General Description
Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv., also known as spiders flower, is an annual plant that belongs to the Capparaceae family. It can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide in a clumped form. The plant has a distinctive appearance with long, slender stems and large clusters of showy, pink to purple-colored flowers at the top. Each flower has four petals, 6 long stamens, and a pistil.
Origin
The Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv. plant originated from southern Africa, especially in Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. It has become naturalized in many parts of the world, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Common Names
Spiders flower is the most common name for Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv. in English. Other popular names of the plant are spider plant, pink queen, and rose queen.
Uses
The plant is mainly grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers. Its flowers are very fragrant, making it a popular choice for adding a sweet scent to gardens and landscapes. The plant can also be used for medicinal purposes. It has been used to treat ailments such as asthma, fever, and infections. The plant contains alkaloids and glycosides that have been identified as responsible for its medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv. thrives well under full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for adequate growth and flowering. In areas with intense heat, it can tolerate shade from midday to afternoon sun.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for cultivating Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv. falls between 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C). It cannot endure frost or extreme heat and cannot grow in temperatures higher than 90°F (32°C).
Soil Requirements
Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv. prefers well-draining soils with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. It grows optimally in fertile, moist soil with medium texture. However, it can also survive in poor soils due to its drought-tolerant nature. It is also sensitive to high salinity of soil, so soil should be tested for salt levels before planting, and salt injury can be mitigated by washing the leaves regularly with water.
Cultivation Methods for Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv.
Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv. is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures and full sun. In terms of cultivation, it is recommended to plant the seedlings in well-draining soil, preferably with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The seeds should be started indoors around six to eight weeks before the last frost date in the area. Once the seedlings are well-established, they should be transplanted outside to a location with full sun exposure.
Watering Needs for Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv.
Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv. requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as too much water can cause root rot. A good tip for watering is to observe the plant's behavior: if the leaves are drooping, it may be a sign that it needs more water. On the other hand, if the leaves are yellowing or falling off, it may be receiving too much water.
Fertilization for Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv.
When it comes to fertilization, Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv. requires regular feeding to maintain its growth. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season, reducing the frequency during the winter months. Avoid fertilizing when the soil is dry, as this can cause fertilizer burn and damage the roots.
Pruning for Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv.
Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv. may require pruning to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. The best time to prune is in the spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, cutting them back to healthy wood. Pinching back the tips of the branches can also promote bushier growth. Additionally, cutting back spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
Propagation of Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv.
Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv. can be propagated through several methods which include:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most commonly used method for Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv. and is relatively easy to do. Sow the seeds in early spring in well-draining soil. The seeds need to be planted at a depth of 1/4 inch and should be placed in a sunny location for optimum growth. Germination of seeds may take 2-3 weeks and they should be kept moist throughout this period. Once the seedlings are established, they can be transplanted to larger containers or the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv. can also be propagated through cuttings. Take stem cuttings from a healthy plant, preferably in early summer and make sure to remove all the leaves except for the top two. Dip the end of the cut stem in rooting hormone and insert it into a well-draining soil mix. Place the planted cuttings in a moist and shaded location until they root and then can be transferred to a sunny spot.
Division Propagation
Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv. can also be propagated by division. This is best done in the spring when the plant starts to emerge from dormancy. Carefully dig up the plant ensuring you have as much of the root system as possible. Divide the plant by cutting through the root mass with a sharp, sterilized knife. Each divided section should have several shoots and healthy roots. Replant the sections in well-draining soil and keep them well-watered initially until they become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv.
Cleome iberidella Welw. ex Oliv., also known as sweet cleome or spider flower, is a hardy annual plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, several disease and pest issues may arise, and it is essential to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Cleome iberidella is powdery mildew. This fungal infection appears as a white, powdery layer on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Powdery mildew thrives in humid and warm conditions. To prevent this disease, it is necessary to ensure proper air circulation and avoid waterlogging the soil. If the disease has already infected the plant, remove the affected parts, and apply a fungicide.
Another common disease that affects Cleome iberidella is Pythium root rot. This soil-borne fungus causes the roots of the plant to rot, ultimately leading to the death of the plant. To prevent this disease, it is necessary to avoid overwatering and planting in well-draining soil. If the disease has already infected the plant, it is necessary to remove the affected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that affect Cleome iberidella is aphids. These tiny insects sap the sap from the plant and can cause the leaves to yellow and curl. To prevent the infestation of aphids, it is necessary to ensure regular pruning, avoid overfertilization, and plant natural aphid repellents such as marigold around the plant. If the infestation is significant, apply insecticidal soap or a neem oil spray.
Spider mites are another common pest that affects Cleome iberidella. These small pests suck the chlorophyll from the plant, ultimately leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To prevent this pest, it is necessary to ensure proper watering and avoid waterlogging the soil. If the infestation is significant, apply a neem oil spray.
Conclusion
With proper care, it is possible to prevent most diseases and pests that affect Cleome iberidella. It is necessary to ensure regular pruning, proper watering, and good soil drainage to prevent most issues. In case of an infestation or infection, it is necessary to remove the affected parts of the plant and apply the necessary pest control measures.
