plants and should be sown immediately after harvest. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 1 cm in well-draining soil. Germination usually occurs within 7-14 days. Seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they have grown 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative propagation
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants and should be about 10-15 cm in length. Remove all the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and keep it moist. Roots should develop within 2-3 weeks.
Division
Another method of propagating Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff is through division. This method is best suited for mature plants that have formed clumps. Carefully dig up the clump and separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has roots attached. Replant the sections immediately in well-draining soil and keep them moist until they establish.
Note: Propagation should be carried out during the growing season, which is usually in spring or early summer.
Disease Management
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff, like most other plants, is susceptible to several diseases that can affect the growth and yield of the plant. The following are some of the common diseases that can affect Bidens schimperi and the ways to manage them:
- Leaf spots: Leaf spots are caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens. Treatment includes proper sanitation, which involves removing and destroying infected plant material, avoiding overhead watering, and spraying with fungicides or bactericides if necessary.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that appears as small, orange-yellow pustules on the undersides of leaves. Treatment includes removing infected plant material, avoiding overhead watering, and spraying with fungicides if necessary.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by fungi that attack the plant's roots, causing them to rot. Treatment includes improving drainage, reducing watering, and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. brachycera Sherff can also be attacked by various pests that can cause significant damage. The following are some of the common pests that can affect Bidens schimperi and the ways to manage them:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from plant tissues and excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and sooty mold. Treatment includes using insecticidal soap, introducing natural predators like ladybugs, or spraying with insecticides if necessary.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of various moths and butterflies, and they can cause significant damage by feeding on the leaves and stem of the plant. Treatment includes picking them off by hand, introducing natural predators, or spraying with insecticides if necessary.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on plant sap, commonly found on the undersides of leaves. Treatment includes improving humidity, introducing natural predators, or spraying with acaricides if necessary.
Regular monitoring of the plant for disease and pest activity is crucial to achieving healthy plant growth. Early detection and treatment can save the plant from significant damage. When using pesticides, carefully follow the label instructions to avoid harming the plant or the environment.
