General Appearance
Cleome chilocalyx Oliv. is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family of Capparaceae. It is an annual plant that grows up to 60cm in height. The plant has a bushy and upright growth habit with soft green foliage. Its leaves are palmately compound, comprising of five to seven leaflets and are alternately arranged on the stem. The plant produces colorful flowers that bloom in clusters at the end of its stems, with each flower having four pink-spotted petals that are fused at the base, and six stamens.
Origin and Common Names
Cleome chilocalyx Oliv. is native to Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, where it grows in woodland savannahs and deciduous woodland habitats. It also thrives in sandy and rocky soils, particularly in disturbed areas and along roadsides.
The plant is commonly known as the pink spider flower or pink cleome. It derives its common name, spider flower because the plant's intricate flowers resemble spiders. It is also referred to as wild tobacco, spider flower, spider plant, or pink queen.
Uses
Cleome chilocalyx Oliv. has various uses both for ornamental and medicinal purposes. The plant is prized for its beautiful flowers, which make it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes. It serves as an ornamental plant in gardening and landscaping, lending beauty, and floral diversity.
Medicinally, the plant is used traditionally to treat various ailments ranging from sore throats, skin diseases, diarrhea, and dysentery. Its roots, leaves, and seeds are used to make decoctions or infusions to treat these conditions because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties. However, it is important to note that there's no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Growth Conditions for Cleome chilocalyx Oliv.
Cleome chilocalyx Oliv., commonly known as African spider flower, is a flowering plant that is native to Africa. In order for this plant to grow and flourish, specific growth conditions are necessary. Some of these conditions include:
Light
African spider flowers require full sun exposure to thrive. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to produce healthy and vibrant flowers. Without adequate sunlight, the plant may become spindly and weak, which can make it more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Temperature
This plant prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate heat up to 95°F (35°C). However, it cannot survive in temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Therefore, it is important to choose an appropriate location that provides warmth and shelter from cold winds and frost.
Soil
African spider flowers grow best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be in the range of 6.5 to 7.5. Good drainage is important as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil. Additionally, the soil should be consistently moist, but not overly wet or dry.
Overall, African spider flowers are easy to grow and maintain as long as the proper growth conditions are met. With the right amount of sunlight, warmth, and well-draining soil, this plant can produce beautiful and long-lasting blooms.
Cultivation methods
Cleome chilocalyx Oliv., also known as spider flower or spider plant, is a hardy annual that grows well in warm temperatures and full sun. It can be grown from seeds or transplants and prefers soil that is well-draining and nutrient-rich. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost or start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Plant transplants after all danger of frost has passed.
The plants can reach a height of 4-6 feet and a spread of 2-3 feet, so make sure to space them accordingly. They also benefit from support, so stake or cage them when planting. Spider plants can thrive in containers as well, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate their mature size and has good drainage.
Watering needs
Cleome chilocalyx requires moderate watering, especially during dry spells. Water the plants deeply once a week, providing enough water to saturate the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. When watering, avoid getting the foliage wet, as this can encourage fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Spider plants benefit from regular fertilization, especially if grown in containers. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season, following the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and methods. Avoid applying too much fertilizer, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.
Pruning
Cleome chilocalyx does not require pruning in the traditional sense, but deadheading spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms. To deadhead, simply remove the faded flowers by cutting the stem just below the bloom. This will direct the plant's energy toward producing more flowers rather than producing seeds.
If the plant becomes too tall or leggy, it can be pinched back to promote branching and bushier growth. Pinch the stem just above a leaf node to remove the top growth. This will encourage the plant to produce new stems and leaves from the nodes below the pinch.
Propagation of Cleome chilocalyx Oliv.
Cleome chilocalyx Oliv., commonly known as spider flower, is a beautiful flowering plant native to Africa. Propagation of Cleome chilocalyx Oliv. is a fast and straightforward process that can be accomplished by using either seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Cleome chilocalyx Oliv. can be propagated from seeds, and this method is the simplest and least expensive. Collecting seeds from the existing plant is an economical way of propagating Cleome chilocalyx Oliv. The seed should be collected when it is dry, dark, and light. You can start the seeds indoors or sow them directly into the garden. Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in water overnight to promote better germination.
For indoor germination, sow the seeds in trays filled with a well-draining soil mix. Cover the seeds with a quarter-inch layer of soil and keep the soil moist. The seeds will germinate within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings are four inches tall, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
When sowing seeds directly into the garden, choose a location that receives full or partial sunlight. Clear the area of any weeds or debris and loosen the soil. Sow the seeds and cover them with a light layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until the plants are established.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Cleome chilocalyx Oliv. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. This method is ideal if you want to create new plants that are identical to the parent plant.
Choose a healthy stem and cut a four to six-inch piece of stem just below a leaf node. Remove the bottom leaves from the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist. Place the cutting in a location that receives indirect sunlight, and after a few weeks, the roots will appear.
Once the roots are established, transfer the cutting into a larger pot or transplant it directly into the garden. It should be noted that the stem cuttings method is more delicate than seed propagation.
With either propagation method, Cleome chilocalyx Oliv. should be grown in well-draining soil and should be watered regularly. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome chilocalyx Oliv.
Cleome chilocalyx Oliv., commonly known as Kenya spider flower, is a beautiful flowering plant that is grown for ornamental purposes. The plant requires minimal care and can tolerate harsh environmental conditions. However, like all plant species, Cleome chilocalyx Oliv. is prone to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health.
Common Diseases
Cleome chilocalyx Oliv. can be affected by several diseases including:
- Leaf spot: This disease causes black and brown spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots can spread and cause the leaves to fall off. Leaf spot is caused by a fungus and can be treated by applying a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery substance to appear on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. This disease can be treated by pruning infected areas and applying a fungicide.
- Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It is caused by overwatering or poor soil drainage. To treat this disease, reduce watering and improve drainage.
Common Pests
Cleome chilocalyx Oliv. can also be affected by several pests including:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be treated by spraying the plant with an insecticidal soap or oil.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny mites that feed on the sap of the plant. They can be identified by the fine webbing they produce on the plant. Spider mites can be treated by spraying the plant with an insecticidal soap or oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. They can be identified by the damage they cause to the leaves of the plant. They can be removed by hand or treated with an insecticide.
Regular inspection of the plant is essential to catch any signs of disease or pest infestations early. Maintaining good hygiene, proper watering, and fertilization can help prevent diseases and pests from attacking the plant. In case of severe infestations or diseases, it is best to seek the advice of a professional gardener or horticulturist.
