Overview of Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC.
Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Capparaceae family. It is a native plant of South Africa, where it can be found in various habitats, including marshy areas and riverbanks.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Heart-Leaved Spider Flower, Heart-Leaved Cleome, and African Spider Flower.
Appearance
Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC. is a fast-growing, herbaceous plant that can grow up to 120cm tall. It has a branched stem that is covered in stiff hairs. The leaves are heart-shaped, and they grow up to 10cm long and 10cm wide. The flowers are pink or magenta and grow in large clusters at the top of the stems. Each flower has four petals and six long stamens that give it a spider-like appearance, hence the name "Spider Flower."
Uses
The plant has various uses, including medicinal and ornamental purposes. In traditional medicine, the plant parts are used to treat respiratory diseases, stomach pain, and fever. Additionally, the plant is a source of nectar for bees and butterflies, making it a popular choice for home gardens and naturalistic landscapes.
Light Conditions
Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC. thrives in full sunlight conditions with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight exposure per day. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, but intense shade should be avoided as it can cause the plant to become leggy, drop leaves and flowers, and delay blooming.
Temperature Requirements
The growth and development of Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC. is influenced by temperature. The ideal temperature range for the plant is 18-30°C (65-85°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can cause the plant to slow down and eventually stop growing. In contrast, temperatures above 32°C (90°F) can have adverse effects on the plant, including leaf scorching and wilting.
Soil Conditions
Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, within the range of 5.5-7.0. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types such as sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, it is essential to avoid waterlogged soil as this can lead to root rot and eventual death of the plant.
Water Requirements
Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC. requires regular watering during the growing season to maintain adequate moisture levels in the soil. The plant should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and the moisture content of the soil. It is crucial to avoid overwatering the plant, which can lead to wet feet and root rot.
Cultivation
Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC. is a tropical plant that prefers well-drained soil with a relatively high amount of organic matter. It grows best in warm temperatures between 70-90°F and prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs
The plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but it should not be waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and damage to the plant. In general, the plant needs watering once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture level.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, should be applied to the soil every two to three weeks during the growing season to provide the plant with essential nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and lower flower production. Slow-release fertilizers are also a good option for Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC. as they provide nutrients over an extended period of time.
Pruning
Regular pruning will help maintain the shape and size of the plant and promote the growth of new flowers. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, will encourage the plant to produce new flowers. Pruning should also be done to remove any damaged or diseased parts of the plant, and to keep it looking tidy and healthy.
Propagation of Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC.
Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC. can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC. are small and should be sown shallowly in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The best time for sowing seeds is in spring, and they can take up to two weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings have grown large enough, they can be transplanted into their permanent location at least 30 cm apart.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC. can easily propagate through stem cuttings. Cut a stem with a piece of bare stem without any leaves, about 10cm long, and dip it into rooting hormones. Place it in a pot that is filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist, cover the pot, and place it in indirect sunlight. Once rooting is successful and the roots have established themselves, it can be transferred to a permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC.
Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC., commonly known as African spider flower, is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that belongs to the Cleomaceae family. However, it is still susceptible to a few diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, along with suggested methods for managing them:
Common Diseases
Fungal diseases: African spider flower is prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery film on the leaves and stems, while rust appears as orange or brown spots on the leaves. To manage these diseases, remove affected plant parts and dispose of them. You can also use fungicides, but it is best to avoid using them excessively as they can harm beneficial insects and lead to the development of resistant strains. Instead, try to maintain good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of diseases.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease caused by soil-borne pathogens that can affect the roots of African spider flower. This disease causes the plant to wilt and its leaves to turn yellow. To manage root rot, remove affected plants and avoid overwatering, particularly in poorly drained soil. You can also improve soil drainage by adding organic matter such as compost or peat.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing the leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, or use reflective mulches to deter aphids from feeding on the plant.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck the sap from a plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil and avoid overfertilizing the plant. You can also use a strong spray of water to wash off the mites from the leaves.
Cabbage loopers: Cabbage loopers are caterpillars that chew on the leaves of plants, leaving large holes. To manage cabbage loopers, you can use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or a natural pyrethrin insecticide. You can also handpick the caterpillars off the plant and dispose of them.
