Overview of Cleome schimperi Pax
Cleome schimperi Pax is an ornamental, herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Capparaceae. This plant's common names include spider flower, spider plant, and spider leg flower. It originated in northeast Africa, including regions such as Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. It grows in tropical and subtropical areas in rocky areas, plains, and hillsides at an altitude of around 1600 to 2500 meters above sea level.
Appearance of Cleome schimperi Pax
Cleome schimperi Pax has a slender, branched stem that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The plant has pinnately compound leaves that can be up to 20 centimeters long. The leaves have 3-5 leaflets that are serrated at the margins. The plant bears numerous flowers that are pink, purple or white and with long pistils and stamens, giving it a spidery appearance. The flowers form dense inflorescences that bloom from June to September.
Uses of Cleome schimperi Pax
The leaves and stems of Cleome schimperi Pax have a unique fragrance. The plant is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens, and it has significant cultural and religious importance in Ethiopia and Eritrea. In these countries, it is used during the New Year celebrations to symbolize long life and to welcome the New Year. The plant is also used traditionally for medicinal purposes to treat ailments such as jaundice, fever, and respiratory infections in Ethiopia and Eritrea. Its seeds are edible and can be roasted and eaten as a snack. The plant is highly attractive to bees and butterflies, making it an essential plant in pollinator gardens.
Light Requirements
Cleome schimperi Pax prefers to grow in full sunlight conditions. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight exposure per day for optimal growth. Limited sunlight exposure can result in stunted growth and poor flower production in this plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures and does not tolerate frost. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 18-28°C. Temperatures below 10°C can cause severe damage to the plant and may even lead to death. It is crucial to ensure that the plant is protected from cold drafts and frost during the winter season.
Soil Requirements
Cleome schimperi Pax prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The soil should be loamy and fertile with a pH between 5.8-6.8. This plant is relatively drought-tolerant, so it is essential to avoid waterlogged soils that can lead to root rot. Adding compost and organic matter to the soil can improve its water retention capacity and also support the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms.
Cultivation methods
Cleome schimperi Pax is an annual plant that is indigenous to the Eastern African region. When cultivating this plant, it is best to sow the seeds directly into the garden soil. The best time for planting is at the beginning of the rainy season or in early spring. Before planting, ensure that the soil is well-draining and has a pH of between 6.0 to 7.5. The recommended spacing of the plants is about 30 to 60 cm apart. This plant thrives best in full sun areas.
Watering needs
It is essential to water Cleome schimperi Pax regularly, especially during the growing season. However, be cautious not to overwater the plant, as it may result in root rot. The best time to water this plant is early in the morning or late in the evening. Always ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. A good indicator of watering needs is to monitor the top two inches of soil; if it feels dry, then it is time to water.
Fertilization
Cleome schimperi Pax requires regular feeding to promote healthy growth. Before planting, mix organic matter and well-rotted compost into the soil. During the growing season, use a balanced fertilizer weekly or bi-weekly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the package carefully. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it may cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Cleome schimperi Pax helps to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Cut back any damaged or diseased leaves and stems. After flowering, prune the spent blooms to encourage the growth of new blossoms. Use a clean pair of sharp pruners to prevent the spread of diseases. For a fuller appearance, pinch the top two inches of the stem. Pruning also helps to prevent self-seeding, which may result in the plant becoming invasive.
Propagation of Cleome schimperi Pax
Cleome schimperi Pax, also known as pink spider flower, is a beautiful plant that is native to East Africa. Propagation is an excellent way to propagate this plant and produce new plants. There are various ways to propagate Cleome schimperi Pax, including:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and reliable method of propagating Cleome schimperi Pax. Collect seeds from mature plants and store them in a cool and dry place. Before planting, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to help soften the seed coat and promote germination. Sow the seeds in warm, moist soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and wait for the seeds to germinate, which usually takes around two weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is another way to propagate Cleome schimperi Pax. Take stem cuttings from healthy plants with sharp and sterile pruning scissors. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a container with moist potting soil and keep it in a warm place with good air circulation. Roots will form within 2-3 weeks, and the new plant can be repotted into a larger container or planted in the garden.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is a way to propagate Cleome schimperi Pax by dividing the root ball of a mature plant. Dig up the plant and divide the root ball into two or three sections using a sharp and sterile gardening knife. Each section should have several stems and a healthy root system. Replant each section in a separate container or directly in the garden soil.
Propagation is an excellent way to increase the number of Cleome schimperi Pax and produce new plants that are identical to the parent plant. With proper care, these new plants will grow and bloom beautifully.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome schimperi Pax
Cleome schimperi Pax is a flowering plant species native to Ethiopia, Yemen, and Somalia. It's an excellent choice for gardeners who want to grow something different. However, like any other plant, it's susceptible to diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
Cleome schimperi Pax may be prone to foliar diseases such as powdery mildew, gray mold, and leaf spots. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery fungus on the leaves. Gray mold is caused by the Botrytis fungus. Leaf spots result from infection from fungal spores that lead to leaf discoloration and necrosis.
Disease Management
The key to managing Cleome schimperi Pax diseases is to maintain good garden hygiene. Keep the area around the plant free of debris and keep the foliage dry. If you spot any signs of disease, remove and discard the infected leaves immediately to prevent further spread. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide, such as neem oil or copper sulfate.
Common Pests
Several pests may attack Cleome schimperi Pax, resulting in damage to the foliage and flowers. These include spider mites, aphids, caterpillars, and mealybugs.
Pest Management
The first step in managing pests is to identify them early, so you can take appropriate action. You can control spider mites and aphids by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or applying insecticidal soap. To control caterpillars, you can pick them off by hand or spray the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide. Mealybugs can be controlled by wiping the plant with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or spraying it with neem oil.
