Introduction
Cleome rubella Burch is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Cleomaceae family. It is native to South America, specifically in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This annual herb is known for its unique flowers, distinctive appearance, and valuable uses in traditional medicine and gardening.
Common Names
Cleome rubella Burch goes by several common names such as Pink spider-flower and Pink cleome. In Brazil, it is called "Maravilha," which means "Wonder," which emphasizes its dazzling beauty and medicinal properties.
Appearance
Cleome rubella Burch typically grows up to 60-80 cm tall. The plant has slender, hairy stems with numerous branches. The alternate leaves are palmate or trifoliate and have toothed or serrated margins. The flowers are pink or mauve in color and have long, thin petals that resemble spider legs. The fruit is a linear capsule containing numerous small, dark-brown seeds.
Uses
Cleome rubella Burch has several traditional medicinal uses. In Uruguay, the plant's leaves are infused to make tea, which is used to treat respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. The tea is also used as a diuretic to treat kidney problems. In Brazil, the crushed leaves and flowers are applied topically to treat skin ulcers and wounds.
Cleome rubella Burch is also a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping. Its unique and attractive flowers make it an excellent choice for borders, beds, and containers. The plant prefers full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil with regular watering.
In conclusion, Cleome rubella Burch is a fascinating plant species that is valued for its beauty, medicinal properties, and practical uses in gardening. Its unique flowers and distinctive appearance make it stand out amongst other flowering plants.
Light Requirements
Cleome rubella Burch. commonly known as the Pink Cleome, requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. It is a sun-loving plant that requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light leads to stunted growth and poor flowering. Therefore, it is best to plant it in an area that receives plenty of sunlight.
Temperature requirements
The plant thrives in hot temperatures where the minimum temperature should be around 10-15 degrees Celsius. Average temperatures ranging between 22 to 28 degrees Celsius favor optimal growth. The plant does not tolerate frost and cannot survive in regions experiencing prolonged periods of cold weather. It is essential to keep in mind the climatic conditions when planting Cleome rubella Burch.
Soil Requirements
Cleome rubella Burch. requires a well-draining soil with a pH ranging between 6.0 and 7.5. It prefers slightly sandy soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil's texture should be light, which does not hold the water for an extended period. However, the plant cannot survive in waterlogged soils as it is susceptible to root rot.
In areas where the soil is not fertile enough, adding compost or manure can help improve its fertility levels. The plant requires moderate to regular watering to establish and grow. During the dry season, it may need frequent watering to keep the soil moist in hot weather.
Cultivation Methods for Cleome rubella Burch.
Cleome rubella Burch. is a hardy annual plant that can thrive in different environmental conditions. It can grow in full sunlight or partial shade and requires well-drained soil to flourish. The plant is also tolerant to dry conditions and can therefore make an excellent addition to a xeriscape garden.
The ideal time to sow Cleome rubella Burch. seeds is in the late spring or early summer when the temperatures are warm. The seeds have to be sown directly onto the ground at a depth of around 1/8 inch and then covered lightly with soil. Alternatively, you can start the seeds indoors about four to six weeks before the last expected frost and later transplant them to the garden once they have grown enough to withstand the outdoor conditions.
Watering Needs for Cleome rubella Burch.
Cleome rubella Burch. requires regular watering to thrive, especially during the hot summer months. The plant requires moist soil but is not tolerant to waterlogged conditions. Therefore, it would be best if you watered the plant deeply and less often rather than frequently and shallowly.
You can check whether the plant requires watering by sticking your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If the soil feels dry, then you need to water the plant. Also, you can water the plant early in the morning to reduce the possibility of fungal diseases caused by excess moisture.
Fertilization for Cleome rubella Burch.
Cleome rubella Burch. requires moderate fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. You can apply an all-purpose fertiliser that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium before planting or when the plant is in the early stages of growth. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Alternatively, you can amend the soil with well-rotted compost or manure, which will provide the necessary nutrients to the plant. You can also apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at least once or twice during the growing season to boost the plant's growth and blooming potential.
Pruning for Cleome rubella Burch.
Cleome rubella Burch. does not require extensive pruning. However, you can pinch back the tips of the plant stems once the plant has grown to around six inches tall. The pinching will help promote bushier growth, which will result in more flowering. Deadheading the spent blooms will also help encourage more flowering.
In case the plant starts growing lanky or leggy, you can prune it back by one-third of its length to promote bushier growth. However, it is essential to avoid pruning the plant after midsummer as it can impact the plant's blooming potential.
Propagation of Cleome rubella Burch.
Cleome rubella Burch., commonly known as the Rocky Mountain beeplant, is a species of flowering plant in the Cleome genus. This plant is native to the western and central parts of North America, from Canada to Mexico, and is highly valued for its attractive pink flowers and medicinal uses.
Propagation Methods
Propagation of Cleome rubella Burch. can be done by either seed or cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seed is the most commonly used method for Cleome rubella Burch.. Sowing of the seeds can be done in either fall or spring. The seeds should be scarified before sowing to improve the germination rate. Germination usually occurs within 5-7 days after sowing.
It is important to maintain a temperature of 60-80°F and keep the soil moist until the seedlings are established. Seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location when they are large enough to handle.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation by cuttings is an alternative to seed propagation for Cleome rubella Burch.. This method involves cutting a healthy stem from the parent plant and planting it in moist soil or sand. The cutting should be about 6 inches long with at least three leaves. The cuttings should be placed in a shaded area and the soil should be kept moist until the cuttings have rooted.
Both seed and cutting propagation methods are effective for propagating Cleome rubella Burch.. However, seed propagation is the most commonly used method due to its ease and availability.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome rubella Burch.
Cleome rubella Burch., commonly known as Red Cleome, is a beautiful and resilient plant that is tolerant to drought and heat. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests, which can affect its growth, yield, and overall health. In this section, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that can affect Cleome rubella Burch. and provide suggestions for managing them.
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. It causes the leaves to curl, distort, and eventually dry out. To manage powdery mildew, remove the affected leaves and dispose of them, ensure adequate air circulation around the plant, avoid over-fertilization, and use a fungicide if necessary.
Fusarium Wilt: Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. The disease can spread rapidly, eventually killing the plant. To manage Fusarium wilt, remove and dispose of affected plants, practice crop rotation, and avoid overwatering.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to curl and distort. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that live on the underside of the leaves and spin webs. They suck the sap from the plant tissue, causing the leaves to yellow and eventually dry out. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water, increase humidity around the plant, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in Cleome rubella Burch. requires vigilance and a proactive approach. By monitoring your plants regularly, practicing good gardening practices, and using natural remedies when possible, you can help keep your plants healthy and thriving.
