Origin:
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. subdentatum De Wild., commonly known as red pagoda plant, is a tropical plant species that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The plant is native to Western and Central Africa, including Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as red pagoda plant, red tower, and red glory bower. In Cameroon, it is referred to as "Njawe" and "Nlemba" in Gabon.
Uses:
The red pagoda plant is often grown as an ornamental plant due to its colorful and attractive flowers. The flowers are used to produce a red dye that is used in traditional African textiles. In Cameroon, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as fever, headaches, and inflammation. The bark and leaves of the plant are used to treat snakebites and scorpion stings.
General Appearance:
The red pagoda plant is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. The leaves are ovate or rounded and are around 10-25 cm long and 6-20 cm wide. The flowers are tubular and red in color, measuring 2-4 cm in diameter. The plant blooms throughout the year, with the highest concentration of flowers appearing from July to September. The fruit is small and white and has a sour taste.
Light Requirement
The Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. subdentatum De Wild. requires partial to full sunlight to grow well. For better growth, it is advisable to grow it in bright light conditions without exposing it to direct sunlight. The plant may also grow under artificial light if it provided for at least 12 hours per day.
Temperature Requirement
The optimal temperature for the Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. subdentatum De Wild. ranges between 15°C to 25°C, although it can tolerate temperatures as high as 35°C. The plant is tolerant to cold weather but may drop its leaves if exposed to temperatures below -4°C.
Soil Requirement
The Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. subdentatum De Wild. grows best in well-drained soils with high organic matter content. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5). The plant prefers soils rich in nutrients, and thus, regular fertilization with adequate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended.
Cultivation Methods
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. subdentatum De Wild. can be grown outdoor in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11, and indoors in other areas. It requires well-draining soil that contains organic matter. The plant needs to be exposed to partial shade to full sun to flourish, and it should be protected from frost.
Watering Needs
The plant should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of the soil is dry. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering will vary depending on the temperature, humidity, and soil type.
Fertilization
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. subdentatum De Wild. should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer can be used to avoid overfeeding the plant. Fertilization should be stopped during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
The plant should be pruned during late winter or early spring after the flowering season is over. The pruning should be done to remove the dead or weak branches. To encourage the growth of new branches, cut the tips of the branches. If you want taller growth, prune the lower branches regularly. The plant may need support as it grows taller.
Propagation of Clerodendrum capitatum var. subdentatum
Clerodendrum capitatum var. subdentatum De Wild., commonly known as the red bird plant, can be propagated by various methods. Below are the different propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
Propagation using seeds is the simplest method and can be done by collecting mature seeds from the plant during autumn. Sow the seeds in a mixture of sand and peat in a shaded area. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and the germination will take place in two to three weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Asexual propagation through stem cuttings is the most common and convenient method to ensure identical offspring. Choose a healthy plant with good growth, and take cuttings from new growth in spring or early fall. Cut the stem just below the node and remove the lower leaves. Treat the cutting with rooting hormone powder, and plant it in a container filled with a peat-based rooting medium. Keep the soil moist, and place the cutting in a shaded area. The roots will develop within four to eight weeks.
Division Propagation
Clerodendrum capitatum var. subdentatum can also be propagated by division. Dig up the plant and gently separate the root ball into several sections. Replant the sections in new soil or container and keep them moist until new growth appears.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering propagation is another method to grow the plant without harming the mother plant. Choose a healthy stem and make a notch in the bark about halfway through the stem. Apply a rooting hormone to the wound and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss for several weeks. When roots emerge, cut the stem below the moss and plant it in a container or soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. subdentatum De Wild.
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. subdentatum De Wild. is a tropical flowering plant that is susceptible to several diseases and pests. To maintain the health and beauty of the plant, it is important to implement proper disease and pest management strategies.
Common Diseases
The plant is susceptible to several diseases, including:
Leaf Spot
This is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves. It may cause circular or irregular spots on the leaves. Over time, the spots may expand and cause the leaves to wilt and die. One way to manage leaf spot is to promptly remove infected leaves and stems of the plant. Ensure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overwatering.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. It can lead to yellowing of leaves, wilting, and the eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, ensure the plant is not overwatered and improve drainage around the roots. Consider repotting the plant in well-draining soil.
Common Pests
The plant is susceptible to several pests, including:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause considerable damage to the plant. They feed on the sap of the plant, leading to yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and the eventual death of the plant. One way to manage spider mites is to keep the plant clean and free of dust and debris. Use a soapy water solution or neem oil to spray the plant and control the infestation.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small insects that can cause damage to the plant. They feed on the sap of the plant, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and the eventual death of the plant. One way to manage mealybugs is to use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe down the affected areas. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
Implementing proper disease and pest management strategies can help keep the Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. var. subdentatum De Wild. healthy and thriving. Regular inspection and prompt action can prevent the spread of infestations and infections, ensuring the plant's longevity.
