Origin
Cleome lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. polyphylla Pax, commonly known as yellow spider flower, is a flowering plant species that is native to southern Africa. It is known to grow in Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
Yellow spider flower is the most common name for Cleome lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. polyphylla Pax. However, it is also known by a number of other names in various African languages, including qees or kee (in the Khoesan languages and Tswana), khukhu or xikuku (in Shona), lepata or lobata (in Setswana), and shoka (in Venda).
Uses
The yellow spider flower is not primarily used for medicinal purposes, although it is said to have some pain-relieving properties. It is mostly grown for ornamental purposes, as it produces a profusion of small yellow flowers that have an unusual spider-like appearance. The plant is also popular with bees, which are attracted to its nectar.
General Appearance
Cleome lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. polyphylla Pax is a bushy, herbaceous plant that typically grows to a height of around 60cm. Its leaves are green, palmately compound and arranged in a circular shape that gives the plant a distinctive appearance. The flowers of the yellow spider flower are small, bright yellow, and held in tight clusters at the end of the stems. Each flower has four long, delicate petals that are arranged in such a way that they resemble the legs of a spider.
Light Requirements
Cleome lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. polyphylla Pax prefers full to partial sunlight to grow and thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but the plant will not flower as much and may become lanky if it does not receive enough light.
Temperature Requirements
For optimal growth, Cleome lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. polyphylla Pax requires warm temperatures. The plant can grow well in a temperature range of 20-30°C (68-86°F) during the daytime and 10-20°C (50-68°F) during the nighttime. It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. A pH range of 5.0-7.5 is optimal for Cleome lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. polyphylla Pax. The soil must also have good water-holding capacity, as the plant requires consistent moisture to thrive.
Cultivation of Cleome Lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. Polyphylla Pax
Cleome Lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. Polyphylla Pax is a plant species indigenous to Southern Africa regions that prefer well-drained soils and high humidity environments. It is best cultivated in loamy soils, which would need to be amended with organic matter to improve its drainage. You can propagate the plant by seed or vegetatively, making sure to select only healthy plants and cuttings.
Watering Needs of Cleome Lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. Polyphylla Pax
Cleome Lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. Polyphylla Pax requires regular watering, especially during the growing season, where the top layer of the soil should always remain moist. Ensure that you water the plants frequently but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other diseases. Water the plants early in the morning or late in the evening and avoid wetting the leaves to prevent attracting pests and fungal problems.
Fertilization of Cleome Lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. Polyphylla Pax
Cleome Lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. Polyphylla Pax requires regular fertilizer application, to enhance growth, blooming, and overall plant health. Use a balanced and water-soluble fertilizer that is high in nitrogen content during the vegetative phase and switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer during the flowering phase. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant.
Pruning of Cleome Lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. Polyphylla Pax
Cleome Lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. Polyphylla Pax requires minimal pruning, which is mainly done to maintain the plant's shape or remove dead or diseased parts. You can pinch off the tips to promote bushier growth and remove any yellowing or withered leaves. Also, remove any spent flowers to enhance blooming and prolong the flowering period. Sterilize your pruning equipment before and after use, to prevent spreading plant diseases.
Propagation of Cleome Lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. Polyphylla Pax
Cleome lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. polyphylla Pax, commonly known as yellow spider flower, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Capparaceae family. This plant is native to southern Africa, but it could also be found growing in other parts of the world. Propagation is the process of multiplying plants, and this can be achieved through various methods such as seed germination, vegetative propagation, and cuttings.
Seed Germination
The most common method of propagation of Cleome lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. polyphylla Pax is through seed germination. The plant produces seeds in pods, and these pods should be harvested once they start to brown and dry out. The seeds should then be separated from the pods and left to dry in a cool and dry place before planting.
The seeds should be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist until they germinate. It is recommended to sow the seeds in spring or early summer when the soil temperature is between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. Germination typically occurs within two to three weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted when they are big enough to handle, which is usually after four to six weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Cleome lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. polyphylla Pax can also be propagated through vegetative means. This method involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them to produce new plants. The best time to take cuttings is in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
The cuttings should be taken from the softwood part of the stem, and the leaves on the lower part should be removed. The cuttings should then be dipped into rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and moist environment, with a humidity level of 95%. Roots should start to develop within four to six weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted once they are established.
Cuttings
Cleome lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. polyphylla Pax can also be propagated through cuttings. This method is similar to vegetative propagation, but it involves taking a stem piece with a node or a bud and planting it in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm and moist environment until roots start to develop.
The best time to take cuttings is in spring or early summer, and rooting hormone can also be used to encourage rooting. Once the roots have developed, the new plant can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome Lutea
Cleome lutea (Sond.) Szyszyl. var. polyphylla Pax is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to pest and disease infestations. However, like all plants, it can still be affected by a few common pests and diseases. Here are some of the diseases and pests that may affect Cleome lutea and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on leaves. To manage this, use a fungicide, and ensure good air circulation around the plant by regular pruning and spacing.
Leaf Spots: Cleome lutea is susceptible to bacterial and fungal leaf spots, characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this, remove infected leaves, use a fungicide, and avoid overhead watering.
Common Pests
Aphids: These are small insects that appear on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that are hard to spot until they cause damage. They suck the sap out of the leaves causing them to wither and turn yellow. To manage this, increase humidity around the plant by misting or regularly watering and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars: These include the cabbage looper and the diamondback moth larvae, which can cause serious damage to Cleome lutea plants, such as irregularly shaped holes on leaves. To manage this, use insecticides to kill the larvae;
Alternatively, handpick and dispose of the caterpillars or attract natural predators like birds and beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
With proper care and occasional inspection for pests and diseases, you can keep your Cleome lutea plant healthy and thriving.
