Information on Cleome Sparsifolia S. Wats.
Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats. is a plant species that is also referred to as fewflower spiderflower. It is native to the southwestern parts of the United States, particularly in the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada, and found in arid regions such as canyons, slopes, and washes.
General Appearance
The fewflower spiderflower is an erect, annual herb that grows up to 1 meter in height. The branches are pubescent, and the leaves are alternate, have 3 narrow leaflets that are 4-7 cm long, and are linear to oblanceolate in shape.
The flowers of the Cleome sparsifolia are lavender-pink, 1.5-2 cm wide, and have 4 petals that are clawed and linear. The flowers occur in clusters at the ends of the branches and bloom from May to August. The fruit is a dehiscent capsule that contains shiny black seeds.
Common Uses
The fewflower spiderflower is not widely used for medicinal or culinary purposes, but it has been used traditionally by some Native American tribes, particularly the Navajo, for treating minor ailments such as headaches, stomach aches, and sore backs. The plant is also used as a dye plant, and its seeds are consumed by some birds and small mammals.
In landscaping design, the fewflower spiderflower can be utilized as a border plant or as a filler in flower beds since it produces an attractive and showy pink inflorescence.
Despite having a limited practical use, the fewflower spiderflower is an essential ecological component of arid regions, providing food and habitat to pollinating insects and wildlife.
Light Requirements
The Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats. thrives in full sunlight and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate partial shade and is, therefore, adaptable to different lighting situations.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats. is between 15°C to 27°C. It can tolerate extreme temperatures, but it grows best in warm conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to plant it in a region that is not too hot or cold, as the plant's growth will be stunted in such situations.
Soil Requirements
Soil plays an essential role in growing Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats. It requires well-draining soil with a pH value of 6.0 to 7.5. Additionally, the soil must be fertile and rich in nutrients, which can be achieved by adding organic matter. The plant also does well in sandy soil with low clay content. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to support optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats. plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and can be grown in different soil types, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. Before planting, prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure and incorporate it with the existing soil.
Sow the seeds in spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up and the frost is over. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil at a depth of 1/8 inch (3mm).
Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them to a spacing of 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) to allow them sufficient growth space.
Watering Needs
The Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats. plant prefers moderate watering. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. During the hot summer months, the plant may require watering twice a week.
The plant is drought tolerant and can go for extended periods without water once established. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases, so it is crucial to avoid waterlogging the plant.
Fertilization
The Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats. plant requires minimal fertilization. It can benefit from a balanced fertilizer application during the growing season (spring and summer). However, it is essential to avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower development.
Excess nitrogen in the soil can lead to weak stems and reduced blooming. It is advisable to use slow-release fertilizers or compost to provide a moderate supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.
Pruning
The Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats. plant requires minimal pruning. Prune the plant to remove dead or damaged foliage, spent flowers, and any unwanted suckers.
The plant may develop leggy stems if not adequately pruned, reducing its overall appearance and blooming potential. Pruning can promote bushier growth and increase flowering.
It is advisable to prune the plant lightly throughout the growing season to maintain its shape and prevent it from getting too leggy.
Propagation of Cleome Sparsifolia S. Wats.
Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats. can be propagated through several methods, including seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and division propagation.
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Cleome sparsifolia is through seed propagation. Seeds should be collected when ripe and sowed in seed trays or pots filled with well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil, misted with water, and kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes about two to three weeks.
Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown in a sunny location. Alternatively, the seedlings can also be directly sowed in the garden bed after the last frost.
Cuttings Propagation
Cleome sparsifolia plants can also be propagated through cuttings. Take cuttings from the plants during the growing season and ensure to use healthy stems that are free from diseases and pests. The cuttings should be about four to six inches long and should be taken from the tip of the stem.
Dip the cut ends of the stems in a rooting hormone powder, and then insert them into a pot filled with well-drained soil mix. The pot should then be covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and kept in a shady location until roots have developed. This process usually takes about two to three weeks.
Division Propagation
Cleome sparsifolia can also be propagated through division, but since it is a tap-rooted plant, it can be challenging. This method is best done during early spring, before the plant begins its active growing season.
Carefully dig up the plant and separate the rootball into several sections, ensuring that each section has enough roots. Plant each section into individual pots or directly into the garden bed, and water well. Divisions should be planted at the same depth as the original plant.
Overall, Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats. can be propagated through seed, cuttings, and division, depending on the grower's preferences and available resources.
Disease Management for Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats
Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats. is usually a hardy plant, but it could be affected by several ailments that could mar its beauty. One of the most common diseases that affect Cleome sparsifolia is powdery mildew.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that spreads by airborne spores to all parts of the plant, leaving behind a white powdery coating. To avoid powdery mildew, it is essential to get rid of infected plant parts, water the plants at the base, not on the foliage and control the growing of weeds around the plant, which could hinder proper air circulation. Besides these cultural practices, several fungicides could be used to manage the disease.
Another prevalent disease that could affect Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats is the downy mildew disease. Downy mildew is a common plant disease caused by the fungus-like organism Peronospora. Watering of the plant should be done early in the day, which means plants dry quickly. This helps to avoid moist conditions that encourage the growth of this disease. Proper spacing of the plants also helps with air circulation, ultimately preventing the growth of the fungus.
Pest Management for Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats
Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats comes under attack from pests like spider mites, aphids, caterpillars, and mealybugs. Spider mites are pests that love hot and dry conditions; a great way to avoid spider mites infestation is to keep the plants in optimal growing conditions with proper watering.
Aphids are known to suck sap from the leaves and stems of plants; Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats is not an exception. Aphids could be managed by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars are known to cause severe damage by chewing through leaves and flowers. As caterpillars love flowering plants like Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats, plucking off the caterpillars could be an effective way to manage caterpillars.
Mealybugs are small insects, cotton-like in appearance that suck sap and weaken the plant. Insecticidal soap or neem oil could be effective in controlling mealybugs.
Timely inspections, avoidance of excess fertilizers, proper watering, proper spacing of the plant, and applying insecticide or fungicide could be helpful in managing pests and diseases that could affect Cleome sparsifolia S. Wats.
