Overview of Cleome albescens Franch.
Cleome albescens Franch. is a species of flowering plant in the family Cleomaceae. It is a herbaceous annual that is native to China, specifically to the provinces of Gansu and Shaanxi.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Chinese spider flower or Chinese cleome in English. In Chinese, it is referred to as ????? (bai hua gui zhen cao) or simply ??? (gui zhen cao), which translates to "white-flowered devil's needle grass" or "devil's needle grass."
Appearance
The Chinese spider flower grows up to a height of 50 to 100 cm. It produces white flowers in clusters that can grow up to 25 cm in length. The flowers have four petals and six protruding stamens that give them a spidery appearance. The leaves are compound and have three to seven leaflets that are oval in shape. The fruit is a long capsule that contains many small seeds.
Uses
The Chinese spider flower is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and pots. Its unique and striking appearance makes it a popular choice for adding interest to flower beds and borders, as well as for use in cut flower arrangements. The plant is also a favorite of pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for attracting these beneficial insects to the garden.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the whole plant of Cleome albescens has been used to treat various ailments. The roots are used to alleviate toothache and as a diuretic, while the leaves and stems are used to relieve coughs, fevers, and headaches. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims, and the plant should not be ingested without first consulting a healthcare professional.
Light Requirements
Cleome albescens Franch. requires full sunlight to thrive. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient sunlight may result in stunted growth and decreased yields.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 10°C to as high as 40°C. However, it prefers temperatures between 18-30°C for optimal growth. Temperatures above 35°C can cause wilting and stress to the plant, while freezing temperatures can kill it.
Soil Requirements
Cleome albescens Franch. grows well in well-drained, loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, with a pH range between 6.0-7.5. The plant does not thrive in compacted or waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot and reduced growth.
Cultivation of Cleome Albescens Franch.
Cleome Albescens Franch. is a herbaceous perennial plant commonly known as spider plant. It is native to Asia, specifically in China, and is a commonly grown garden plant appreciated for its yellow or white flowers.
The ideal climate for growing Cleome Albescens is a subtropical or temperate zone with well-drained soil rich in nutrients. It grows best in an area with partial shade and has a moderate rate of growth.
Watering Needs of Cleome Albescens Franch.
Cleome albescens Franch. needs sufficient water to grow and develop properly. It is necessary to provide frequent watering to prevent the soil from drying out. The best method of watering is to use drip irrigation or an automated sprinkler system to ensure consistent moisture. The amount of water required varies depending on the climate, soil type, and maturity of the plant.
Fertilization of Cleome Albescens Franch.
Cleome Albescens Franch. requires a regular supply of nutrients to achieve healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with a composition of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied once a month, especially during the growing period. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be used to supply the plant with nutrients over a more extended period.
Pruning Cleome Albescens Franch.
Pruning helps maintain the shape and size of Cleome Albescens Franch. and also encourages the growth of new flowers. Deadheading is an essential part of pruning the plant. This involves removing the old, wilted flowers to stimulate the growth of new ones. Pruning should be carried out after the flowering period when the plant goes dormant.
In summary, with adequate watering, fertilization, and pruning, Cleome Albescens Franch. can grow to its full potential and produce attractive flowers that beautify any garden.
Propagation of Cleome albescens Franch.
There are several methods of propagating Cleome albescens Franch. Depending on the goal, growers can choose between sexual and asexual propagation. Following are the most common methods:
Seeds
Propagating Cleome albescens Franch. from seeds is the most straightforward method. Collect seeds after the plant has finished blooming and store them carefully in a cool, dry place until planting. For the best results, plant the seeds in the early springtime in well-draining soil. The ideal temperature for the germination of Cleome albescens Franch. seeds is between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. Seedlings should be watered regularly and kept well-lit until they are strong enough to be transplanted.
Cuttings
Another way to propagate Cleome albescens Franch. is by taking cuttings. It is best to take cuttings in late spring or early summer, just after the plant has bloomed. Cut a stem that has at least three leaves and is around 5-10cm long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip it in a rooting hormone solution. Place the stem into well-draining soil or sand and keep it well-watered. After two to three weeks, roots should form, and when the new plant grows to around 10cm, it can be transplanted.
Division
Cleome albescens Franch. can also be propagated by division. Wait for the plant to become established, then dig up the entire plant carefully, being mindful not to damage the roots. Divide the plant carefully into sections, each with its own root system, and replant each division separately. Keep each separated plant moist and well-fed until it becomes established.
Disease Management
Cleome albescens Franch. is generally resistant to many diseases, but it may still be susceptible to some common plant diseases. One of the most common diseases that Cleome albescens Franch. may face is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove and discard all infected plant material immediately. Ensure proper air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Preventive fungicide applications can also be useful.
Another common disease that can affect Cleome albescens Franch. is bacterial wilt, which can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. To prevent and manage bacterial wilt, avoid excessive irrigation and handle the plant gently to prevent damaging the roots. If bacterial wilt is suspected, remove and destroy all infected plant parts and avoid planting susceptible plants in that area for several years.
Pest Management
Like many other plants, Cleome albescens Franch. can be affected by insects and other pests. One of the most common pests that may infest Cleome albescens Franch. is aphids. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause distorted growth and wilting of the plant. To manage aphids, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings or use pesticides according to manufacturer instructions.
Another common pest that may affect Cleome albescens Franch. is spider mites, which can cause the leaves to become stippled and discolored. To manage spider mites, avoid over-fertilizing the plant and ensure proper humidity levels around the plant. Introduce natural predators or use miticides according to manufacturer instructions.
Caterpillars and budworms can also be a problem for Cleome albescens Franch. By handpicking or pruning infested parts, or using Bacillus thuringiensis or spinosad- containing insecticides, this type of pest can be managed.
