Overview
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers is a plant species that belongs to the Capparaceae family. It is commonly known as the narrow-leaf spider flower or pink spider flower. It is an upright, annual herb that produces showy pink flowers during the summer months.
Origin
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers is native to South Africa, particularly in the arid regions of Namibia and Botswana. However, it is widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including North America and Europe.
Appearance
The narrow-leaf spider flower grows up to 60 cm tall and is characterized by its narrow, oblong-shaped leaves that are light green in color. Its flowers are pink, and they appear in clusters on top of long stems. The flowers have prominent stamens and long, thin petals that give them a spidery appearance. The plant blooms from early summer to late fall.
Uses
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers has several uses, both medicinal and ornamental. In some countries, it is used to treat fever and diarrhea. Its leaves are also said to be effective in treating skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis. In gardening, it is often used as a border plant or planted in mass as an ornamental plant. It is also used in cut flower arrangements due to the unique appearance of its flowers.
Growth Conditions for Cleome Angustifolia Forssk. Var. Namaquensis Kers
Light: The Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers plant requires full sunlight exposure for healthy growth and flowering. It cannot survive in shade or partial shade conditions, and hence, must be planted in areas with at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature: To grow well, the Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers plant requires warm temperatures. In general, the plant can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. However, the optimal range is 22°C to 25°C. This plant is not frost-hardy and cannot survive temperatures below 0°C.
Soil: The Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The ideal soil type for this plant is sandy loam soil. It prefers soils with moderate nutrient content and that are rich in organic matter. As this plant is sensitive to water-logging, avoid planting it in heavy or clay soils.
Water: Adequate watering is crucial for the overall growth and development of the Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers plant. It requires regular watering in moderate amounts, especially during the growth and flowering stages. However, over-watering should be avoided, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilizer: During its growing season, the Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers plant needs regular fertilization for healthy growth and flowering. An all-purpose fertilizer with balanced NPK ratios can be applied once a month during the growing season, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, you can add compost or manure to the soil before planting to provide these nutrients.
Cultivation of Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers is a resilient plant species that can withstand drought and heat. It is commonly grown in arid regions but can be grown in diverse environments.
The plant prefers a well-draining soil mixed with organic matter such as compost, and it does best with alkaline soils. The plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. If using seeds, it is advisable to soak them in water for 24 hours before sowing them in well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers can survive in drought-prone areas but should still be watered regularly for optimal growth. When grown in well-draining soil, the plant should be watered at least once a week. When the soil feels dry to the touch, watering is necessary. It is best to water the plant in the morning to allow the leaves to dry during the day, reducing the risk of disease.
Fertilization
The plant does not require regular fertilization but can benefit from a light feeding of a balanced fertilizer once every three months. It is essential to avoid adding too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer, as this will result in an abundance of foliage with fewer flowers.
Pruning
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers does not need regular pruning. However, if the plant is leggy or the flowers are not as abundant, pruning can help redirect the plant's energy towards flower production. When pruning, it is best to use sterilized pruning shears to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers, also known as the slender spider flower, can be propagated by seed or cutting. The plant belongs to the Cleomaceae family and is native to southern Africa.
Propagation by Seed
The easiest and most common way to propagate Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers is through seed propagation. It is essential to harvest seeds from a mature plant that has reached the end of its flowering stage. Waiting too long to harvest the seeds will result in seed loss.
The seeds should be sowed in a well-draining soil mixture in flats during the fall season when the temperatures have begun to cool. The flats should be placed in a sunny location, and the soil should be kept moist. The seeds will germinate within 7-10 days.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation can also be achieved through stem cuttings taken in the summer. Cuttings should be taken from firm, non-flowering stems. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and should be planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be placed in a partially shaded area.
To boost root growth, the cuttings can be treated with a rooting hormone before planting. It will take approximately one month for the cuttings to take root and begin to grow.
Both seed and cuttings method of propagation are easy and reliable, and Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers will reward the gardener with stunning flowers that are large and rich in color.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers, also known as Rocky Mountain beeplant, is a hardy plant that is resistant to many pests and diseases. However, there are still some pests and diseases that can affect it. Here are some of the most common ones and how to manage them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Cleome angustifolia is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, you can spray the plant with a fungicide that contains sulfur. You can also try to prevent the disease by keeping the plant well-watered and giving it plenty of air circulation.
Another disease that can affect Cleome angustifolia is gray mold. This is a fungal disease that appears as a grayish mold on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage gray mold, you can spray the plant with a fungicide that contains copper. You can also try to prevent the disease by keeping the plant well-watered and removing any infected plant material.
Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Cleome angustifolia is aphids. These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause it to wilt and die. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with a pesticide that contains pyrethrin. You can also try to prevent the infestation by keeping the plant well-watered and attracting natural predators, such as ladybugs.
Another pest that can affect Cleome angustifolia is spider mites. These tiny pests feed on the plant sap and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with a miticide that contains neem oil. You can also try to prevent the infestation by keeping the plant well-watered and giving it plenty of air circulation.
Overall, Cleome angustifolia Forssk. var. namaquensis Kers is a hardy plant that is resistant to many pests and diseases. However, if you do notice any signs of disease or pest infestations, it is important to take action quickly to prevent the problem from spreading.
