Overview
Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a species of flowering plant in the Cleomaceae family. It is also referred to as Pink Spider Flower or Violet Queen Spider Flower. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Madagascar.
General Appearance
Cleome coeruleo-rosea is a tender annual that can grow up to 50 to 200 cm tall. The plant is slender, erect and quite branched. It has interesting foliage with large palmate leaves that are green in colour and can reach up to 20 cm in length. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem. They have distinct petioles and are composed of 5-7 segments that are ovate to rhombic in shape. The flowers are showy and bloom in attractive shades of pink and purple. The plants produce an abundance of flowers from spring through summer and into fall. The flowers are hermaphrodite, meaning they have both male and female organs.
Uses
Cleome coeruleo-rosea is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a cut flower in floral arrangements. The plant is also believed to have medicinal value. The extracts of Cleome coeruleo-rosea have been shown to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves of this plant are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as skin diseases, wounds, and fever. The seeds of Cleome coeruleo-rosea are used in cooking in African countries such as Nigeria and Mali. The seeds can be steamed and eaten as a side dish, or they can be ground into flour and used to make porridge.
Light Requirements
The Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben. plant prefers bright sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade, but it grows best when exposed to direct sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day. The plant cannot survive in completely shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
The Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben. plant is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in warm temperatures that range from 68 degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day. In cooler temperatures, the plant's growth slows down, and it may become susceptible to diseases and pests.
Soil Requirements
The Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben. plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The ideal pH range for the plant is between 6 to 7.5. Sandy soils are not suitable for this plant as it prefers a soil that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged. Adequate drainage is essential to prevent root rot, which can kill the plant. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its texture and fertility, promoting healthy plant growth.
Cultivation Method for Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a relatively easy plant to cultivate. It can grow in various soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The best location for planting Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is in a spot that receives full sun exposure, as it requires around six hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth.
Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben. can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or propagated through division. However, it is more common to propagate from seeds. The seeds should be sown in spring, after the final frost has passed. The plant should be spaced around 12 to 18 inches apart to allow sufficient room for growth.
Watering Needs for Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
It is essential to keep the soil moist for successful growth of Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben. During the hot summer months, the plant will require frequent watering, at least once a week, to prevent it from drying out. However, be careful not to overwater, as it can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
A useful tip is to wait for the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. In winter, the plant needs less frequent watering, but be sure not to let the soil dry out completely.
Fertilization for Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. It is recommended to use an all-purpose fertilizer every four to six weeks throughout the growing season, starting in early spring and continuing until the first frost in autumn.
Another option is to use an organic fertilizer, such as compost or well-aged manure, before planting. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and avoid over-feeding, as it can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning for Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben. requires minimal pruning. However, it is recommended to deadhead to encourage further blooming and maintain a neat appearance. Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers, which directs the plant's energy towards producing new blooms.
You can deadhead by pinching off the faded blooms or cutting them off using clean, sharp shears. Pruning may also be needed to remove any diseased or damaged growth, which can promote healthy growth and prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is commonly known as Blue Spider Flower or Rocky Mountain Bee Plant. It is a hardy plant species that typically grows in areas with full sun and well-drained soils. When it comes to propagation, there are several methods that can be used to produce new plants.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Cleome coeruleo-rosea is through seed propagation. Seeds should be sown in early spring in trays or pots containing a seed starting mix, covered with a thin layer of soil, and kept moist until germination occurs. Once the seedlings have grown large enough, they can be transplanted to their final location.
Division
Another method of propagation for Cleome coeruleo-rosea is through division. This is typically done in the spring or fall when the plant is either just beginning to grow or has finished flowering for the season. The plant is dug up, and the root ball is divided into smaller sections. Each section should contain several stems and a healthy root system. The divisions can then be planted in their final location.
Cuttings
Cleome coeruleo-rosea can also be propagated through cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the plant during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, non-flowering stems, and should be 3-4 inches long. The cutting should be stripped of its lower leaves and dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid location until it roots, at which point it can be transplanted.
No matter which method of propagation is used, it is important to maintain proper care of the propagules until they are established. This involves proper watering, fertilization, and pest control.
Disease Management
Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases that can cause significant damage if not managed effectively. Some common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can weaken the plant and cause stunted growth. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected plant parts, improve air circulation around the plant, and apply a fungicide if necessary.
- Leaf Spot: A bacterial or fungal disease that causes small brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. It can cause defoliation if not managed effectively. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide if necessary.
- Root Rot: A fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, often resulting in yellowing and wilting of the foliage. To manage this disease, improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. Fungicides may also be helpful if the disease is severe.
Pest Management
Cleome coeruleo-rosea Gilg & Gilg-Ben. can also be affected by several pests that can cause significant damage if left unmanaged. Some common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. They can cause distortion and stunting of growth. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or oil, spray water to remove them from the plant, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
- Spider Mites: Tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the plant's sap and leave webbing on the leaves and stems. They can cause yellowing and wilting of the foliage. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or oil, increase humidity around the plant, or introduce natural predators like predatory mites.
- Caterpillars: Larvae of moths or butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant, resulting in holes or defoliation. To manage this pest, handpick and remove them from the plant, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray, or introduce natural predators like birds or parasitic wasps.
