Overview of Cleome sulfurea Bremek. & Oberm.
Cleome sulfurea Bremek. & Oberm., commonly known as Yellow Spider Flower, is a species of flowering plant in the Capparaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions, including Africa, southeastern Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.
Common Names
In addition to Yellow Spider Flower, Cleome sulfurea is also known by other names including Sulfur Cleome, Yellow Cleome, and African Spider Flower.
Uses
Many parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine by different cultures. Its leaves have been used as a remedy for asthma, coughs, and fever. The seeds of the plant have been used to treat stomach ailments and as a laxative. Additionally, the plant has ornamental value and is grown for its attractive flowers.
General Appearance
Cleome sulfurea is an annual herb that grows up to 1 meter in height. Its stem is slender and branching. The leaves are palmately compound, with 3 to 5 leaflets that are ovate to oblong, and up to 11 cm in length. The flowers are bright yellow, four-petaled, and grow in racemes, measuring up to 30 cm long. The fruit is a long, narrow capsule up to 15 cm long, containing seeds that are tiny, smooth, and dark brown in color.
The plant's bright yellow flowers, delicate foliage, and upright stature make it a popular choice in gardens and landscaping, giving an attractive display in ornamental beds and borders.
Light Requirements
Cleome sulfurea requires full sun exposure to thrive. They can withstand a little light shading in the afternoon but need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient lighting may lead to decreased flowering with leggy growth.
Temperature Requirements
Cleome sulfurea grows well in warm temperatures. The plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of 15°C and can thrive in temperatures up to 28°C. Temperatures below this threshold can lead to slowed growth or even death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Cleome sulfurea prefers well-draining soils rich in organic matter. The plant can grow comfortably in various soil textures from sandy loam to clay soil types. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil pH since the range for optimum growth is between pH 6.0 and 7.5. Additionally, the plant requires regular watering to maintain moist soil conditions. However, overwatering may lead to root rot or fungal diseases.
Cultivation of Cleome sulfurea Bremek. & Oberm.
Cleome sulfurea Bremek. & Oberm. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures and well-draining soil. It is best grown in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant is grown from seeds, which should be sown in a well-prepared soil bed. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Watering Needs for Cleome sulfurea Bremek. & Oberm.
Cleome sulfurea Bremek. & Oberm. requires regular watering, especially during the hot season, to maintain adequate moisture levels. However, it is crucial to avoid overwatering the plant as this can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. The plant can be watered twice a week or when the topsoil is dry to the touch, and watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid scorching the leaves.
Fertilization of Cleome sulfurea Bremek. & Oberm.
Cleome sulfurea Bremek. & Oberm. is a moderately heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can cause damage to the plant roots and foliage.
Pruning of Cleome sulfurea Bremek. & Oberm.
Cleome sulfurea Bremek. & Oberm. requires regular pruning to maintain a compact and bushy shape and promote better flowering. The plant should be pruned at least once a year during the fall or spring season using sharp garden shears. The pruning should include removing dead or damaged growth, cutting back excessive growth, and maintaining a uniform shape. The plant can also be pinched back regularly to promote bushier growth and more blooms.
Propagation of Cleome sulfurea Bremek. & Oberm.
Cleome sulfurea Bremek. & Oberm. is a beautiful plant that can be propagated through different methods, such as seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The most common method of propagating Cleome sulfurea is through seeds. This method is relatively easy and can be done at any time of the year. The seeds need to be collected when the pods have turned brown and dry. They should be stored in an airtight container or a paper envelope in a cool, dark, and dry place until they are ready to be sown.
When sowing the seeds, make sure to use a well-draining soil mix. Sprinkle the seeds on the soil surface and gently press them. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil mix and moisten the soil surface. It is recommended to keep the soil evenly moist during the germination period, which can take up to two weeks. Once the seeds have germinated and grown a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or the garden.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is a faster method of propagating Cleome sulfurea compared to seeds. This can be done during the summer when the plant is actively growing. Take a stem cutting that is about 10 cm long, remove the leaves from the bottom 5 cm, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.
Insert the cutting into a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or a glass jar to create a humid environment that will aid in root formation. Keep the cutting in a bright but shaded spot until roots have formed. Once the roots have formed, the plant can be repotted into a larger container or directly planted in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome Sulfurea Bremek. & Oberm.
Cleome sulfurea Bremek. & Oberm., commonly known as yellow spider-flower, is a flowering plant native to South America. Despite its hardiness, the plant is still susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause damage and reduce its productivity. Effective disease and pest management are essential to maintain healthy and vigorous Cleome sulfurea plants.
Common diseases
The most common diseases affecting Cleome sulfurea plants are fungal and bacterial infections. These diseases can manifest as leaf spots, stem cankers, wilting, and stunted growth. The following are some of the common diseases that affect Cleome sulfurea and their management strategies:
Leaf spot diseases
Cleome sulfurea plants are prone to leaf spot diseases caused by fungi such as Alternaria spp. and Phyllosticta spp. To manage leaf spot diseases, remove and destroy all infected plant debris and use fungicides containing copper, sulfur, or chlorothalonil.
Bacterial canker
Cleome sulfurea plants are also prone to bacterial canker caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. To manage bacterial canker, remove and destroy all infected plant debris, prune infected branches, and use copper-containing bactericides.
Common pests
Cleome sulfurea is also susceptible to various pests that can cause damage to leaves, stems, and flowers. Here are some of the common pests affecting Cleome sulfurea plants and their management strategies:
Aphids
Aphids are common pests that can suck plant sap and transmit viral diseases. To manage aphid infestations, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural oils, and introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing of leaves and fine webbing. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural oils and introduce natural enemies such as predatory mites.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars can cause defoliation and reduce plant growth. To manage caterpillars, handpick and destroy them, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticides, or introduce natural enemies such as parasitic wasps.
By following proper disease and pest management practices, gardeners can ensure healthy and productive Cleome sulfurea plants. It is important to monitor the plants regularly and take prompt action if any pest or disease symptoms are detected.
