Origin and Common Names
Clerodendrum buchananii (Roxb.) Walp. var. fallax (Lindl.) Moldenke is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, including countries like Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The plant is commonly known as the purple clerodendrum or the blekdeur.
Appearance
This plant is a moderate-sized deciduous shrub that can grow up to 2 to 3 meters tall. The stem is sturdy, and the branches are slender and arching. The leaves are simple, opposite, and have a heart-shaped base that measures about 12 cm long and 6 cm wide. The foliage is dark green above and paler underneath with a slight hairiness. The flowers are fragrant and appear in dense clusters of about 20 pink to purple blooms with white centers, mostly in spring and summer.
Uses
The purple clerodendrum is popularly grown as an ornamental plant for its beautiful flowers, which attract butterflies, bees, and birds. Besides its ornamental value, parts of the plant have several medicinal uses in Africa. The roots, bark, and leaves are used to treat various ailments like fever, coughs, respiratory illnesses, stomach problems, and rheumatism. The plant extracts are also used in some traditional ceremonies to ward off evil spirits and protect homes and gardens from witchcraft. The wood from the shrub is hard and used for making walking sticks and other tools.
Light Requirements
The Clerodendrum buchananii (Roxb.) Walp. var. fallax (Lindl.) Moldenke requires full sunlight to grow properly. It can be planted in areas with partial shade, but it will not thrive as it would in full sunlight. The plant grows best in areas that receive six or more hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
The Clerodendrum buchananii (Roxb.) Walp. var. fallax (Lindl.) Moldenke plant can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it grows best in warm temperatures that range from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant is not frost tolerant and should be protected during the colder months. If the plant is exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, it can suffer damage or die.
Soil Requirements
The Clerodendrum buchananii (Roxb.) Walp. var. fallax (Lindl.) Moldenke prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic material. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as the soil has good drainage. The plant requires regular watering, but it should not be allowed to sit in waterlogged soil.
Cultivation Methods
Clerodendrum buchananii (Roxb.) Walp. var. fallax (Lindl.) Moldenke, commonly known as the butterfly plant, is a tropical plant that thrives in warm climates with plenty of humidity. It requires full sunlight exposure for proper growth and development. Ideally, it should be planted in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Watering Needs
The butterfly plant requires regular watering to maintain its lush green foliage and abundant flowers. It prefers moist soil, but it is essential to avoid overwatering or letting the soil dry out. A good guideline is to water the plant once a week, but this may vary depending on the climate, humidity, and soil type. During the dry season, more frequent watering may be needed to prevent the plant from drying out.
Fertilization
Fertilization is vital for the butterfly plant as it requires proper nutrients for healthy growth and blooming. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used, with additional micronutrients such as magnesium and iron. The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season, which is usually from April to September. It's essential to avoid over-fertilization as it can cause leaf burn or inhibit flowering.
Pruning
Pruning helps to maintain the shape and size of the butterfly plant and increases blooming. It should be done during the inactive period, which is usually from October to March, before the growing season. Any old, diseased or weak stems should be removed from the base, leaving the healthy branches to thrive. It's also important to pinch off faded flowers to encourage the growth of new ones. A regular pruning routine can be established to keep the plant compact and bushy.
Propagation of Clerodendrum buchananii (Roxb.) Walp. var. fallax (Lindl.) Moldenke
Clerodendrum buchananii (Roxb.) Walp. var. fallax (Lindl.) Moldenke can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seeds
To propagate Clerodendrum buchananii (Roxb.) Walp. var. fallax (Lindl.) Moldenke through seeds, the fruits must be collected when they are fully ripe. The seeds are then extracted from the fruits and sown in a mixture of sand, peat, and soil in a ratio of 1:1:2.
The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 cm, and the soil mixture must be kept moist. After germination, the seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots until they are mature enough to be planted in their final location.
Semi-hardwood cuttings
Clerodendrum buchananii (Roxb.) Walp. var. fallax (Lindl.) Moldenke can also be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing.
Cuttings should be taken from strong, healthy stems that are approximately 10 cm long, and all the leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then placed in a mixture of sand and peat (1:1) or a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings must be kept moist and in a warm, humid location until they take root, which usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Air layering
Air layering can also be used to propagate Clerodendrum buchananii (Roxb.) Walp. var. fallax (Lindl.) Moldenke. This involves selecting a healthy branch and making a cut approximately halfway through, just below a node. The cut should be wrapped with sphagnum moss and moistened. The wrapped section is then covered with clear plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse.
The branch must be kept moist and in a warm location until roots begin to form, which usually takes 2-3 months. Once roots have formed, the branch can be cut off and planted in potting mix or directly in the ground in a well-draining location.
Disease and Pest Management for Clerodendrum buchananii (Roxb.) Walp. var. fallax (Lindl.) Moldenke
Clerodendrum buchananii (Roxb.) Walp. var. fallax (Lindl.) Moldenke is a relatively hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, certain pests and diseases can still affect the plant, especially if it is stressed or weakened. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects many plants, including Clerodendrum buchananii. It causes small, dark spots on the leaves, which may spread and merge together. If left untreated, this disease can cause the leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected plant parts, improve air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering. You can also apply a fungicide spray to prevent further spread.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to become mushy and black. This disease is often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage root rot, remove the affected plant and replant in fresh, well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage around the plant.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to curl and become distorted. They can also transmit viruses to the plant. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the insects.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, winged insects that suck on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. They can also transmit viruses to the plant. To manage whiteflies, remove and destroy infected plant parts, improve air circulation around the plant, and use sticky traps to catch the insects. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the insects.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. They can also transmit viruses to the plant. To manage mealybugs, remove and destroy infected plant parts, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe off the insects, and apply neem oil to kill the insects.
By managing these common pests and diseases, you can keep your Clerodendrum buchananii (Roxb.) Walp. var. fallax (Lindl.) Moldenke healthy and thriving.
