In the summer we like to have plants because they are thriving, especially the flowers. Between them, a very similar to the daisies is the dimorfoteca. Like the first, the potted dimorfoteca is the most common in this season. However, it benefits from a series of more special care than if it were planted in the ground.
If you want to meet them and help you grow it and appreciate the color of its flowers, We invite you to continue reading this article because it will surely serve as a guide for your care.
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How is the dimorfoteca
The dimorphotheque, too known as dimorphotheca, osteospermum, cape daisy, cape marigold… It is one of the plants native to Africa. It is very easy to maintain and reproduce because the seeds spread quickly and new plants grow (be careful not to invade the site of others).
They are annual plants and little by little they become harder, so that it adapts perfectly to the climate and resists practically everything.
It is characterized by the flowers it throws, of several colors and very similar to daisies. However, they are more resistant than these and adapt to any type of soil. This is why they are said to be ideal. for those who do not master plants well or who are just starting out.
They can reach from 20 to 100 centimeters in height, that is to say that they would not exceed a 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 environment it requires a little more precise and important care that we are going to comment below.
location and temperature
Caring for a potted dimorphotheca means placing it in a suitable place. To do this you must place it where it receives plenty 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. Thus, high temperatures will not be a problem.
If you can’t provide it with full sun, maybe because you have it indoors or because your patio or garden doesn’t get as much light, then you can put it in partial shade, although this will harm the development of the plant (it will grow much less).
You should also know that it is very sensitive to sudden changes 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 adjust to its new surroundings.
In terms of temperature, it is a plant that It will tolerate high temperatures very well. (They say that from 30 degrees it is already difficult, but in reality up to 40 it would be good as long as we take care of the rest of the care). At the other extreme, it tolerates short frosts down to -2, -3 degrees.
Substrate
The soil you use in a potted Dimorphotheca is very important because it limits what it can seek out in nutrients (it’s locked in a space). Therefore, you must put a substrate with additional drainage to avoid accumulations or excess water which could rot the roots of the pot.
In the lands to be used, we recommend that you bet on sandy soil. You can mix this with a substrate for cactus, perlite and/or coconut fiber.
If you can’t provide this substrate, opt for a universal substrate, but add perlite or even pebbles, so that it can be airy and your plant will thank you for it.
Irrigation
Another of the most important cares of the potted dimorfoteca is water. Often 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 quite a bit.
The plant is of “dry” origin, that is to say that it It doesn’t require a lot of risk 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 potted dimorphotheca, you risk losing them (they wither).
When to water? This will tell you the top layer of the earth. If you see that it is already very dry, it’s time to water. Another option, sometimes even better, is to strip the first layer a little to see if the rest of the soil is damp. If so, don’t water it. But when done from below, it is normal for it to be dry.
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In the period of growth of the dimorfoteca, you can add some compost or humus to give you some extra energy. Even opt for fertilizer for flowering plants may very well fit.
Cut
As we have already told you, the dimorphotheca is quite invasive, especially since it grows very quickly. Therefore, to maintain it, it is important to perform a maintenance pruning which will consist of controlling its growth and removing the stems and faded flowers.
In fact, if you do this, the most normal thing is to 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 need to be careful with aphids.
In diseases, those that can stress the plant, or those related to excessive irrigation will be the most problematic.
the reproduction
Before telling 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 seed.
If you do it by cuttings, you should get a stem at least 15 cm long. You must remove all the leaves and place them in a pot with a substrate that you must keep moist and in partial shade until you see that it has taken root and the leaves are starting to come out.
If you opt for seedsThese are planted between fall and winter. You will get the seeds from the flowers and putting them in pots with adequate moist soil will be more than enough.
Do you dare to have a dimorfoteca in a pot?