Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern
Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as thickleaf tickseed or thickleaf coreopsis. It is native to the African continent, specifically in areas such as Nigeria, Togo, and Cameroon.
Appearance
The plant has a clump-forming habit, with a height ranging from 1-3 feet (30-90 cm). The leaves are thick, lance-shaped, and have a bluish-green color. The stems are hairy and are topped with yellow, daisy-like flowers that have a diameter of around 1 inch (2.5 cm).
Uses
The thickleaf tickseed is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. Its yellow flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, making it a great addition to any garden. In addition, the plant is used in traditional medicine in some African countries. Its roots and leaves are said to have medicinal properties, such as treating fever, diarrhea, and worm infestations.
Overall, Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern is a valuable plant that provides ornamental and medicinal benefits.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern requires full sun to grow well. It thrives under direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. In low light conditions, the plant tends to get leggy, and its flowers and leaves become sparse.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers moderate temperatures ranging between 60°F to 75°F. It can tolerate high temperatures but only if there is adequate soil moisture. High humidity levels coupled with high temperatures can cause leaf drop. On the other hand, low temperatures can lead to stunted growth or death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant. It can grow in different soil types such as sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as they are not water-logged. It is advisable to amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting to ensure that the soil has good drainage.
Cultivation of Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern
Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern is a perennial plant that requires full sunlight. It can be grown in well-draining soil, and it prefers sandy or loamy soil types. The plant should be placed in an area where it can receive sunlight for at least six hours daily. It is a low maintenance plant and is ideal for beginners, as it is easy to grow and maintain.
Watering Needs of Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern
Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern requires moderate watering. It should be watered once a week, or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, so it is advised to ensure that the soil has proper drainage. During hot and dry weather, the plant may need to be watered more frequently to prevent it from drying out.
Fertilization of Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern
Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern does not require heavy fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied during the growth period, typically once or twice a month. When the plant is mature, a yearly application of slow-release fertilizer can be beneficial. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth, causing the plant to become leggy.
Pruning of Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern
Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern does not require much pruning, but it can be beneficial to remove dead or damaged foliage. Pruning can be done after flowering to encourage more growth and flowering. Pinching off spent blooms can also encourage new blooms to form. It is important to sanitize pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern
Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern, commonly known as thickleaf tickseed, is a species of perennial herbaceous plants in the sunflower family. The plant is native to South Africa and is known for its beautiful yellow flowers and green foliage. Propagation of Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern can be done through various methods- division, stem cuttings, and seed germination.
Propagation by Division
Division is the easiest and most common method of propagation of Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern. It is best to divide the plant in spring or early autumn. Carefully dig up the plant and divide it into smaller clumps, taking care not to damage the roots. Replant the smaller clumps in well-draining soil, water thoroughly, and keep them in partial shade until they are established.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern can also be done through stem cuttings. Take cuttings in early spring from the new growth of the plant. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut a 4-5 inch stem with a few leaves. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Place the pot in a warm, bright location, and keep the soil moist. The cutting should root in about 4-6 weeks and can be transplanted into the garden.
Propagation by Seed Germination
Propagation of Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern through seed germination is the most challenging method. Sow the seeds in a seed tray filled with well-draining soil and place it in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil moist and germination should occur in about 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, transplant them into small pots and grow them in partial shade until they are stronger. Transplant the seedlings into the garden in early autumn.
Propagation of Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern can be done through division, stem cuttings, and seed germination. With the right techniques and care, you can successfully propagate this beautiful plant and enjoy it in your garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern
Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern, commonly known as thickleaf tickseed, is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to Africa and favored for its attractive yellow flowers. However, like many other plants, Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and appearance. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: A common fungal disease that is characterized by the appearance of a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be caused by high humidity or poor air circulation. To manage this disease, it is important to prune affected areas and increase air circulation by spacing out plants. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
2. Rust: Another common fungal disease that appears as yellow, orange, or brown spots on the leaves. It can be caused by high humidity or poor air circulation. To manage this disease, infected leaves should be pruned and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
3. Gray Mold: A fungal disease that causes grayish or brownish spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It thrives in humid environments and can be managed by improving air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that can appear in large numbers and cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. They can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Spider Mites: These are small, spider-like creatures that can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. They thrive in dry conditions and can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Predatory mites can also be introduced to feed on the spider mites.
3. Thrips: These are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing silvery or bronze streaks. They can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Overall, it is important to monitor the health of Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern regularly and take action promptly if any signs of disease or pest infestation are noticed. By following these management strategies, you can help keep your Coreopsis pachyloma Oliv. & Hiern healthy and vibrant.
