Overview
Cleome welwitschii Exell, also known as the spider flower, is a species of flowering plant in the Cleomaceae family. It is native to Angola, a country in southern Africa. The plant is primarily grown for its ornamental purposes, but it also has some medicinal uses.Description
The spider flower is an annual plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The plant has thin, green, and hairy stems with large, green, compound leaves that are made up of three to five leaflets. The flowers are pink to purple in color and have long, spidery stamens, which gives them their unique appearance. The blooms appear in the summer and fall and attract butterflies and bees.Common Names
The spider flower is known by many names, including African spider flower, pink queen, and giant spider flower. In Angola, it is known as "Temtem" or "Tentem."Uses
The spider flower is primarily grown for its ornamental value. It is often used in gardens as a border plant or as a backdrop in mixed borders. The flowers are also commonly used in flower arrangements. In traditional medicine, the spider flower is used to treat various ailments such as fever, coughs, and stomachaches. The plant has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.Cultivation
The spider flower is easy to grow in well-draining soil and full sun. It is a drought-tolerant plant, and overwatering can cause root rot. The plant can self-seed, but it can also be propagated by seeds or cuttings. It is recommended to plant the spider flower in areas with mild winters because it cannot withstand frost. Overall, the spider flower is a beautiful and unique addition to any garden or landscape. Its bright blooms and spidery stamens make it a showstopper in the summer and fall.Light Requirements
Cleome welwitschii Exell is a sun-loving plant and requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It can tolerate partial shade for a few hours each day, but prolonged shade can result in stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures above 40°C can cause heat stress and damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Cleome welwitschii Exell prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The pH of the soil should be neutral to slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
The plant is known to be drought-tolerant and can grow in arid and semi-arid regions. However, regular watering is necessary to ensure healthy growth, especially during the early stages of development.
Cultivation Methods of Cleome welwitschii Exell
Cleome welwitschii Exell is an annual plant that requires full sun exposure to thrive. To cultivate this plant, begin by preparing a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the pH range should be between 6.0 and 7.0. Sow the seeds in springtime, following the instructions given on the seed packet. Ensure the soil is kept moist until the seeds germinate in a week to ten days.
Thin the seedlings to allow them to stand about 30-50cm apart. This will give them enough space to grow to their maximum height of 70-80cm. You can also cultivate the Cleome welwitschii Exell by transplanting seedlings outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Ensure the soil is worked at the planting holes, and the roots are planted at the same depth as at the nursery.
Watering Needs of Cleome welwitschii Exell
Watering is one of the essential aspects to consider in successfully cultivating the Cleome welwitschii Exell. The plant prefers evenly moist soil but is also drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, dry conditions after establishment. Water the plant thoroughly once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Watering at the base of the plant is recommendable to keep water off the foliage and prevent the development of diseases such as mildew.
Fertilization of Cleome welwitschii Exell
Although Cleome welwitschii Exell does not require fertilizer to thrive, the addition of a balanced fertilizer three weeks after planting can boost growth and improve the plant's health. Alternatively, you can feed the plant with a slow-release fertilizer once every six to eight weeks throughout the growing season.
Pruning Cleome welwitschii Exell
Cleome welwitschii Exell does not require pruning. However, if the plant appears leggy or spindly, you can pinch the growing tips to encourage fuller and bushier growth. Deadheading is also recommendable, as it promotes the growth of new flowers and prolongs the bloom time. Remove spent flowers at the base of their stem to prevent seeds from forming, as this can reduce the number of new blooms produced.
Propagation of Cleome welwitschii Exell
Cleome welwitschii Exell, also known as Spiny Spider Flower, is a plant that is native to Angola. It is a drought-tolerant annual plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. Propagation of this plant can be done through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Cleome welwitschii Exell can be collected from the matured seed pods after the flowers have bloomed. The pods should be left on the plant until they have dried out and turned brown. Then, they can be harvested and the seeds can be removed from the pods.
To increase the germination rate of the seeds, they can be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. The container should be kept in a warm and sunny location until the seeds germinate.
Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden. The ideal time for transplanting is when the seedlings have developed three to four leaves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Cleome welwitschii Exell can also be done through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the spring or early summer months, using a sharp and clean cutting tool. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long and should include a section of the stem with a few leaves.
The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped into a rooting hormone powder to encourage the growth of roots. The cutting should then be placed into a well-draining soil mix, and the container should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
The container should be kept in a warm and sunny location, with regular misting of the leaves to maintain humidity levels. After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and the plastic bag can be removed. The cutting can then be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the garden.
Propagation of Cleome welwitschii Exell through seeds or cuttings is a relatively easy process. With proper care and attention, this plant can be propagated successfully in a home garden or nursery.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome welwitschii Exell
Cleome welwitschii Exell, also known as Welwitsch's spider flower, is a beautiful annual plant that is commonly grown for its showy pink flowers. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and appearance. In this section, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Cleome welwitschii Exell and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Some of the common diseases that might affect Cleome welwitschii Exell include:
- Powdery Mildew: This is a common fungal disease that affects many plants, including Cleome welwitschii Exell. It is characterized by a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to maintain good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides if necessary.
- Leaf Spot: This is another fungal disease that can affect Cleome welwitschii Exell. It causes brown spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides if necessary.
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and eventually die. It is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage root rot, it is recommended to improve drainage, reduce watering, and apply fungicides if necessary.
Common Pests
Some of the common pests that might affect Cleome welwitschii Exell include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be controlled by releasing natural predators, such as ladybugs, or by applying insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These are the larval stage of moths and butterflies. They can damage the foliage of the plant by feeding on it. To manage caterpillars, it is recommended to handpick them off the plant or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and stippling on the leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or by applying insecticidal soap.
In conclusion, Cleome welwitschii Exell can be susceptible to various diseases and pests, but with proper management techniques, they can be controlled. Regular monitoring of the plant is essential to catch any signs of disease or pest infestation early on.
