Overview
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. conglobatum (Baker) B.Thomas is a flowering plant that is a part of the Verbenaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the globular clerodendrum or the red pagoda plant due to its distinctive spherical shape and bright red flowers.
Appearance
The globular clerodendrum is a small shrub that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. It has dark green leaves that are arranged opposite each other along the stem, with a serrated edge. The plant produces round or oval-shaped flowers that are bright red in color and grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The flowers are surrounded by colorful bracts that grow in a spherical shape around the flower head, giving the plant its distinctive appearance.
Uses
The globular clerodendrum is commonly used as an ornamental plant due to its striking appearance. It is often grown in gardens or as a houseplant in pots or containers. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties, with various parts of the plant being used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments such as malaria, fever, and headaches.
Light Requirements
The Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. conglobatum (Baker) B.Thomas plant requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. It can also tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much of it can damage the leaves and cause leaf burns. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in an area that receives at least 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperatures and does not tolerate cold temperatures well. It is recommended to keep the temperature above 60°F (15°C) and below 85°F (29°C) for optimal growth. Exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause the plant to suffer from leaf drop.
Soil Requirements
The Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. conglobatum (Baker) B.Thomas prefers well-draining soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 6.5. The plant requires regular watering, but the soil should not be waterlogged as it can lead to root rot. It is recommended to let the soil dry partially between watering to prevent overwatering.
Cultivation Methods
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. conglobatum (Baker) B.Thomas grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers full sunlight, but it can also grow under some shade. The plant can tolerate dry conditions, but it grows better with regular watering. When planting, make sure to provide enough space between each plant to allow for good air circulation.
Watering Needs
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. conglobatum (Baker) B.Thomas needs regular watering to thrive, especially during prolonged dry periods. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot. The plant will benefit from mulching to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is essential for the healthy growth of Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. conglobatum (Baker) B.Thomas. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season (spring to fall). Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and avoid overfertilization, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the growth of Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. conglobatum (Baker) B.Thomas. However, if you want to control the size and shape of the plant, it can be done after flowering. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Additionally, cutting back the plant can help promote bushier growth and increase the number of flowers.
Propagation of Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. conglobatum (Baker) B.Thomas
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. conglobatum (Baker) B.Thomas, commonly known as the bagflower, is a beautiful ornamental plant that can be propagated in various ways. These are:
Seed propagation
The easiest way to propagate a bagflower is through seeds. To do this, collect ripe berries and soak them in water for some time to make the seeds sink. After that, extract the seeds and plant them in a well-draining soil mixture. Ensure that the soil is moist and provide some bottom heat to aid germination, which usually occurs within 1 to 3 months. Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant them to individual pots.
Cutting propagation
Cuttings can also be used to propagate the bagflower. Take cuttings from healthy stems during the growing season, ensuring that each cutting has a few nodes. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, sheltered spot, away from direct sunlight. Roots will sprout within 4-6 weeks, and once established, the cuttings can be transplanted to larger pots.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for the bagflower. To do this, select a healthy stem and make a small cut on its bark. Apply rooting hormone to the wound and cover it with moist sphagnum moss. Wrap the moss with plastic and secure it in place with twine. In a few weeks, roots will start to grow from the wound. Once the roots are established, cut off the rooted section of the stem, pot it up and allow it to grow in a warm, sheltered spot.
Division propagation
Dividing an established bagflower plant is yet another way to propagate it. Dig out the plant carefully and separate the roots into smaller sections with shoots. Replant the new sections in a well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly. Ensure that the plant is placed in a warm, sheltered spot until it establishes itself in its new environment.
Disease Management
Clerodendrum capitatum is generally a hardy plant but it is still susceptible to certain diseases. The most common diseases that affect the plant include:
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. Infected leaves might turn yellow and fall off. To manage the disease, you can apply fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate. Ensure you spray it on both sides of the leaves.
- Leaf spot: This is a bacterial disease characterized by yellow spots with a brown center. The spots appear on the leaves and might eventually lead to defoliation if not managed. To manage the disease, remove and destroy the infected leaves and avoid wetting the leaves when watering the plant. You can also apply copper-based fungicides to control the disease.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that mainly affects plants growing in waterlogged soils. The first visible signs of root rot include yellowing and wilting of the plant. To manage the disease, improve the drainage of the soil and avoid overwatering the plant.
Pest Management
Clerodendrum capitatum is also prone to pest infestations. Some of the common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Thrips: These pests are tiny, slender insects that suck fluids from the plant tissues. Signs of thrips' presence include silvery-white, scarring on the young leaves, and petals. Management methods include using insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to control the pests.
- Mites: These are spider-like pests that usually attack the underside of leaves, causing them to yellow and have rusty or bronze marks. Prune and destroy affected leaves, increase humidity around the plant, and apply insecticides containing acaricides to control the pests.
- Mealybugs: These pests look like cottony masses on the underside of leaves and stem joints. They suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing, stunted growth, and leaf drop. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to dab the pests or release natural predators such as lacewings or ladybugs to control mealybugs.
