Overview of Cleome Strigosa
Cleome strigosa (Bojer) Oliv., commonly known as African spider plant, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Cleomaceae family. This plant is native to Madagascar and the surrounding islands in the Indian Ocean.
General Appearance of Cleome Strigosa
Cleome strigosa is an annual plant that typically grows up to 60cm in height. Its stem is green, slender, and covered in tiny hairs. The leaves are compound, with three to five leaflets, and are also covered in fine hairs. The plant blooms between June and August, producing showy pink or white flowers that have a sweet fragrance. The flowers are arranged in elongated racemes and have numerous long stamens, giving the plant a spider-like appearance, hence its common name, African spider plant.
Common Uses of Cleome Strigosa
Cleome strigosa is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its attractive flowers and interesting appearance. It can also be grown as a cut flower for floral arrangements. In traditional medicine, the leaves and roots of Cleome strigosa are used to treat various ailments, including stomach ache, fever, and respiratory infections. Additionally, the plant has been found to contain compounds with potential insecticidal properties, making it a promising natural pest control agent.
Light Requirements
Cleome strigosa is a sun-loving plant and requires full sun exposure to produce healthy growth and blooms. The plant needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If the plant does not receive enough sunlight, it could become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Cleome strigosa grows well in subtropical and tropical regions with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost and cold temperatures and may not survive in areas with winter frost. It thrives in warm and humid conditions.
Soil Requirements
Cleome strigosa grows well in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and able to retain moisture. Sandy or loamy soil with good drainage is ideal for this plant. Proper soil preparation is crucial for the success of Cleome strigosa, and adding organic matter well before planting is recommended.
Cultivation
Cleome strigosa is an annual plant that thrives in warm and dry conditions. It is adapted to a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. To cultivate this plant, it is recommended to sow the seeds directly in the garden bed after the last frost date. You can also start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
Cleome strigosa prefers full sun exposure, but it can tolerate partial shade. You should space the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow adequate room for growth. You can also pinch the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Watering Needs
Cleome strigosa has moderate water requirements. It is important to keep the soil moisturized but not waterlogged. You should water the plant deeply once a week, especially during the hot summer months. However, ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
In case of a rainfall, it is recommended to decrease the frequency of watering to avoid waterlogged soil. Waterlogging can lead to the development of fungal diseases and root rot.
Fertilization
Cleome strigosa requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. You should incorporate organic matter into the soil before planting to improve the soil fertility. Once the plant starts flowering, you can apply a balanced fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks to provide essential nutrients.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to foliage burn, stunted growth, and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Cleome strigosa does not require extensive pruning. However, to promote bushier growth and more flowers, you can pinch the tips of the stems when the plant is about 6 inches tall. This will encourage the development of lateral shoots and more flowers.
Deadheading is also recommended to remove spent blooms and promote continuous flowering. You can pinch off the faded flowers with your fingers or use a pair of scissors to cut the stem below the flower.
Regular pruning will help to maintain the plant's shape and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to the development of fungal diseases.
Propagation of Cleome strigosa
Cleome strigosa, also known as spider flower, is a herbaceous annual plant that is native to Madagascar. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers that bloom in shades of pink and purple.
Propagation by seeds
Cleome strigosa can be propagated by seeds, which can be collected from mature plants when the seed pods turn brown and begin to split. The seeds should be dried and stored in a cool, dry place until planting time.
To sow the seeds, prepare a seedbed by loosening the soil and removing any debris. Scatter the seeds evenly over the surface of the soil and cover lightly with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. Water gently to settle the seeds in place, and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate in a week or two.
Once the seedlings have several leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden or in containers.
Propagation by cuttings
Cleome strigosa can also be propagated by cuttings, although this method is less commonly used than seed propagation. Take cuttings from healthy, vigorous plants in early summer, when the new growth is still tender.
Cut a section of stem about 4-6 inches long, making the cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to promote root growth. Stick the stem cutting into a container filled with a well-draining potting mix, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Place the container in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. In about 3-4 weeks, the cutting should begin to form roots. Once the new roots are established, the plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Both methods of propagation for Cleome strigosa are relatively easy, and with proper care, this plant can provide an attractive addition to your garden or landscape.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome strigosa (Bojer) Oliv.
Cleome strigosa (Bojer) Oliv., commonly known as the spider flower, is a flowering plant that is known for its unique and attractive flowers. However, this plant is also susceptible to various diseases and pest infestations, which can affect its growth and overall health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spots: Fungal leaf spots are a common problem that affects the plant's foliage, leading to the appearance of brown or yellowish spots on the leaves. You can manage this disease by removing and destroying the infected leaves and spraying the plant with a fungicide. Also, avoid overhead watering and provide adequate spacing between the plants to improve air circulation.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the plant's roots, leading to the plant's death. To manage this disease, ensure that the soil is well-draining, avoid overwatering the plant, and allow the soil to dry out between watering. You can also use a fungicide to prevent further spread of the disease.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the plant's leaves and stems. You can manage this disease by removing and destroying the infected leaves, increasing air circulation around the plants, and treating the plant with a fungicide.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and curled leaves. You can manage aphids by spraying the plants with a strong stream of water, introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs, or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's foliage, causing yellowing and browning of leaves. You can manage spider mites by spraying the plants with a strong stream of water, increasing humidity around the plants, or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the plant's leaves, leading to the formation of holes and notches. You can manage caterpillars by removing them by hand, introducing natural predators such as birds or applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a biological pesticide that targets caterpillars.
Overall, proper management of diseases and pests is essential to ensure the health and growth of Cleome strigosa (Bojer) Oliv. Regular monitoring of the plant and acting promptly when symptoms of diseases and pests appear can help prevent further damage and ensure the plant's longevity.
