Bidens are prolific flowering plants with yellow or orange daisy-like blooms; newer biden varieties have pink, gold, and white blossoms. They are also commonly called Spanish needles, tickseed sunflowers, and beggarticks. They thrive in rich soil with sufficient drainage and require full sun. They tolerate drought and heat relatively well. Bidens are perennial plants in warmer climates. In northern climates with freezing temperatures, they are annuals and will need replanting each year.
Apache beggarticks (Bidens ferulifolia) is a lovely wildflower native to the southern United States It’s recognizable by its sunny yellow petals and delicate, fern-like foliage. However, you may notice your Apache beggarticks plants looking droopy, with leaves and flowers pointing down instead of up There are a few potential causes behind drooping Apache beggarticks flowers.
Common Reasons for Drooping Apache Beggarticks Flowers
Here are some of the most common reasons Apache beggarticks flowers may start to droop:
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Underwatering – Apache beggarticks needs moist soil to thrive Underwatering is the most common reason for drooping Leaves and flowers will wilt when the plant is thirsty.
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Overwatering – While Apache beggarticks likes consistent moisture, soggy soil can also cause drooping. Too much water deprives roots of oxygen.
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Poor drainage – Stagnant water and soggy soil leads to root rot and drooping plants. Apache beggarticks needs well-draining soil.
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Root damage – Accidental root damage from digging or transplanting can make Apache beggarticks wilt.
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Pests – Spider mites, aphids, and other sucking insects can infest and weaken plants. Check for bugs on the undersides of leaves.
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Disease – Fungal diseases like powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot can make Apache beggarticks drop leaves and flowers.
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Temperature stress – Extreme cold, heat, or rapid temperature fluctuations can cause temporary drooping.
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Transplant shock – Recently transplanted Apache beggarticks may show some wilting as they adjust to their new environment.
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Overcrowding – Dense planting prevents air circulation and causes stress. Space Apache beggarticks 12-18 inches apart.
How to Revive a Drooping Apache Beggarticks Plant
If you catch the drooping early, there are a few things you can try to revive your Apache beggarticks:
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Water thoroughly if the soil is dry or the plant is showing signs of underwatering.
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Repot into fresh, well-draining soil if overwatering is suspected. Trim off any rotten roots before repotting.
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Treat for pests using organic insecticidal soap on bugs. Remove heavily infested parts.
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Prune out diseased areas and discard any infected plant debris. Apply organic fungicides to prevent spread.
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Move to a sheltered location to help recover from weather or transplant stress.
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Loosen and aerate the soil gently with a fork if overcrowding is an issue.
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Fertilize lightly with a balanced liquid plant food to stimulate new growth after any stress factors are corrected.
With quick action, you can often get a droopy Apache beggarticks to perk back up. Just make sure to address the underlying issue, whether it’s thirst, pests, disease, or environmental factors. The plant should bounce back once its needs are met.
How to Prevent Apache Beggarticks Flowers From Drooping
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to avoiding droopy Apache beggarticks plants. Here are some tips:
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Plant in rich, well-draining soil with lots of organic matter worked in.
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Water regularly whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Don’t let Apache beggarticks sit in soggy soil.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer a couple times per growing season. Don’t over-fertilize.
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Prune off spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Deadhead into fall for best results.
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Monitor for common pests like spider mites and aphids. Take action quickly if found.
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Space Apache beggarticks plants 12-18 inches apart for good air flow.
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Shelter Apache beggarticks from harsh weather extremes, especially if newly planted or potted.
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Avoid disturbing the roots when transplanting and handle the plant gently.
By giving your Apache beggarticks proper care and growing conditions, you can avoid many issues that cause drooping. Pay close attention to watering needs, drainage, and pest prevention and you’ll keep your flowers standing tall. Let those sunny yellow blooms shine!
Bidens Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing bidens:
- Plant in rich soil with good drainage.
- Grows best in neutral to slightly acidic soil.
- Requires full sun.
- Will not require deadheading to produce new blooms.
- Feed monthly with a general-purpose fertilizer.
Several Bidens species are invasive in the U.S. and other parts of the world, including Bidens pilosa (40 countries, including Hawaii), Bidens cernua (Alaska), Bidens aristosa (Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky), and Bidens frondosa (Alaska).
How Long Does Bidens Bloom?
Blooms usually last about two to three weeks. They rebloom continuously, returning annually (within zones 8-11).
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