Origin
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers. is a species of flowering plant in the Cleomaceae family. It is believed to have originated in southern Africa.
Common names
The plant is commonly known as the African spider flower or pink spider flower. It is also called the narrow-leaved spider flower or Damara cleome.
Uses
The African spider flower is mainly cultivated as an ornamental plant for its showy pink or white flowers, which are attractive to bees and butterflies. In some parts of Africa, the plant is used for medicinal purposes, such as treating respiratory ailments and snakebites.
General appearance
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers. typically grows to a height of 60 to 100 cm. The plant has thin leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem. Its flowers are borne in panicles at the top of the stems and have four petals that are fused at the base. The flowers are pink or white, and have long stamens that protrude from the center of the flower, giving it a spidery appearance.
Growth Conditions for Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers, commonly known as African spider flower, is a hardy annual plant that is native to Southern Africa. This plant is very easy to grow and does well in a wide range of conditions.
Light Requirements
African spider flower thrives in full sun, which is defined as six or more hours of direct sunlight per day. This plant is not very tolerant of shade and will grow tall and spindly if it lacks sufficient light. If you live in a hot climate, you may want to provide some afternoon shade to protect the plant from the harsh midday sun.
Temperature Requirements
African spider flower is a warm-weather plant that requires temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit to grow optimally. If temperatures begin to drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may wilt or even die. This plant is not very frost-tolerant and should be grown as an annual in areas where temperatures regularly dip below freezing.
Soil Requirements
African spider flower grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant is not very picky about soil pH and can tolerate a wide range of values, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. You should avoid planting African spider flower in heavy, clay soils that tend to retain water and become waterlogged. Instead, choose a sandy loam soil that is loose and easy to work with.
Cultivation Methods
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers is an annual flowering plant that is relatively easy to grow. It requires full sun and well-drained soil for optimal development. The plant can grow up to three feet tall and two feet wide, making it a great choice for borders, containers, and rock gardens.
You can start your Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date or directly sow seeds in the garden after the last frost. If you decide to start the seeds indoors, keep the seedlings in a sunny location and transplant them after the last frost.
Watering Needs
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers requires regular watering during the growing season to keep the soil moist. However, make sure not to overwater the plant as too much water can cause root rot. Water the plant at the base of the stem to avoid wetting the leaves.
If grown in a container, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers grows best in fertile soil. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure. Additionally, you can fertilize the plant every three to four weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and maximum blooms.
Pruning
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers does not require much pruning except for the removal of dead or damaged foliage and spent flowers. This will not only improve the plant's appearance but also encourage more blooms to develop.
If the plant becomes tall and leggy, pinch back the tips to promote branching and more compact growth.
Propagation of Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers, commonly known as the African spider flower, can be propagated by several methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest and most effective ways to propagate Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers is by seed propagation. The plant produces a large number of seeds, which can be harvested and planted in well-draining soil. The seeds should be sown in a seed tray and covered lightly with soil. It is important to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes between 7-14 days. The seedlings can then be transplanted into individual pots once they are large enough to handle.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers. Softwood cuttings taken in the spring or summer can be rooted in a moist, well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in the potting mix and covered with a plastic bag to promote humidity. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright location but not exposed to direct sunlight. The rooted cuttings can then be transplanted into individual pots.
Division Propagation
Division can be used to propagate Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers but should be done with care since the plants have long taproots. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the root ball into smaller sections with a sharp knife or spade. Make sure each division has roots and a portion of the stem. The new divisions can be planted in well-draining soil in individual pots or directly into the garden bed.
Disease Management
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers is susceptible to a number of diseases. Below are some of the most common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. Affected plants might have a white powdery coating on their stems, leaves, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts and ensure that the plant has adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. You can also apply fungicides as a preventive measure.
- Rust: This disease is characterized by rusty-colored spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. It is caused by the fungus Puccinia cleomis. To manage rust, remove infected leaves and ensure that the plant has adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. You can also apply fungicides as a preventive measure.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora cleomae. It is characterized by small, circular, brown to black spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and ensure that the plant has adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. You can also apply fungicides as a preventive measure.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. damarensis Kers is also susceptible to pests. Below are some of the most common pests that might affect the plant:
- Spider mites: These pests are small arachnids that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to remove them, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their populations.
- Aphids: These insects are small and soft-bodied and feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause leaves to curl and distort and can also spread viruses. To manage aphids, spray the plant with water to remove them, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their populations.
- Caterpillars: These larvae of moths and butterflies feed on the leaves of the plant. They can cause significant damage if left unchecked. To manage caterpillars, handpick them from the plant, or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) to control their populations.
