Origin and Common Names
Cleome polyanthera Schweinf. & Gilg, also known as Rocky Mountain beeplant or stinking clover, is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Cleomaceae. This plant is native to North America and can be found in the western regions of Canada and the United States, particularly in the Rocky Mountains.
General Appearance
The Rocky Mountain beeplant is an erect annual herb that can grow up to 1 to 1.5 meters tall. It has long, slender stems that are branched at the top and covered in small prickles. Its leaves are green and have a palmate shape, meaning they are divided into distinct leaflets that resemble a hand. The plant blooms in the summer, producing long spikes of pink to lavender flowers with four petals. The flowers also have yellow stamens that protrude out from the center.
Uses
The Rocky Mountain beeplant has been traditionally used by Native American tribes for various purposes. The Zuni tribe used the whole plant to make a poultice for skin conditions, while the Navajo used the plant to treat coughs and colds. The plant has also been used as a natural dye and a food source for both humans and wildlife. In addition, it is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers that attract bees and other pollinators to gardens and landscapes.
Growth Conditions for Cleome polyanthera Schweinf. & Gilg
Cleome polyanthera Schweinf. & Gilg, commonly referred to as African spider flower, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Capparaceae family. The plant is native to Africa and usually grows in disturbed habitats, open woodlands, and rocky soils. To grow healthy and bloom abundantly, the plant requires specific growth conditions.
Light Requirements
The African spider flower grows well in full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. If planted in a shady area, the plant's height may be decreased, and the flowers may not be as plentiful.
Temperature Requirements
African spider flowers prefer warm temperatures and can grow optimally in temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F). When grown in cooler temperatures, Cleome polyanthera Schweinf. & Gilg may take a bit longer to flourish, and the blooms may not be as abundant as in warmer temperatures. Frost should be avoided as it can damage or even kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
The African spider flower can thrive in well-draining soils that are slightly acidic or neutral (pH between 6.0 and 7.5). The soil should contain organic matter and have moderate fertility. Cleome polyanthera Schweinf. & Gilg plants can tolerate dry conditions, but they require regular watering to grow optimally. Overwatering should be avoided as it may lead to root rot and damage the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Cleome polyanthera, commonly known as spider flower, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow annual flowering plant. Spider flower prefers to grow in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making it a versatile addition to your garden. It can grow in most soil types, but the soil should be well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
You can sow spider flower seeds directly into the soil in spring after the last frost. The seeds usually germinate in about a week and can produce flowers in 60-70 days. You can also start spider flower seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost and transplant them into the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
Watering Needs
Spider flower requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. However, be careful not to overwater and cause waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
During hot, dry spells, spider flower may require more frequent watering. You can also mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture in the soil.
Fertilization
Spider flower does not require heavy fertilization, but you can add a balanced fertilizer to the soil before planting or use a liquid fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season to give it a boost. Use a fertilizer with equal ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Alternatively, you can amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure, which will also improve the soil's health and fertility.
Pruning
Pruning spider flower is not necessary, but you can pinch back the tips of the plant when it is about six inches tall to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Deadheading, or removing the faded blooms, can also encourage the plant to produce more flowers and extend the blooming season. Additionally, removing the seed pods can prevent the plant from self-sowing and spreading too aggressively in your garden.
Propagation of Cleome polyanthera Schweinf. & Gilg
Cleome polyanthera Schweinf. & Gilg, commonly known as spider plant, is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial that can be propagated through seeds and stem cuttings. The following are the propagation methods for the plant:
Propagation by seeds
Cleome polyanthera Schweinf. & Gilg can be propagated by seeds, which can be collected from the mature plant. The seeds are small, black, and papery. The best time to collect seeds is after the pods have ripened and turned brown. After collecting the seeds, clean them and soak them in water for 24 hours. This will soften the seed coat and increase the chances of germination.
After soaking, sow the seeds in a seed tray filled with a well-draining potting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water gently. Place the seed tray in a warm, bright place, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Cleome polyanthera Schweinf. & Gilg can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Take a stem cutting from the parent plant that is about 3-4 inches long. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to promote root growth.
Insert the stem cutting into a well-draining potting mix, and water gently. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse. This will help to retain moisture and increase the chances of successful rooting. Place the pot in a warm, bright place, but avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the cutting.
Keep the soil moist and the plastic bag in place for 2-3 weeks, or until you see new growth emerging. Once the new growth appears, you can remove the plastic bag and gradually expose the new plant to more light and air. When the new plant is established, you can transplant it into a larger pot or into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome Polyanthera Schweinf. & Gilg
Cleome Polyanthera Schweinf. & Gilg, also known as the prairie spiderflower, is a wildflower commonly found in dry prairie regions. Though it is relatively disease and pest-resistant, certain issues may arise, potentially causing harm to the plant.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that may affect the prairie spiderflower is powdery mildew. Characterized by a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems, it can be prevented by ensuring that the plant has proper sunlight and air circulation. Additionally, it is advised to avoid overhead watering. If the mildew is already present, an appropriate fungicide may be used to manage it.
Another disease that may affect the plant is Alternaria leaf spot, a fungal infection that causes dark spots on the leaves. Good sanitation and proper watering techniques should help prevent the disease. If the infection is already present, it may be treated with a copper-based fungicide.
Common Pests
One of the common pests known to affect the prairie spiderflower is spider mites. These tiny insects thrive in dry conditions and feed on the plant's sap, causing tiny yellow or white spots on the leaves. To prevent infestation, it is advisable to keep the plant moist and well-hydrated. In cases of severe infestations, an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray may be applied to manage the mites.
Another common pest that may affect Cleome Polyanthera is the aphid. These tiny insects are found in clusters on the undersides of leaves and can cause them to become distorted and yellow. Regularly washing the plant with a strong stream of water can help prevent infestations. In severe cases, an insecticidal soap or neem oil may be used to manage the pests.
Regular monitoring of the plant's growth and health is essential in preventing and managing any disease or pest that may affect it. By following these tips, gardeners can help ensure the healthy growth and abundant blooming of Cleome Polyanthera Schweinf. & Gilg.
