Overview
Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume, also known as the small-fruited bur marigold, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is distributed in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Philippines, and Papua New Guinea.
Common Names
Aside from small-fruited bur marigold, Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume is also known as bur marigold, beggar-ticks, stickybean, and Spanish needle.
Appearance
Small-fruited bur marigold typically grows in grasslands, stream banks, and open fields. It can reach a height of up to 1 meter and has woody stems at the base. The leaves are opposite, toothed, and up to 12 cm long. Its small flowers are bright yellow and have tube-like petals. The fruits are tiny, dry achenes that are covered in barbed bristles, which allow them to stick to animal fur or clothing.
Uses
Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as headaches, fever, and diarrhea. The plant's leaves and roots are dried and made into a tea or tincture which is taken orally. The leaves are also used as a poultice to treat skin infections and other wounds. In addition, small-fruited bur marigold is cultivated as an ornamental plant and is a good food source for bees and other pollinators.
Light Conditions
Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume prefers bright, direct sunlight. It can grow in partial shade, but too much shade will inhibit its growth and flowering. It is best to place the plant in an area that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day.
Temperature Conditions
The ideal temperature range for Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume is between 60 to 85°F (15 to 29°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) but will not survive frost. Hot temperatures above 90°F (32°C) can cause heat stress and hinder the growth of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume needs well-draining, nutrient-rich soil for optimal growth. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Adding compost or organic matter can improve soil quality. This plant can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as they are well-draining.
Cultivation Methods
The Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume thrives in full sun or partial shade. It can be grown in various types of soil but preferably well-draining soil with a pH level of a neutral to slightly acidic range. The soil must be loose and moist at all times. The planting can be done using seeds or cuttings. When planting, ensure that the distance between each plant is at least six inches. The planting should be carried out in the spring season, once the winter frost has passed.
Watering Needs
The Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume requires regular and consistent watering. The soil must be kept moist, but not wet, to prevent waterlogging, which may lead to root rot. The frequency of watering should be determined by the weather conditions and the amount of sun the plant is receiving. During hot weather, the plant may require watering daily. In colder months, the watering can be reduced. It is essential to water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage.
Fertilization
The Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume is not a heavy feeder and requires only a moderate amount of fertilizer. The plant can be fertilized once every two to three weeks using an all-purpose fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing because excessive fertilizer can lead to weak growth and leggy appearance.
Pruning
Pruning the Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume is not mandatory, but it can promote a bushier and fuller appearance. Pruning can be carried out during the growing season by cutting the stem tips and removing any withered or damaged leaves. It can also encourage extended blooming time. Regular deadheading of spent flowers can encourage continuous blooming by encouraging the plant to put its energy into growing new flowers.
Propagation of Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume
Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume, commonly known as Sundaland Beggarticks, is a low maintenance plant that can be easily propagated through several methods. Here are the propagation methods for this species:
Seed Propagation
Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume can be propagated through seeds that are easily available online or can be collected from mature plants. The seeds can be sown during the spring season in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within 2-3 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to the desired location once they are big enough to handle.
Division
Another method to propagate Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume is through division. This can be done when the mature plant has formed clumps, usually after a year or two. This method involves digging up the plant and separating the clumps into smaller sections. Each section should have some roots attached to ensure successful propagation. The separated clumps can then be replanted in their desired locations.
Cutting Propagation
Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume can also be propagated through stem cuttings. This is one of the quickest methods to get new plants. For this, take 4-6 inch long stem cuttings from the mature plant in the spring season. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the pot in a warm, bright spot. The new plant should root in 2-3 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume
Bidens sundiaca Blume var. minor Blume, commonly known as the Sundaland beggarticks, is susceptible to some diseases and pests that can cause severe damage to the plant. Here are some of the most common issues and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal infection can cause dark spots on the leaves and stems, which can eventually lead to the plant's death. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plants and debris around the area. Apply fungicides that contain copper or chlorothalonil to prevent the spread of the disease.
Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that thrive in moist soil conditions, and it can lead to the plant's wilting, yellowing, and death. To prevent root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. Use fungicides that contain mefenoxam or metalaxyl to manage the disease.
Pests
Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to curl and distort. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a soap-and-water solution or a chemical insecticide that contains neem oil or pyrethrin. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to control the aphid population.
Caterpillars: These worm-like larvae can eat the plant's leaves, causing severe damage. To manage caterpillars, handpick them or spray the plant with a biological pesticide that contains Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad.
Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and distortion of the plant's leaves, and they thrive in dry conditions. To manage spider mites, use a miticide that contains abamectin or bifenthrin. Increase the humidity around the plant, or spray it with a jet of water to discourage their growth.
Regular monitoring of the plant and appropriate action can help prevent the spread of diseases and control pests. It's essential to use management practices that are safe for both the plant and the environment.
