Cleome hanburyana Penz.
Cleome hanburyana Penz. is a flowering plant belonging to the family Capparaceae. It is commonly known as Spider flower, Giant spider-flower, and African spider flower. This tender perennial is native to tropical Africa, but it is also found in parts of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
Appearance
The plant grows up to four feet tall and two feet wide. The leaves are pinnately divided into five to seven leaflets, with each leaflet measuring about six inches long. The foliage is pale green and hairy. The plant produces clusters of pink or purple flowers that resemble spiders, thus the common name spider flower. The flowers appear from late spring through summer and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Uses
Cleome hanburyana Penz. is mainly cultivated as an ornamental plant and is used in gardens, containers, and as cut flowers. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant but requires regular watering during extended dry periods. Cleome hanburyana Penz. is propagated by seeds and self-sows, making it a low-maintenance plant. The roots and leaves of the plant have been used in traditional medicine for their medicinal properties.
In summary, Cleome hanburyana Penz. is a beautiful flowering plant that adds a touch of elegance to gardens. This plant is easy to grow and requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for novice gardeners.
Light Requirements
Cleome hanburyana Penz. prefers to grow in full sunlight, but it can tolerate partial shade as well. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in areas that receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Inadequate light may cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Cleome hanburyana Penz. is between 25-30°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost or extremely low temperatures and it will die if exposed to them. It requires warm temperatures for germination and growth.
Soil Requirements
Cleome hanburyana Penz. thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to mildly acidic, ideally from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate slightly alkaline soils as well. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot and fungal diseases. Heavy clay soils should be avoided, as they can retain excess moisture.
In summary, Cleome hanburyana Penz. requires full sunlight, warm temperatures between 25-30°C, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and a neutral to mildly acidic pH level. By providing these optimal growth conditions, the plant can grow and thrive healthily.
Cultivation Methods
Cleome hanburyana Penz., also known as spider flower, is a herbaceous annual plant that is fast-growing and easy to cultivate. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a perfect choice for an outdoor garden.
Begin by planting the seeds in a location that receives plenty of sunlight. Cleome hanburyana Penz. seeds can be planted directly in the garden during the spring season after the last expected frost date. Alternatively, the seeds can be started in containers indoors, about 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date.
When transplanting outdoor seedlings, space them about 18 inches apart. Alternatively, if planting indoors, transplant them into individual pots once they have at least two sets of leaves.
Watering Needs
Spider flower plants require consistent watering throughout the growing season. It is essential to keep the soil evenly moist, and the plant roots should never dry out completely.
During the hot season, water the plants thoroughly in the morning or evening. It is best to avoid watering the plants in the afternoon to prevent water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Cleome hanburyana Penz. plant during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer once a month to boost plant growth and promote maximum flowering.
It is also recommended to mix a slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time to provide the plant with nutrients throughout the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of caring for spider flower plants. Pinch back the tips of the plants once they reach about 6 inches tall to promote bushy growth.
Deadheading spent flowers encourages the development of new blooms, extends the flowering period, and prevents self-seeding. Cut off the spent flowers just above the first set of leaves.
If the Cleome hanburyana Penz. plant grows too tall or leggy, cut it back by one-third of its overall height. This will encourage the plant to develop a more compact shape and promote new growth.
Propagation of Cleome hanburyana Penz.
Cleome hanburyana Penz., commonly known as Spider Flower or Giant Spider Flower, is a beautiful ornamental annual plant that belongs to the Capparaceae family. Propagation of Cleome hanburyana Penz. can be done through various methods:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Cleome hanburyana Penz. is through seeds. The best time to sow seeds is in the spring. Seeds can either be directly sown outdoors or started indoors and later transplanted to the garden. When planting, make sure to sow the seeds at a depth of 1/8 inch in a well-drained soil medium and maintain a soil temperature of about 70 F until the seeds germinate, usually within 7-21 days.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation of Cleome hanburyana Penz. can also be done through stem cutting. Cut healthy stems that do not have any buds, flowers, or seeds, and are at least 3-4 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip it in rooting hormone. Plant the stem cuttings in a well-draining soil medium and place them in a shaded area or greenhouse. Keep the soil moist, and within a month, the cuttings should develop roots.
Division Propagation
Another method of propagating Cleome hanburyana Penz. is through division. This method is only applicable if you already have an established plant. Use a sterilized garden tool and divide the plant into two or three sections. Make sure that each section has some roots. Plant them in containers or an outdoor garden. Water the newly transplanted sections and keep the soil moist for the first few weeks to avoid shock.
Disease Management for Cleome hanburyana Penz.
Cleome hanburyana Penz. is generally a hardy plant, but it can still be vulnerable to certain diseases. Some common diseases that may affect the cleome plant are:
- Downy Mildew: This disease can cause the leaves to turn yellow and develop white or gray spots. It can also cause the plant to wither and die. To manage downy mildew, make sure to remove any infected leaves and avoid overhead watering as it can spread the spores. You can also use a fungicide to control the disease.
- Verticillium Wilt: This disease causes the leaves to yellow and wilt. It can also cause yellow streaks in the stems of the plant. To manage verticillium wilt, remove any infected plant material and avoid planting in infected soil. If the disease persists, you may need to use a fungicide.
- Phytophthora Root Rot: This disease causes the roots to rot, which can lead to stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage phytophthora root rot, make sure to plant in well-draining soil and avoid over-watering. You can also use a fungicide to control the disease.
Pest Management for Cleome hanburyana Penz.
Cleome hanburyana Penz. may also face attacks from various pests. Some common pests that may affect the cleome plant are:
- Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects can suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, wash them off the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of various moths and butterflies and can eat away at the leaves, causing holes and damage. To manage caterpillars, hand-pick them off the plant or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause the plant to look dusty or speckled. They suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, wash them off the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Remember, prevention is better than cure. Keeping your cleome plant healthy and stress-free is the best way to prevent pest and diseases from taking hold. Good soil, proper watering, and sunlight can help your plant stay strong and resist pests and diseases.
