Origin
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. pilosa Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. is a species of flowering plant that originated from Ethiopia and Africa.
Common Names
It is commonly referred to as Hairy Beggarticks or Toothed Beggar-ticks.
Uses
The plant has medicinal properties that make it useful in traditional medicine. It is known to have anti-inflammatory effects and can be used to treat stomachaches, wounds, and fever. Additionally, the plant is edible and is sometimes used as a vegetable to add flavor to soups.
General Appearance
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. pilosa Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. is an herbaceous annual plant that grows up to 1 meter tall. The leaves are alternate, toothed, and lance-shaped. The flowers are yellow and emerge from August to October, and the fruits are achenes that have two small barbed hooks that allow them to cling to clothing or animal fur. The stems and leaves are covered in fine hair, giving the plant its common name of Hairy Beggarticks.
Light Requirements
Bidens schimperi var. pilosa requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and development. In shaded environments, the growth of the plant may be leggy, and the flowers may not bloom properly. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and prefers warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Bidens schimperi var. pilosa growth is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). These plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) but may not survive temperatures below 5°C (41°F).
Soil Requirements
Bidens schimperi var. pilosa prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH can range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. The plant can tolerate soil that is slightly saline but may not grow well in heavy clay or waterlogged soils. The addition of organic matter, such as compost or manure, can improve the soil's fertility and nutrient availability.
Cultivation Methods
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. pilosa Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. is a perennial plant that grows well in areas with full sunlight or partial shade. The plant is known for its hardiness and can thrive in different types of soil, as long as the soil is well-drained. It is important to prepare the soil by adding compost or organic matter before planting.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is essential for the plant's growth and development. The plant should be watered consistently, but care should be taken not to overwater it. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to die. It is essential to water the plant deeply and allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Fertilization
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. pilosa Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. A fertilizer high in nitrogen can help promote the growth of the plant. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when fertilizing, as over-fertilizing can cause more harm than good.
Pruning
Pruning Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. pilosa Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf. is not necessary, but it can help the plant look more attractive. Deadheading or removing the spent flower heads can stimulate the growth of new flowers. Additionally, pruning back the plant can help promote bushier growth and prevent it from becoming leggy.
Propagation of Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. pilosa Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf.
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. pilosa Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf., commonly known as Schimper's beggarticks, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This plant commonly grows in East Africa in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It is an easy-to-grow plant that can be propagated by various methods, including seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Schimper's beggarticks plant is through seeds. You can either collect seeds from mature flowers or purchase them from nurseries. The seeds require light, warmth, and moisture to germinate.
To start, fill pots with fresh potting soil or compost mix and sow the seeds on the surface. Ensure that the soil is moist and place the pots in a warm and sunny location. Keep the soil moist and wait for the seeds to germinate. Seedlings will start to sprout after 7 to 14 days.
After the seedlings have grown to about 20 cm in height, transplant them into individual pots or directly into your garden. Ensure they are spaced at least 20 cm apart to give them enough room to grow. Regular watering and fertilization will help them establish themselves and grow healthy.
Propagation through cuttings
Schimper's beggarticks can also be propagated through cuttings. Take cuttings of healthy stems from a mature plant and remove all leaves except for the top two pairs. This will help reduce water loss and disease from the cutting.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, then plant it in a pot filled with a sterile rooting medium like peat moss. Be sure to keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm and well-lit area, out of direct sunlight. The cutting should start to root within 2-3 weeks.
Once the plant has established roots, carefully transplant it into a larger pot or your garden. Regular watering, fertilization, and pruning will help the plant grow into a healthy and beautiful specimen.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens Schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. Pilosa Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf.
Bidens schimperi Sch.Bip. ex Walp. var. pilosa Sch.Bip. ex Schweinf., commonly known as Hairy Beggarticks, is a plant that is relatively tolerant of pests and diseases. However, it is still susceptible to some common issues that can affect plant growth and health.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Hairy Beggarticks is powdery mildew. This fungal infection appears as white or gray patches on the leaves of the plant and can stunt its growth. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant, avoid overwatering, and remove infected leaves as soon as they are noticed. Applying a fungicide can also help control the spread of powdery mildew.
Another disease that can affect Hairy Beggarticks is leaf spot. This bacterial infection causes brown or black spots on the leaves and can eventually lead to defoliation of the plant. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves as soon as they are noticed and avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Pests
The most common pest problem that affects Hairy Beggarticks is the presence of spider mites. These tiny pests feed on the sap of the plant and can cause leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage spider mites, keep the plant well-watered and remove any severely infested leaves. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites. Another common pest problem that affects Hairy Beggarticks is aphids. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or an organic insecticide to control their population.
Overall, Hairy Beggarticks is a relatively hardy plant that is not prone to many disease and pest problems. However, it is still important to monitor the plant for any signs of issues and take appropriate action to manage them before they become a significant problem.
