Overview of Cleome moscatelliana Lusina
Cleome moscatelliana Lusina, commonly known as Sweet scented spider flower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Capparaceae. It is native to Egypt and other parts of North Africa, but is now cultivated in various parts of the world as an ornamental plant.
Appearance of Cleome moscatelliana Lusina
The plant grows up to 60cm tall and has a shrubby, branching habit. The leaves are palmately compound with 5-7 leaflets, which are oblong to linear in shape. The plant produces clusters of showy, fragrant flowers on tall spikes in shades of pink, purple and white, making it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes.
Common names of Cleome moscatelliana Lusina
Cleome moscatelliana Lusina has several common names including, Sweet scented spider flower, Sweet alison, Musk flower and Rocky Mountain bee plant.
Uses of Cleome moscatelliana Lusina
The plant is often grown as an ornamental for its attractive flowers and fragrant smell. Cleome moscatelliana Lusina is also known to have medicinal properties and can be used to treat respiratory ailments including tuberculosis, asthma, and bronchitis. In addition, the seeds of the plant are used to produce an edible oil.
Overall, the Cleome moscatelliana Lusina is a beautiful plant with a fragrant smell and medicinal uses.Light Requirements
Cleome moscatelliana Lusina thrives in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can also tolerate partial shade, but excessive shade can lead to poor growth and flower production. It is essential to ensure that the plant receives adequate amounts of sunlight, especially during the budding stages.
Temperature Requirements
Cleome moscatelliana Lusina prefers warm temperatures ranging between 70°F to 85°F. It is best to grow the plant in areas where the temperature is not persistently below 50°F, as cooler temperatures can cause stunted growth and limited flower production. Careful consideration should be taken to protect the plant from extreme temperatures and frost.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Cleome moscatelliana Lusina is well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral. It can withstand slightly sandy, clayey, or loamy soil but struggles in waterlogged or highly compacted soils. pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is most suitable for the plant. It is crucial to improve the soil quality by incorporating organic materials like compost or manure.
Cultivation Methods
Cleome moscatelliana Lusina is easy to cultivate and grow, making it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners. It thrives in well-drained soil with a neutral pH level of 6.0 to 7.5 and requires adequate sunlight exposure to perform optimally.
Before planting, ensure the chosen location has sufficient space for the plant to grow. Space the plants six to nine inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
Watering Needs
This plant requires moderate watering, and it's essential to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and damage the plant. When watering, try to water the soil to the plant's roots rather than the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
Water Cleome moscatelliana Lusina deeply once a week, and more frequently in hot and dry weather conditions.
Fertilization
Feeding the plant with appropriate fertilizers enhances its growth and flower production. It's crucial to fertilize Cleome moscatelliana Lusina every four to six weeks during the growing season. The plant will benefit from a balanced fertilizer application, such as 10-10-10, which provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Avoid fertilizing late in the growing season, as the plant must harden off before the dormant season.
Pruning
Cleome moscatelliana Lusina requires little to no pruning for optimal growth and flowering. However, deadheading the plant will improve its appearance and encourage prolonged blooming. Deadheading involves removing spent flowers from the plant to promote new growth and avoid self-seeding.
If the plant becomes leggy or sparse, consider pinching it back early in the season to promote bushier growth. Pinching involves removing a third of the plant's tip and can encourage the plant to produce additional stems and blooms.
Propagation of Cleome moscatelliana Lusina
Cleome moscatelliana Lusina is a flowering plant that belongs to the Cleomaceae family. This plant is commonly known as spider flower because of its long stamens that resemble spider legs. Propagation of Cleome moscatelliana Lusina can be done through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common and easiest way to grow Cleome moscatelliana Lusina. This plant can be grown from seeds that are directly sown in the garden or from seeds that are started indoors in pots.
To sow seeds directly in the garden, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Sow the seeds in the spring or early summer by making shallow furrows in the soil and scattering the seeds thinly. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them gently.
If starting seeds indoors, sow the seeds in pots or trays 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Use a well-draining potting mix and sow the seeds thinly. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them to individual pots and keep them in a sunny location until they are ready to be planted in the garden.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another way to grow Cleome moscatelliana Lusina. Take cuttings from the plant in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose healthy shoots that are about 4-6 inches long and remove the lower leaves.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting well and cover it with a plastic bag to retain moisture. Keep the cutting in a warm, well-lit location, but out of direct sunlight. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to root. Once the roots have developed, transplant the cutting to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome Moscatelliana Lusina
Cleome moscatelliana Lusina, also known as spider flower, is a resilient plant that can withstand a variety of diseases and pests. However, as with any plant, there are still a few common problems that gardeners should be on the lookout for.
Common Diseases
One common disease that can affect Cleome moscatelliana Lusina is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to maintain proper airflow around the plant. Be sure to space your plants out properly, and prune any dense growth that may be hindering air circulation. Additionally, avoid watering your plants from the top as this can cause the spores to spread. Instead, water your plants at the base and in the morning, so the leaves have ample time to dry out before nightfall.
Another disease to look out for is bacterial leaf spot. This appears as black, sunken spots on the leaves of the plant and can cause defoliation. To manage bacterial leaf spot, it is essential to promptly remove any infected leaves and stems and dispose of them. Additionally, avoid watering your plants from the top as this can spread the bacteria.
Common Pests
There are several common pests that can affect Cleome moscatelliana Lusina, including spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Spider mites often appear as tiny red or brown dots on the leaves and can cause yellowing and defoliation. To manage spider mites, spray your plants periodically with water to remove any dust that they may be hiding under, and keep a close eye on them for any signs of infestation.
Aphids can also cause significant damage to your plants, primarily by sucking out the sap and deforming new growth. To manage aphids, spray your plants with a strong stream of water to wash them off, or apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Thrips may cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the Cleome moscatelliana Lusina. To manage this pest, introduce beneficial insects such as lacewings or ladybugs to your garden. They will help control the population of thrips.
With proper care and attention, you can manage the diseases and pests that might affect your Cleome moscatelliana Lusina and keep your plants looking healthy and beautiful all season long.
