Origin
Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a species of flowering plant in the family Cleomaceae. It is native to eastern Africa, specifically found in Kenya and Tanzania.
Common Names
Common names for Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. include spider flower and spider cleome. It is also known as "kisikisi" in Swahili language.
Uses
The plant has medicinal properties, as the roots and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as headaches and stomachaches. Additionally, Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its unique and brightly colored flowers.
General Appearance
Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is an annual or perennial herb that can reach up to 80 cm in height. The leaves are palmately compound, with 3-7 leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The flowers are produced in racemes that are up to 45 cm long, and are typically pink or purple in color. The fruits are long, narrow capsules that split open when ripe to release the small black seeds within.
Light Requirements
For optimal growth, Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. requires full to partial sunlight exposure. The plant is well suited for growing in areas with plenty of sunshine, and it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Lack of adequate sunshine may lead to slow or stunted growth, and the plant may not flower as expected.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. growth is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). The plant is well adapted to warm and dry conditions and can tolerate a range of temperature fluctuations. However, it is best to avoid extreme temperature changes, as they may cause stress to the plant and hinder its growth.
Soil Requirements
Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. prefers well-drained soils, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter to support the growth of the plant. In areas with heavy clay soil, it is recommended to add sand or other organic amendments to improve drainage. The plant can also grow in poor soils, but it may not reach its full potential in terms of size and productivity.
Cultivation methods
Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. thrives in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. It is a warm-season annual plant that does well in areas with a hot and dry climate. The best planting time is in the spring after the frost period has passed. This plant requires enough space to accommodate its growth, typically 2-3 feet apart.
Watering needs
This plant requires moderate watering, but it is highly sensitive to excessive moisture. Water the plant every other day if planted in a hot and dry region and reduce watering frequency during the rainy season. Watering in the morning is ideal to ensure that the plant dries up thoroughly before night-time, hence preventing fungal infections. Be sure to avoid wetting the foliage as they are susceptible to rotting.
Fertilization
Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. benefit greatly from the application of a balanced fertilizer before planting. You can fertilize the plant again two to three weeks after planting to boost its growth. A combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers in equal parts will provide sufficient nutrients for the plant, and it will grow and bloom optimally.
Pruning
Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. requires minimal pruning. However, it would help if you deadheaded the flower buds that have wilted to promote continuous blooming throughout the summer. It is also important to remove any weak or dead branches to ensure that the plant directs its energy to healthy growth.
Propagation of Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. can be sown in trays or pots filled with well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil, and the soil should be kept moist until germination.
It is recommended to sow the seeds during the warm season or in the greenhouse, as they require warm temperatures to germinate.
Once the seedlings have developed their second set of leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden. It is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining, as Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. does not thrive well in wet or waterlogged soils.
Propagation through cuttings
Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken from mature plants. The best time to take cuttings is during the warm season when the plant is actively growing.
The cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants, and they should be around 10cm long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder, and plant it in a well-draining soil mix.
The cuttings should be kept in warm and bright conditions and misted regularly to keep the humidity levels high. Once the roots have developed, the young plants can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. variety is susceptible to several diseases and pests. Proper management practices are essential to ensure healthy plant growth and maximum yield.
Common Diseases of Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
The following are some of the common diseases that can affect Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben.:
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease manifests as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems. It can cause reduced plant growth and yield. To manage powdery mildew, remove and dispose of infected plant parts, maintain proper air circulation, practice crop rotation, and apply fungicides as prescribed.
- Leaf Spot: This bacterial or fungal disease appears as small, dark spots on the leaves, which can grow and merge to form large, yellow or brown patches. To manage leaf spot, prune and dispose of infected plant parts, practice proper watering and drainage, maintain good air circulation, and apply appropriate fungicides.
- Virus Diseases: Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is susceptible to several viruses, including mosaic virus and leaf curl virus. These viruses cause yellowing, mottling, and distortion of leaves, reduced plant growth, and yield. To manage viruses, remove and dispose of infected plant parts, control vector insects, practice crop rotation, and use virus-free seeds and plants.
Common Pests of Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
The following are some of the common pests that can affect Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben.:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck plant sap and excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and fosters sooty mold growth. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or oil sprays, release natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, and practice proper plant hygiene.
- Spider Mites: These tiny mites thrive in dry, dusty conditions and cause webbing, stippling, and yellowing of leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to improve humidity, introduce predatory mites or insects, apply horticultural oils, or use insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: The caterpillars of certain moths and butterflies can feed on Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. leaves and cause significant damage. To manage caterpillars, pick them off manually, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray, or use insecticide as a last resort.
Regular monitoring, proper cultural practices, and timely application of appropriate management measures can prevent and control diseases and pests, ensuring the health and vigour of Cleome hildebrandtii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. plants.
