Photo: Jeevan Jose, Kerala, IndiaCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Species Plantarum Plant Care
Bidens pilosa L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique serrated leaves and bright yellow flowers, this plant originates from tropical and subtropical regions in Central and South America. Plant collectors are drawn to Bidens pilosa for its medicinal properties and its ability to attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Species Plantarum?
Water Species Plantarum every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Species Plantarum Native To?
What Is the Species Plantarum?
Species Plantarum (Bidens pilosa) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Bidens genus. Species Plantarum is native to the Americas.
Species Plantarum displays an upright, branching annual growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Species Plantarum produces small, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Species Plantarum?
Bidens pilosa requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Species Plantarum Need?
Species Plantarum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Species Plantarum Prefer?
Bidens pilosa grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Species Plantarum prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Species Plantarum?
Well-draining soil with high organic content, such as loam or sandy loam. Good drainage is essential for Species Plantarum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Species Plantarum?
Feed Species Plantarum every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Species Plantarum?
Annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Species Plantarum?
Species Plantarum can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spanish needles plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Species Plantarum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Species Plantarum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Species Plantarum?
Species Plantarum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Species Plantarum Need?
Species Plantarum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Species Plantarum is native to the Americas. In cooler regions, grow Species Plantarum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Species Plantarum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Bidens genus — compare its care with other Bidens species on PlantoScan.
Bidens is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Species Plantarum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Bidens Species
Other Bidens species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Bidens pilosa L., family Asteraceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 832 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Species Plantarum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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