In summer we like to have plants because they are in full swing, especially the flower ones. Between them, one very similar to daisies is the dimorfoteca. Like the first ones, the potted dimorfoteca is the most common in this season. However, it has a series of more special care than if it were planted in the ground.
If you want to meet them and help you to cultivate it and enjoy the color of its flowers, We invite you to continue reading this article because it will surely serve as a guide for your care.
How is the dimorfoteca
The dimorfoteca, also known as dimorphotheca, osteospermum, cape daisy, cape marigold... It is one of the plants native to Africa. It is very easy to care for and reproduce as the seeds spread quickly and new plants grow (be careful not to invade the site of others).
Conclusion annual plants and little by little they become harder, in such a way that it adapts perfectly to the climate and practically resists everything.
It is characterized by the flowers it throws, of many colors and very similar to daisies. However, they are more resistant than these and adapt to any type of soil. That is why they are said to be ideal. for those who do not have a good hand with plants or who are beginners.
They can reach from 20 to 100 centimeters in height, that is, they would not exceed one meter in height.
Dimorfoteca care in pot
Dimorphotheca can be put both in the ground and in a pot. The usual and normal thing is to place it in a pot, but in this medium, it requires a little more precise and important care that we are going to comment on below.
Location and temperature
Within the care of a potted dimorphotheque is placing it in a suitable place. To do this, you have to place it where it receives a lot of natural light. And if possible, in full sun.
Keep in mind that in its natural habitat, in South Africa, this plant is in full sun and very hot areas. So high temperatures will not be a problem.
If you cannot provide it with full sun, perhaps because you have it indoors or because your terrace or garden does not have as much light, then you can put it in semi-shade, although that will affect the development of the plant (it will grow much less).
You should also know that it is very sensitive when there is a sudden change in temperature, location, etc. In other words, if you buy it, don't let it overwhelm you to see it fade a little and even lose flowers. If you leave it for a while it should adapt to its new environment.
In terms of temperature, it is a plant that It will tolerate high temperatures very well. (It is said that from 30 degrees it is already difficult, but in reality up to 40 would be fine as long as we take care of the rest of the care). At the other extreme, it tolerates short frosts of up to -2, -3 degrees.
Substratum
The soil you use in a potted dimorphotheca is very important because it limits what it can seek out for nutrients (it's locked in a space). Therefore, you should put a substrate with extra drainage to prevent accumulations or excess water which could rot the roots of the pot.
Within the lands to use, we recommend that you bet on a sandy one. You can mix this with a substrate for cacti, perlite and/or coconut fiber.
If you cannot provide this substrate, opt for a universal one, but add some perlite or even pebbles, so that it can be ventilated and your plant will thank you.
Irrigation
Another of the most important care of the dimorfoteca in pot is water. Many times it is thought that, because it is in full sun, it needs a lot of water. but it is certainly not like that. In fact, you need rather little.
The plant is of "dry" origin, that is, it It does not require many risks and if you go too far with it you can kill it.
For this reason, it is advisable to water a little, and always from below the pot, because if the water touches the flowers or the leaves of the dimorphotheca in a pot, you could end up losing them (they wither).
When to water? That is going to tell you the upper layer of the earth. If you see that it is already very dry, it is time to water. Another option that is sometimes even better is to remove the first layer a little to see if the rest of the soil is moist. If so, don't water it. But when doing it from below, it is normal for it to be dry.
Subscriber
In times of growth of the dimorfoteca you could add a little compost or humus to give you a little extra energy. Even opt for fertilizers for flowering plants can be very suitable.
Pruning
As we have told you before, the dimorphotheca is quite invasive, especially since it grows very quickly. Therefore, to maintain it, it is important to carry out a maintenance pruning which will consist of controlling its growth and removing stems and flowers that have withered.
In fact, if you do this, the most normal thing is that you stimulate its growth and flowering.
Plagues and diseases
The dimorfoteca is a very resistant plant. But that doesn't mean I can take it all. As for pests, you must be careful with the aphids.
In diseases, those that can stress the plant, or those that have to do with excess irrigation will be the most problematic.
Reproduction
Before we have told you that it is a fast-growing plant. And it also multiplies easily. And the truth is that it is so. It can be reproduced in two different ways: by cuttings or by seeds.
If you do it by cuttings, you should get a stem at least 15cm long. You have to remove all the leaves and place them in a pot with substrate that you must keep moist and in semi-shade until you see that it has taken root and the leaves begin to come out.
If you opt for the seedsThese are planted between autumn and winter. You will obtain the seeds from the flowers and putting them in pots with adequate and moist soil will be more than enough.
Do you dare to have a dimorfoteca in a pot?