Bidens pilosa aka Spanish Needles

Taxonomy

Bidens pilosa, also known as hitch hikers, black-jack, beggarticks, farmer’s friends, cobblers pegs, and Spanish needle, is an annual species of herbaceous flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae. It is native to the Americas but has been introduced to other regions worldwide, including Eurasia, Africa, Australia, South America, and the Pacific Islands. In Chishona, it is called tsine. The plant produces an erect, much-branched stem that can grow up to 100cm tall, but often flowers, seeds, and dies when smaller. It is sometimes cultivated for food and medicine, and in parts of Africa, allowed to remain as a weed in cultivated ground. Hairy Beggarticks is a rare houseplant that needs regular watering and direct light within 1 foot of a window to thrive. It prefers well-draining soil and may benefit from organic fertilizer during the peak growing season.

Common names

Spanish Needles, Beggar Ticks, Black Jack

How to care for Spanish Needles

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Spanish Needles is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Spanish Needles should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Spanish Needles loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Spanish Needles requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Spanish Needles will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Spanish Needles plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Spanish Needles’s native range is New Zealand. A pantropical weed[272].


More info:
Wikipedia