Cleome Capensis L.

Overview

Cleome capensis L. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Capparaceae. It is commonly known as the Cape spider flower, spider plant, spiderwisp, or African spider flower. This annual plant is native to southern Africa and can be found growing wild in countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

Appearance

The Cape spider flower plant can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and has a slender stem. It has palmately compound leaves that typically have five to seven serrated leaflets. The leaves are green and can range from 5 to 15 centimeters in length, and 2 to 7 centimeters in width.

The plant produces clusters of large pink, purple, or white flowers that bloom from spring through summer. Each flower has four petals and is arranged in a raceme with a long central stem that branches out at the top. The flowers have a unique spider-like appearance due to the long, thin stamens that protrude from the center of the flower.

Uses

One of the primary uses of Cleome capensis L. is as an ornamental plant. Its unique spider-like appearance makes it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers looking to add a distinctive touch to their flower beds. The plant can also be grown in pots and containers, making it suitable for use in balconies and patios.

In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments. The Zulu people of South Africa use the plant to treat stomach problems, while the San people use it to treat respiratory diseases.

The leaves and young shoots of the plant are edible and are used in salads and as a vegetable in some African countries.

In conclusion, the Cleome capensis L., commonly known as the Cape spider flower, is a unique and attractive plant native to southern Africa. Its spider-like appearance and ornamental value have made it a popular choice for gardeners, and it has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes by different African cultures.

Light Requirements

Cleome capensis L. usually require full sunlight for vigorous growth as it is a sun-loving plant. It can, however, tolerate partial shade or filtered light but it may affect its flowering pattern. Therefore, it is important to place the plant in a location where it can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.

Temperature Requirements

Cleome capensis L. is a warm-weather plant that thrives in high temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures up to 90°F, but anything above this range can lead to heat stress. In terms of its minimum temperature requirement, it can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F. However, it is important to maintain a temperature range between 65°F and 75°F to ensure optimal growth and development.

Soil Requirements

The soil requirements for the Cleome capensis L. plant are well-draining, loose, and fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers sandy to loamy soil with good drainage capabilities, as prolonged exposure to moist soil can lead to root rot. It is also important to note that the plant requires a good amount of nutrients to thrive, so it is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.

Cultivation Methods for Cleome capensis L.

Cleome capensis L., also known as the pink spiderflower, is a great addition to any garden. To cultivate this plant, you must follow a few essential steps.

1. Choose a location that provides full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.
2. Sow seeds directly in the garden bed during spring or fall once the temperature is over 60°F.
3. Plant seeds at a depth no greater than 1/4 inch and space them 12 to 18 inches apart.
4. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, and water the area regularly.
5. The plant will germinate in 10 to 20 days and will grow to a height of 2 to 4 feet.

Watering Needs for Cleome capensis L.

To grow healthy pink spiderflower, it is crucial to provide them with consistent moisture.

• Water the plant frequently during the initial stages of growth and every week once they mature.
• Ensure the soil is moist but not saturated.
• During dry or hot weather, water the plant more frequently.
• Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases, instead, water the soil around the plant.

Fertilization for Cleome capensis L.

Cleome capensis L. is not demanding for fertilizer.

• Apply compost or well-balanced fertilizer to the plant bed during planting to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients.
• The application of a liquid fertilizer every four weeks from planting to mid-summer can stimulate blooming.
• Ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully while applying the fertilizer.
• Excessive fertilizer application may lead to poor plant growth and development.

Pruning for Cleome capensis L.

Proper pruning techniques can encourage bushier growth, promote flowering, and keep the plant looking neat.

• To promote bushier growth, pinch the tips of young plants when they reach about 6 inches tall.
• Remove spent blooms regularly by pinching them off at the base to prevent them from forming seeds.
• Prune back leggy or overgrown plants up to one-third of their height.
• Prune the plant's mature stems in late summer or fall after flowering to remove any dead or diseased growth.

Propagation of Cleome capensis L.

Cleome capensis L., commonly known as the pink spider flower or Cape cleome, is a popular ornamental plant that can be propagated through various methods.

Seed propagation

The most common method of propagating Cleome capensis L. is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from mature seedpods of the plant. Once harvested, seeds must be dried in a cool, dry place before sowing. Seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors in trays. Seeds will germinate in 10-14 days with temperatures ranging from 70-75°F.

Vegetative propagation

Another method of propagating Cleome capensis L. is through vegetative propagation. This can be done through stem cuttings or division of the root system. Stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy parent plant and should include 3-4 nodes. These cuttings must be dipped into rooting hormone before being planted in well-drained soil. For root division, the parent plant must be dug up and carefully divided into sections, ensuring that each section has a healthy root system attached.

Suckers

Cleome capensis L. can also be propagated through suckers that develop on the base of the plant. These can be carefully removed and planted in well-draining soil with the addition of organic matter.

Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important for the newly propagated plants to be kept in a moist environment until new growth begins.

Disease and Pest Management for Cleome capensis L.

Cleome capensis L., commonly known as spider flower, is a robust plant that grows up to 3 feet tall. It is a popular choice for gardens and landscapes due to its unique, showy flowers. Like all plants, Cleome capensis is susceptible to diseases and pests that can harm or even kill the plant. Effective disease and pest management techniques can help to protect this beautiful plant and ensure its longevity.

Common Diseases

Cleome capensis is prone to several diseases, including:

• Powdery Mildew: This fungus causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant, leading to stunted growth and eventual death. Powdery mildew can be managed by cleaning up fallen leaves and other debris around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.
• Fusarium Wilt: This soil-borne fungus causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves, followed by death of the plant. Fusarium wilt can be managed by planting disease-resistant varieties and avoiding over-watering and over-fertilizing.
• Verticillium Wilt: Another soil-borne fungus that causes the leaves of the plant to wilt and turn yellow before eventually dying. Verticillium wilt can be prevented by planting disease-resistant varieties and avoiding planting in soil previously used for tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants.

Common Pests

Cleome capensis is also prone to several pests, including:

• Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. Aphids can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Spider Mites: These tiny pests feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and bronzing. Spider mites can be managed by keeping the plant well-watered and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Snails and Slugs: These mollusks feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, leaving irregular holes and slime trails. Snails and slugs can be managed by using traps or baits, such as copper strips or beer traps.

Regular monitoring and prompt action are essential to managing diseases and pests on Cleome capensis. By using a combination of cultural practices, such as proper watering and fertilization, and chemical controls, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil, gardeners can help to keep this stunning plant healthy and vibrant.