Overview:
Clerodendrum capitatum, commonly known as the starburst clerodendrum, is a tropical plant species in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It is native to Africa and South Asia but can be found in other tropical regions like Florida, Australia, and Brazil. This ornamental shrub is grown for its vibrant red flowers and attractive foliage.
Description:
The starburst clerodendrum is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and up to 8 feet wide. Its leaves are ovate to lanceolate, glossy green, and have a slightly serrated margin. The plant produces large clusters of bright scarlet, star-shaped flowers that are grouped in inflorescences at the end of the stem. The individual flowers are about 1 inch wide and resemble fireworks, hence the common name 'starburst'.
Uses:
The starburst clerodendrum is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in tropical gardens, parks, and landscapes. It is a popular choice for hedges, borders, and screens due to its dense and bushy growth habit. The plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its colorful flowers. In some parts of the world, the leaves and stems of the plant are used to make traditional medicines for treating digestive problems, skin diseases, and respiratory issues.
Cultivation:
The starburst clerodendrum grows best in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers full sun to partial shade and a warm, humid climate. The plant is highly adaptable to different soil types but can suffer from root rot if soil is too wet. It requires regular watering during the growing and flowering season, but overwatering should be avoided. The shrub can be propagated from stem cuttings or by dividing mature plants.
Light Requirements
Clerodendrum capitatum thrives in moderate to bright light conditions. It prefers the warmer end of the spectrum and can tolerate partial shade, but it does best in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can survive in temperatures ranging between 18 to 32 degrees Celsius (64 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit). However, it thrives in temperatures around 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit).
Soil Requirements
Clerodendrum capitatum needs well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It prefers moist but not water-logged soil conditions. A good mix of sand and peat moss can improve drainage. Adding compost to the soil also provides essential nutrients which help the plant to grow faster.
Cultivation
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. is commonly known as Pagoda Plant and is native to tropical regions of Africa. It is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers humid conditions and grows well in partial shade to full sun.
The plant requires well-draining soil, and the soil pH should be between 6.5 - 7.5. Heavy soil can be improved by adding compost or sand, and the planting hole should be twice as wide as the root ball.
Watering needs
Pagoda Plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering should be reduced in winters.
Fertilization
Fertilize Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to salt buildup in the soil. The plant is a moderate feeder and requires extra nutrients to grow and bloom well.
Pruning
Pagoda plant produces runners that should be regularly trimmed back to prevent them from overtaking the plant. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring. The plant can be pruned back to half of its size to encourage fuller growth.
Propagation of Clerodendrum capitatum
Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach. is a woody shrub that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to tropical Africa and is also found in parts of Asia. The plant is known for its showy inflorescences, which bear bright red flowers in dense clusters. Propagation of Clerodendrum capitatum can be achieved using the following techniques:
Propagation by Seed
The easiest and most common method of propagating Clerodendrum capitatum is through the use of seeds. The seeds of the plant are readily available and can be collected from the fruit capsules after they dry out and split open. Once collected, the seeds should be sown immediately as their viability decreases rapidly with time. The seeds can be sown in a seed tray filled with well-drained soil and kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes around two to four weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
Clerodendrum capitatum can also be propagated using stem cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from a healthy, mature plant and rooting it to produce a new plant. Stem cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be about 10-15cm long. The lower leaves should be stripped off, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location until roots have formed, which usually takes around four to six weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation of Clerodendrum capitatum can also be achieved by layering. This method involves bending a low-hanging branch to the ground and covering it with soil, leaving the tip of the branch exposed. Roots will form at the point where the branch touches the soil, and once they have developed, the rooted branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into its own container or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Clerodendrum capitatum is relatively resistant to diseases, but here are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungi and is characterized by dark spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is also caused by fungi and appears as a white powdery growth on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by waterlogged soil and can cause the plant to wilt and die. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that it is planted in well-draining soil.
Pest Management
Here are some common pests that might affect Clerodendrum capitatum:
- Aphids: These are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a mixture of soap and water or treat with an insecticide.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that spin webs on the leaves and suck the plant's sap. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant and spray it with an insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies and can chew on the leaves of the plant. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or treat the plant with an insecticide.
