Origin
Bidens urbanii Greenm. is a plant species from the Bidens genus, which belongs to the sunflower family, Asteraceae. This plant is native to several southeastern US states, including Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana.
Common Names
Bidens urbanii Greenm. is commonly known as Urban's beggartick or Urban's bur-marigold. The name "beggartick" refers to the way the plant's seeds stick to clothing and animal fur, whereas "bur-marigold" refers to the plant's yellow flowers that resemble marigolds.
Uses
Bidens urbanii Greenm. does not have any known medicinal uses. However, some people cultivate this plant for ornamental purposes, as its yellow flowers add a bright touch to gardens and landscapes.
General Appearance
Bidens urbanii Greenm. is a biennial or perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1 meter in height. It has an erect stem with branching upper portions and lance-shaped leaves that are usually green or with a purplish tint. Urban's beggartick produces small yellow flowers that bloom from June to October. The flowers have numerous petals arranged in a disc-like shape, giving them the appearance of marigolds. The fruit of the plant is a small achene with barbed spines that can easily attach to clothing or animal fur.
Growth Conditions of Bidens urbanii Greenm.
Bidens urbanii Greenm., commonly known as Urban’s beggarticks, is a rare and endangered plant species that is endemic to Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas in northeastern Mexico. This plant species prefers to grow in damp, open places within forests, along stream banks, on rocky slopes, and in moist canyons.
Light Requirements
Bidens urbanii Greenm. grows well in full sunlight or partial shade. However, it requires a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimum growth and development. When exposed to too much sunlight, it may become dehydrated, which may lead to wilting and death. On the other hand, when exposed to too much shade, it may grow tall and lanky with limited flowering.
Soil Requirements
This plant species prefers to grow in well-drained and nutrient-rich soils. It thrives best in loamy or sandy soils that are kept moist but not waterlogged. The soil pH should range from 5.0 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. The addition of organic matter such as compost or aged manure helps to improve soil texture and enhance nutrient availability for better growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
Bidens urbanii Greenm. is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. It prefers a warm and humid climate with a temperature range of 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). Extreme heat or cold may cause plant damage or death. During winter, it can withstand mild frosts, but it needs protection from severe cold and freezing temperatures.
Water Requirements
Bidens urbanii Greenm. requires moderate watering on a regular basis. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering may lead to rotting of the roots and other plant parts, while under-watering may cause wilting and death. A layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps to conserve moisture and prevent weed growth.
Fertilizer Requirements
Bidens urbanii Greenm. requires regular fertilizer applications to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is recommended. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season, reducing the frequency to once a month during fall and winter. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid overfeeding the plant, which may lead to nutrient burn and other problems.
Cultivation of Bidens urbanii Greenm.
Bidens urbanii Greenm. is native to the Mexican states of Morelos and Mexico. It can grow up to 60-70 cm (24-28 inches) long. It is a tolerant and long-lived herbaceous plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Watering Needs
Bidens urbanii Greenm. prefers moist soil all the time. It is vital to prevent the soil from drying out. So, watering regularly is essential for its successful growth.
Fertilization
Bidens urbanii Greenm. has no specific fertilizer needs. However, to boost its growth, it is advisable to add a slow-release nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the growing season. In the same vein, applying compost to the soil a few times a year will enhance the soil's fertility and overall plant growth.
Pruning
Bidens urbanii Greenm. requires little to no pruning at all. However, to encourage it to produce more blooms, removing spent flowers and pinching back leggy stems will help. To prevent the plant's growth from becoming too tall, it may be necessary to cut it back to its base in midsummer.
Propagation of Bidens urbanii Greenm.
Bidens urbanii Greenm., commonly known as Bidens, is propagated through a variety of methods including seeds, rooting stem cuttings, and dividing the root ball. It is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and with the right technique, one can ensure its effectiveness.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds are the most common way to propagate Bidens urbanii Greenm. The best time to collect seeds from mature plants is after the blooming period is complete. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting soil mix and kept slightly moist. It is essential to keep the soil temperature between 20-25°C to encourage germination. The seeds will usually germinate within 2-3 weeks. Once germinated, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots with a well-draining potting soil mix to grow further before planting them outside.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Bidens urbanii Greenm. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a 3-4 inch stem cutting with 2-3 leaves from a mature plant and dip the bottom end in rooting hormone. Plant the stem cutting in a well-draining potting soil mix and keep it consistently moist. Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location with a temperature between 20-25°C. Once the plant has established roots, transplant it into an individual pot with potting soil to grow further.
Propagation through root dividing
Bidens urbanii Greenm. can also be propagated through root dividing. Dig up the plant and divide the rootball into smaller pieces, each with a stem and a few leaves. Transplant into separate pots and care for them similar to the newly rooted cuttings. The plant will grow, and the separate root balls will establish into different plants.
Overall, Bidens urbanii Greenm. is a straightforward plant to propagate from seed, stem cuttings, or root dividing, and its propagation requires a well-draining potting soil mix, consistent moisture, and a bright, indirect light location with a temperature between 20-25°C.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens urbanii Greenm.
Bidens urbanii Greenm., commonly known as urban beggarticks, is a drought-tolerant and low-maintenance perennial herb. Despite being disease-resistant, it is still susceptible to certain fungal and bacterial diseases and pest infestations. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes white powdery patches on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage it, keep the plant well-ventilated, prune affected parts, and apply a fungicide.
2. Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that appears as orange or yellow powdery spots on leaves and stems. To manage it, remove affected parts and apply a fungicide. Avoid overhead watering and overcrowding of plants.
3. Bacterial Leaf Spot: Bacterial leaf spot is a plant disease that appears as water-soaked, dark spots on leaves. It can cause defoliation and stunted growth. To manage it, promptly remove affected parts, maintain plant hygiene, and avoid overhead watering. Also, apply copper-based fungicides.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from plant tissues, causing yellowing, distorted growth, and reduced vigour. To manage them, handpick and wash them off with soapy water. Also, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are pests that attack the leaves, causing the plant to appear yellow and stunted. To manage them, spray the plant with water to dislodge the mites, or use acaricides and insecticidal soaps.
3. Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that cause distorted growth, silver streaks on leaves, and discoloration. To manage them, prune affected parts, apply insecticidal soaps or neem oil and sticky traps.
By being proactive in preventing and managing diseases and pests, Bidens urbanii Greenm. can thrive and remain healthy and beautiful.
