Description of Cleome macrophylla (Klotzsch) Briq. var. maculatiflora (Merxm.) Wild
Cleome macrophylla (Klotzsch) Briq. var. maculatiflora (Merxm.) Wild is a species of flowering plant in the family Cleomaceae. It is also commonly known by the name spotted spiderflower or large-leaved spider plant. This plant is native to the highlands of Mexico, but it has been cultivated and grown in gardens throughout the world as an ornamental plant.
General Appearance
Cleome macrophylla (Klotzsch) Briq. var. maculatiflora (Merxm.) Wild is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. It has a branched stem with long, narrow leaves that can measure up to 25 centimeters in length. The flowers are pink to lavender in color, with four large petals that are arranged in a star-shaped pattern. The blooms are clustered on long, upright inflorescences that rise above the foliage, creating a striking display in the garden.
Uses
Cleome macrophylla (Klotzsch) Briq. var. maculatiflora (Merxm.) Wild is primarily grown in gardens as an ornamental plant, prized for its showy blooms and attractive foliage. It is often used as a cut flower in floral arrangements or as a filler plant in garden borders and containers. In addition to its visual appeal, the plant is also believed to have medicinal properties in traditional Mexican medicine. The roots and leaves of the plant are used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory issues and fever.
Overall, Cleome macrophylla (Klotzsch) Briq. var. maculatiflora (Merxm.) Wild is a beautiful and useful plant that adds charm and interest to any garden or floral arrangement.
Growth Conditions for Cleome macrophylla (Klotzsch) Briq. var. maculatiflora (Merxm.) Wild
Light Requirements: Cleome macrophylla thrives in full sun conditions to produce robust growth and flowering. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. In shady conditions, the plant is prone to stunted growth, fewer blooms and a weak stem.
Temperature Requirements: Cleome macrophylla grows best in warm weather conditions with temperatures ranging between 24°C and 30°C. During winter, the plant will struggle with growth and can die if exposed to extreme cold conditions. The minimum temperature required for the plant to survive is 10°C.
Soil Requirements: The plant favors well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, with good moisture control properties to support healthy growth. The plant also requires an adequate amount of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.
Water Requirements: The plant requires moderate watering to prevent drying out of the soil. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other diseases that will cause the plant to wither and die. The best time to water the plant is early in the morning to promote efficient water usage and prevent fungal growth.
Fertilizer Requirements: Cleome macrophylla responds well to regular fertilizer applications. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer, with a higher ratio of nitrogen to promote the growth of lush, green foliage. Applying a slow-release fertilizer every six weeks can support healthy growth and blooming.
Cultivation Methods:
Cleome macrophylla (Klotzsch) Briq. var. maculatiflora (Merxm.) Wild is a hardy, annual flowering plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall. To grow this plant, choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. You may also opt to grow it in a container if you have limited space.
Make sure that the soil is loose, rich in organic matter, and well-draining. You can amend heavy soils by adding compost, perlite, and sand. Sow the seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your area, and they should sprout in about 1-2 weeks. Thin the seedlings so that they are 12-18 inches apart.
Watering Needs:
Cleome macrophylla (Klotzsch) Briq. var. maculatiflora (Merxm.) Wild is a drought-tolerant plant, but it performs best when it receives regular watering. Water it deeply once a week and adjust the frequency based on the weather conditions in your area. Increase watering during heatwaves and drought periods.
When watering, avoid getting the leaves wet as this can encourage fungal disease. Instead, water at the base of the plant, and use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to facilitate deep watering.
Fertilization:
Cleome macrophylla (Klotzsch) Briq. var. maculatiflora (Merxm.) Wild is not a heavy feeder, and a single application of slow-release fertilizer can provide the nutrients it needs to grow. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and then once a month throughout the growing season.
Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, or fish emulsion to feed your plant. Avoid applying too much fertilizer as it can lead to excess foliage growth and fewer blooms.
Pruning:
Cleome macrophylla (Klotzsch) Briq. var. maculatiflora (Merxm.) Wild does not require regular pruning. However, if you notice that the plant is getting leggy or the spent flowers are detracting from its beauty, you can prune it back.
Cut back the stems by about one-third of their length to encourage branching and compact growth. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season.
Propagation of Cleome macrophylla var. maculatiflora
Cleome macrophylla var. maculatiflora is a beautiful flowering plant that can be propagated through different methods. These methods are:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Cleome macrophylla var. maculatiflora is through seeds. The seeds of this plant can be directly sown in soil or started indoors in containers. Sow the seeds in late fall or early spring when the soil is warm. The seeds should be placed 0.5 cm deep in the soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. They will take 7-14 days to germinate, and once they start growing, they should be thinned out to a distance of 30-40 cm apart.
Cuttings
Cleome macrophylla var. maculatiflora can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a cutting that is 10-15 cm long, with 2-3 sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a container filled with moist soil, and keep it in a warm, bright location. The cutting will take 3-4 weeks to root, and once it has developed roots, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or moved outdoors.
Division
Cleome macrophylla var. maculatiflora can be propagated through dividing the mature plants. Dig up the plant and gently separate the root clump into sections, making sure each section has a good set of roots and leaves. Replant the sections in well-draining soil and water them thoroughly. Keep the divisions well-watered until they are fully established and growing on their own.
These are the different methods of propagating Cleome macrophylla var. maculatiflora. Choose the method that works best for you and enjoy growing this stunning flowering plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome macrophylla var. maculatiflora
Like any other plant, Cleome macrophylla var. maculatiflora is also prone to various diseases and pest attacks. Being a tropical plant, it is more susceptible to fungal and viral diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to follow proper disease and pest management practices to keep the plant healthy and pest-free.
Common Diseases that Affect Cleome macrophylla var. maculatiflora
Some common diseases that might affect Cleome macrophylla var. maculatiflora are as follows:
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease shows up as small black or brown spots on the leaves. It can be controlled by removing and destroying the infected leaves and using a fungicide spray.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that covers the leaves with a white powdery layer. It can be controlled by improving air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and using a fungicide spray.
- Mosaic Virus: This viral disease causes yellow or white mottling on the leaves. It is spread by aphids and cannot be cured. Therefore, it is essential to control the aphids to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests that Attack Cleome macrophylla var. maculatiflora
Some common pests that might attack Cleome macrophylla var. maculatiflora are as follows:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the plant sap and excrete honeydew, which attracts ants. They can be controlled by spraying a strong jet of water on the leaves or using an insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These tiny insects spin webs on the leaves and suck the plant sap. They can be controlled by improving the humidity around the plant or using a miticide spray.
- Caterpillars: The larvae of certain moths and butterflies can eat the leaves and damage the plant. They can be controlled by manually picking them off or using a biological control agent like the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray.
In conclusion, keeping Cleome macrophylla var. maculatiflora healthy and pest-free requires proper disease and pest management practices. It is crucial to monitor the plant regularly and take appropriate measures at the earliest sign of disease or pest attack to prevent further damage.
