Overview
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild. is a plant species native to tropical Africa. This plant is known for its eye-catching and attractive flowers, which are usually bright red or pink.
Common Names
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild. has a variety of common names including Harlequin Glorybower, Slaty Flowered Bleeding Heart, and Fuchsia Clerodendrum.
Uses
The plant has various uses in traditional and modern medicine. The leaves of the Harlequin Glorybower are used in the Philippines as traditional treatment for hypertension. Its bark and roots are also used to cure stomach ailments, coughs, and colds. The plant also has ornamental value and is used to beautify gardens and landscapes.
Appearance
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild. is a large shrub or small tree, with an average height of 2-4 meters. The plant has a smooth and shiny bark that is grey in color. Its leaves are glossy and dark green in color with a heart shape. The inflorescences have clusters of showy red flowers with thin, elongated stamens that protrude beyond the corolla. The fruit is a small capsule, which contains small seeds that are commonly used for propagation.
Growth Conditions for Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild.
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild. commonly known as Red Firecracker Plant, is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. This plant is native to tropical regions of Africa. It can grow up to 3 meters tall and 2 meters wide. In this section, we will provide detailed information about the typical growth conditions required for the proper growth and development of Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild.
Light Requirements
Red Firecracker Plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate shade, but the plant may produce fewer flowers than when grown in full sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild. thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 30 °C. A temperature above 35 °C can cause harm to the plant. If the temperature falls below 10 °C, the plant may suffer damage or even die due to frost. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in an area where the temperature remains above 10 °C.
Soil Requirements
The Red Firecracker Plant grows well in loamy soil types that are fertile and well-draining. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH ranging between 6.0 to 7.0. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil, as it can cause root rot and affect plant growth. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild. in a well-drained soil type, which allows excess water to drain out easily.
In conclusion, providing the optimal growth conditions is essential for the proper growth and development of Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild. For this plant to thrive, it requires full sun to partial shade, warm temperatures and a slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil type.
Cultivation methods
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild. is a shrub that requires full to partial sun exposure. It grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant is best propagated by stem cuttings or seeds, and it's essential to take these cuttings during the spring or summer months.
Watering needs
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild. requires regular watering during the growing season to keep the soil moist. It is not drought-tolerant, and the plant should not be allowed to dry out for extended periods. However, it's important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilizing is an essential aspect of caring for Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild. It's best to apply slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, which will ensure that the nutrients are gradually released into the soil. The plant also benefits from regular applications of organic matter, such as compost or manure.
Pruning
Pruning is a crucial aspect of caring for Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild. It is best to prune the plant during the spring season to encourage new growth. Dead or damaged branches should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease. Regular pruning will also help to maintain the plant's shape and size.
Propagation methods of Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild.
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild. can be propagated through various methods including seeds, stem cuttings, and layering. However, the most preferred method is stem cuttings.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are taken from healthy parent plants during the early morning hours. The cuttings should be taken from the middle part of a healthy and disease-free stem. The cuttings should be at least 15 cm long and should have a minimum of 2-3 nodes.
The leaves of the cuttings should be removed except for the topmost pair. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone solution and planted in a well-draining potting mixture. The cuttings should be watered well and placed in a shaded area.
The rooting medium should be kept moist and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight and heavy rainfall. The cuttings should develop roots in 4-6 weeks, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation through layering
Layering is another method of propagating Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. butayei De Wild. This involves bending a low-hanging branch down to the ground and burying a part of it in the soil. The buried part of the branch will develop roots and can be cut from the parent plant once it is well-established.
The branch to be layered should be about one year old and should not be too thick. The branch should be bent and the bark scraped off at the point where it will be buried. The branch should be fixed in place using a wire or stick and buried in a shallow trench. The layered branch should be kept moist and should be protected from direct sunlight until it has developed roots and can be cut from the parent plant.
Disease Management
Clerodendrum capitatum is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, certain fungal diseases can infect the plant, resulting in foliage browning and leaf drop. Powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust are common fungal infections in Clerodendrum. The spread of these fungal diseases can be minimized by ensuring proper plant spacing and growth conditions.
Effective fungicides like neem oil and copper-based fungicides can be used to control severe outbreaks. Fungal infections can also be prevented by watering the plant in the morning to allow the foliage to dry during the day, reducing the quantity of water used, and avoiding wetting the leaves during watering.
Pest Management
Clerodendrum capitatum is vulnerable to pest attacks like mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids. Since the plant structure allows for the presence of pests both on the leaves and in the leaf axils, pest prevention measures should be in place all year round.
To prevent pest infestations, it is essential to isolate new plants from other plants in the garden or greenhouse before planting and inspect them for pests before planting. When it comes to pest management, chemical methods involving pesticides are the most effective. However, it is essential to select the appropriate pesticide that targets the particular pest species; neighboring plants and animals should not be harmed.
Using biological control, like predatory insects, can be an effective alternative to chemicals. Insecticidal soaps made from natural oils can also be used to manage pest infestations. Regular plant inspection and good plant hygiene, such as removing fallen plant debris and diseased leaves, is crucial in pest management and minimizing infestations.
