Dimorphic libraries are a whole genus of plants with more than 20 accepted species, highly valued for their very showy and ornamental flowers, which are similar to those of daisies , but notably more showy.
They are very rustic and resistant plants, although to have them strong and in good condition it is convenient to know what their needs are. If you want to learn how to take care of a dimorcap, join us in this article where you will find a complete and practical guide on caring for a dimorcap .
Dimorphic Library Characteristics
These are the main characteristics of dimorphic libraries :
- They are commonly called African daisy, Cape marigold, or Cape daisy .
- They are plants that reach a varied height from just 20 cm to almost a meter.
- They have their origin in South Africa and are species that bloom annually, being the Dimorphoteca ecklonis one of the most representative and common.
- As we have mentioned, these are plants of great rusticity and resistance, so their cultivation is very suitable even for beginners or amateurs without much experience.
Dimorfoteca location and light
This is one of the most important points when caring for these plants, and it is that they need large amounts of light . In fact, the ideal is to place them in full sun , since in their original environment in southern Africa they thrive in sunny and hot environments. The dimorfoteca can also develop in semi-shade or even indoors if we look for a location that is bright enough, but in general, the more light it receives, the better it will grow.
It must be taken into account that it is a plant with great growth, so it has an expansion capacity to take into account and the usual thing is to control its growth so that it does not colonize the entire terrain.
Another point to keep in mind is that the plant is weak to transplants and sudden changes. This means that if we have just acquired a plant or seedling from a place where it was kept under cover, suddenly exposing it to full sun is likely to damage it. In these cases it is better to protect it with gradual exposure for a few days before leaving it in full sun.
Irrigation for the dimorfoteca
Water is the other great important point in the care of this plant, although not because it needs a lot of watering, but rather the opposite. Despite its green and fresh appearance, the plant is native to dry environments, so it does not require many waterings and in fact it does not tolerate excesses at this point.
We must always water without flooding , and if possible without wetting the flowers and leaves of the plant, directly on the ground. To make sure we don’t overdo it, it’s best to wait until the top layer of soil is completely dry before watering.
Substrate and compost of the dimorfoteca
The dimorfoteca has a great capacity for adaptation and manages to develop and grow in all types of soils. However, if you are looking for your plant to grow large and give many flowers, fertile soil will help it a lot.
Use a very loose substrate that offers great drainage capacity . You can prepare a very good mixture with a part of peat, a part of coconut fiber and another part of worm castings , to which you can add a handful of vermiculite and perlite. This results in a light, drained soil that is very rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. If you plant outdoors, add coarse sand to the soil and a good supply of humus or compost to improve its properties.
When it comes to fertilizing, add compost or humus to the plant’s soil in its growing seasons, or some fertilizer for flowering plants.
Pruning for the dimorphic library
The pruning of the dimorfoteca is mainly maintenance and consists of lowering the stems of the flowers that have withered, in order to stimulate their growth and greater flowering. When flowering is over, trim the leaves as well so that when the dry season is over it will grow back later. If you want to strengthen the stems, pinch the taller stems with your fingertips.
Reproduction of the dimorphic library
These plants can reproduce both by cuttings and by seeds, one or the other method being preferable depending on the specific species.
Reproduce the dimorphic library by seeds
If we are going to reproduce it from seeds, the ideal is to plant dimorfoteca seeds between autumn and early winter, the latter especially in places with mild winters. It is also possible to sow in spring.
- Spread the seeds on the soil after having loosened it and enriched it with humus or compost, in addition to having moistened it.
- After spreading them superficially, in a sunny area, add a thin layer of sand or soil.
- About two to three weeks after germination, the seedlings will be ready to be transplanted if necessary.
Reproduce dimorphic library by cuttings
The dimorphic cuttings , on the other hand, are preferably cut and planted in summer.
- Take a stem of about 15 cm in length, from which you have to remove all the leaves.
- Plant in a small container with substrate as explained before.
- It is important to always keep it moistened while the plant is rooting, as well as to keep it in semi-shade.
- Later, when the dimorfoteca has taken root and has become strong, we can transplant it to its final location, although with great care, as it is a delicate process for them.
