Overview
Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch., commonly known as the shortstyle spiderflower, is an annual plant that belongs to the Cleomaceae family. It is native to eastern Asia and can be found in various countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and Russia.
Appearance
The shortstyle spiderflower can grow up to 80 cm in height and has branches that sprout from the base of the stem. Its leaves are palmately compound and are made up of three to five leaflets that are lanceolate and toothed. The flowers are a pale pink color and have four petals that are arranged in a cross shape. Each flower is about 1-2 cm in diameter and blooms in clusters on the top of the stem.
Common Names
The Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. has several common names, including the shortstyle spiderflower, pink queen spiderflower, and narrow-leaved spiderflower.
Uses
The shortstyle spiderflower has several uses in traditional Chinese medicine, where its roots and seeds are used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, coughs, and rheumatism. Its leaves and stem are said to have antitumor and antibacterial properties. The plant is also commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a cut flower in floral arrangements.
Light Requirements
Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. grows best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. When grown indoors, it is recommended to place it near a south-facing window for optimal light exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The typical temperature range for Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. is between 70°F and 80°F (21°C - 27°C). It cannot withstand frost and requires warmer temperatures to germinate. If grown outdoors, it is important to protect it from sudden temperature drops and strong winds that can impair growth.
Soil Requirements
Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for optimal growth. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. It is recommended to add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve its texture and nutrient content.
Cultivation of Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch.
Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. is a hardy annual plant that grows well in a sunny location with well-drained soil. The plant prefers soil that is rich in organic matter, so it is advisable to mix in compost or manure before planting.
The seeds of Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. should be sown directly into the ground after all chance of frost has passed. The plant can also be started indoors four weeks before the last frost date and transplanted outdoors when the weather has warmed up.
Watering needs of Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch.
Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. prefers to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently if the weather is hot and dry. It is important not to let the plant dry out, as this can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Fertilization of Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch.
For optimal growth and flowering, Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. should be fertilized once a month. A balanced fertilizer, with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, can be applied according to the instructions on the package. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be mixed into the soil at the time of planting.
Pruning of Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch.
Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. does not require much pruning, but it can benefit from deadheading. As individual flowers fade, pinch off the spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more flowers. This will also help to keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
Propagation of Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch.
Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. is commonly known as the Shortstyle Cleome and is a plant species that belongs to the Capparaceae family. The plant is native to China and can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Methods of Propagation
1. Seed Propagation: The most common method of propagating Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. is through seeds. The plant produces small, black, and shiny seeds that can be collected from the mother plant once they start to mature. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting medium and place them in a warm, bright location. Germination occurs within 7-21 days, depending on the environmental conditions.
2. Stem Cuttings: Another method of propagating Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. is through stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inches long stem cuttings from the mother plant that are free from any diseases or pests. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and place them in a moist, well-draining potting medium. Keep the cuttings in a warm and bright location, away from direct sunlight. Within 2-3 weeks, roots will start forming, and the cuttings can be transplanted to their desired location.
3. Division: Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. can also be propagated by dividing the plant. This method involves separating the mother plant's root ball into smaller sections, each with a healthy root system and foliage. Plant the divided sections in a well-draining potting medium and water them well. Place the newly divided plants in a warm and bright location away from direct sunlight and monitor their growth until they establish themselves.
By following these propagation methods, growers can produce new plants of Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. with the same qualities as the mother plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch.
Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. is a beautiful plant and is commonly known as the spider flower. It is native to Madagascar and is widely grown as an annual in the United States. The plant is known for its bright pink, purple, and white flowers, and it attracts pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. However, like any other plant, it can be affected by diseases and pests that need to be managed to ensure healthy growth and flowering.
Common Diseases of Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch.
The following are some of the common diseases that may affect Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch.:
1. Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that typically affects the leaves and stems of the plant. It appears as a powdery white coating on the foliage of the plant, causing leaves to yellow and fall off. To manage powdery mildew, one can use fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil. Additionally, pruning of infected stems can go a long way in preventing the spread of the disease.
2. Leaf spot
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves of Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. The spots may be brown, black, or yellow, and they may cause the leaves to fall off the plant. To manage leaf spot, one can prune away infected leaves and apply fungicides such as copper soap or neem oil.
Common Pests of Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch.
The following are some of the common pests that may affect Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch:
1. Aphids
Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. They feed by piercing the plant tissue and sucking out the sap, causing the leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, one can wash them off the plant using a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soaps.
2. Spider mites
Spider mites are another pest that may attack Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch. They feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing yellow stippling and discoloration. To manage spider mites, one can increase humidity around the plant by misting it regularly. Additionally, one can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to kill the mites.
3. Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny, white-colored flying insects that suck the sap out of the plant. They cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off, weakening the plant. To manage whiteflies, one can use sticky traps or apply insecticidal soaps to the plant.
Overall, good cultural practices such as watering regularly, providing good drainage, and ensuring sufficient sunlight can go a long way in preventing diseases and pests from attacking Cleome brachystyla Deflers ex Franch.
