Overview of Cleome oligandra Kers
Cleome oligandra Kers, sometimes referred to as the Rocky Mountain Beeplant, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Capparaceae family. This plant is native to the United States, particularly in areas with rocky or sandy soil including the Midwest and portions of the Rocky Mountains. It's a drought-tolerant and extremely hardy plant that grows in a wide range of environments from low lands to mountain slopes. The plant is an annual herb that is widely known for its ornamental value and medicinal properties.
Appearance of Cleome oligandra Kers
The plant features a singular stem structure that grows from 12-36 inches tall. The leaves of Cleome oligandra Kers are long and thin, measuring between 3-12 cm, and are serrated. The flowers bloom in clusters at the top of the stem and can range in color from pink to rose-purple. The plant's fruit is a long, narrow capsule that contains many small seeds.
Common Names of Cleome oligandra Kers
The plant is commonly known as Rocky Mountain Beeplant, Spider-flower, and Skunkweed. In some areas, it is simply referred to as Cleome. The plant has been given its names due to its characteristic aroma which is sometimes described as a mix between skunk and pineapple. The scent is strongest in the evening when the flowers are fully opened.
Uses of Cleome oligandra Kers
Cleome oligandra Kers has been used for medicinal purposes by various indigenous groups for centuries. The plant is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Roots of the plant are dried and then ground to make a powder that is applied externally to treat pain. The plant's seeds have also been used as food. Indigenous groups roasted and ground the seeds into a flour-like substance that was then used to make bread. The plant is also widely known for its ornamental value. Its colorful flowers are often incorporated into garden designs to add an attractive pop of color.
Overall, Cleome oligandra Kers is a versatile plant with both medicinal and ornamental value. Its unique appearance and distinct aroma make it a popular choice in gardening and landscaping.Light Requirements
The plant Cleome oligandra Kers thrives in bright, full sunlight conditions. At least six hours of sunlight is recommended for optimal growth and flowering. The plant may also be subjected to partial shade conditions, but this may result in reduced flowering and overall plant health.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Cleome oligandra Kers prefers warm temperatures between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). Cooler temperatures may result in stunted growth and reduced flowering. The plant is not frost-tolerant and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Soil Requirements
Cleome oligandra Kers plants prefer well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant does well in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The soil should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged. The plant is not salt-tolerant and should not be grown in soil treated with excessive fertilizer or salt. Mulching around the plant helps retain moisture in the soil and reduce weed growth.
Cultivation Methods
Cleome oligandra is a plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The plant prefers a well-drained, organically rich, and slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6 and 6.8. It can tolerate full sun and partial shade, and it is hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11.
The plant requires regular maintenance, including pinching back the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and deadheading spent blooms to promote continuous flowering. Cleome oligandra is an annual plant that needs to be replanted each year as it does not survive cold weather.
Watering Needs
Cleome oligandra requires regular watering to thrive, and the soil should be kept evenly moist. However, the plant is prone to root rot, so it is important not to overwater it. The frequency of watering will depend on the weather conditions and the soil type. In hot and dry weather, the plant may require watering daily.
It is important to water the plant early in the morning or in the evening to prevent water evaporation and to avoid damage to the foliage. Additionally, watering at the base of the plant and not the foliage will help prevent the occurrence of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Cleome oligandra requires regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and maximize blooming. It is recommended to fertilize the plant once every two to three weeks during the growing season. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is suitable for this plant.
The fertilizer should be applied at the base of the plant, and it is important not to get it on the foliage as this may burn the leaves. Overfertilization can be harmful to the plant and can lead to excessive vegetative growth and fewer blooms.
Pruning
Regular pruning is an essential part of maintaining Cleome oligandra and promoting bushier growth and more blooms. The plant benefits from pinching back the growing tips of the stems when they have reached about 4-6 inches in length. This process encourages new shoots and branching.
Deadheading spent blooms also helps to encourage continuous flowering and prevents seeds from forming on the plant. It is recommended to deadhead the flowers as soon as they fade using sharp pruners or scissors. Additionally, removing any damaged, yellow, or diseased leaves can help keep the plant healthy and disease-free.
Propagation of Cleome oligandra Kers
Cleome oligandra Kers, commonly known as spider flower, is a flowering plant native to Africa. It is a popular garden plant because of its showy flowers and delicate foliage. Propagation of Cleome oligandra Kers can be easily achieved through various methods.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation of Cleome oligandra Kers by seed is the most common method used by gardeners. The plant produces pods filled with small seeds that can be harvested and stored. The seeds can then be planted in well-draining soil and kept in a warm, moist environment until they germinate. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks.
It is best to sow the seeds in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. Sow them about 1/4 inch deep in the soil and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be potted or planted directly in the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Cleome oligandra Kers by cuttings is another method that can be used to propagate the plant. This method is best used on plants that are at least two years old. Take cuttings of the plant in early summer, when the plant is in full growth and healthy.
Take cuttings that are around four inches long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, humid environment until it develops roots. Once roots have developed, the cutting can be potted or planted in the ground.
Propagation by Division
Propagation of Cleome oligandra Kers by division is a method that is best used on older plants that have grown large enough to be divided. The ideal time for division is in the early spring before new growth begins.
To divide the plant, dig it up carefully and gently separate the root ball into two or more sections, making sure each section has a good amount of roots and foliage. replant each section in in well-draining soil and water them well.
Propagation of Cleome oligandra Kers by seed, cuttings, or division is an easy and effective way to increase your plant collection and enjoy the beauty of spider flowers in your garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome oligandra Kers
Cleome oligandra Kers is a hardy annual plant that is commonly known as Rocky Mountain Beeplant or Navajo Spinach. The plant is native to the western United States and is often grown as a drought-tolerant ornament in gardens. However, like any other plant, Cleome oligandra Kers is susceptible to diseases and pests that might affect the overall health and yield of the plant. The following are common diseases and pests that affect the plant and some management techniques to control them:
Diseases
Cleome oligandra Kers is relatively resistant to common plant diseases, but it might still be affected by some fungal and bacterial infections that include:
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the plant leaves, displaying a white powdery coating on the leaf surface. This disease is common in areas with high humidity, and it can affect the plant's ability to photosynthesize, thus reducing the yield. To control powdery mildew, you can apply fungicides that contain neem oil, sulfur, or potassium bicarbonate. Additionally, ensure to water the plant at the base and avoid splashing water on the leaves.
- Bacterial wilt: This is a bacterial disease that causes the plant to wilt and eventually die. The disease is common in areas with wet and warm conditions, and it spreads through the soil. To control bacterial wilt, ensure to rotate the crop with crops that are not susceptible to the disease. Additionally, you can apply copper-based fungicides to control the disease's spread.
Pests
Cleome oligandra Kers is relatively resistant to pests, but it might still be affected by some insects that feed on the plant's foliage. The following are common pests that attack the plant:
- Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the plant's sap and cause the leaves to curl and yellow. Aphids are common in areas with high humidity, and they can quickly multiply, causing extensive damage to the plant. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Additionally, you can introduce natural predators such as ladybirds or lacewings that feed on aphids.
- Spider mites: These are tiny insects that feed on the plant's underside, causing yellow spots on the leaves. Spider mites are common in hot and dry conditions, and they can quickly multiply, causing extensive damage to the plant. To control spider mites, you can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Additionally, you can increase the humidity levels around the plant by regularly spraying water on the leaves.
- Whiteflies: These are small insects that feed on the plant's sap and cause the leaves to curl and yellow. Whiteflies are common in areas with high humidity, and they can quickly multiply, causing extensive damage to the plant. To control whiteflies, you can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Additionally, you can introduce natural predators such as ladybirds or lacewings that feed on whiteflies.
In conclusion, diseases and pests can affect the health and yield of Cleome oligandra Kers. It is, therefore, essential to identify and manage them promptly to ensure that the plant thrives. By following the management techniques discussed above, you can effectively control diseases and pests that might affect the plant.
