Overview
Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc. is a flowering plant species that is native to East Africa. It belongs to the family Lamiaceae and the genus Clerodendrum.
Common Names
It is commonly known as Makadagni or Mkatubwa in Swahili and East African Bleeding Heart in English.
Uses
Traditionally, the plant has been used to treat various ailments including respiratory infections, fever, and high blood pressure. The roots are steeped in hot water to make a tea that is drank as a remedy for various ailments. The leaves and bark are also used to make a poultice that is applied to wounds to promote healing.
In some African cultures, the plant is believed to have spiritual properties and is used in various rituals.
Appearance
Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc. is a shrub that can reach up to 3 meters in height. The leaves are opposite, simple, and ovate. They are about 6-17 cm long and 4-10 cm wide. The flowers are pink or red and bloom in clusters, mainly from December to May. The fruits are small drupes that are about 1 cm in diameter and turn from green to black when they ripen.
Growth Conditions for Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc.
Light: The plant prefers bright indirect sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Direct sunlight may scorch the leaves. It is recommended to place the plant near an east or west-facing window for optimal growth.
Temperature: The plant grows well in warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C (65°F to 85°F). At temperatures below 15°C (59°F), the plant's growth significantly reduces, and the leaves drop from the branches. Hence, it is not suitable for cold environments.
Soil: Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc. grows well in well-draining soils rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil can vary from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, between 6.0 to 7.5. The soil must not be waterlogged, as it can cause root rot and damage the plant.
Fertilizers: The plant requires regular feeding with balanced fertilizers during the growing season, from Spring to early Fall. A lack of nutrients can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Over-fertilization, on the other hand, can harm the roots, so it is important to follow the recommended dosages.
Water: The plant prefers consistent moisture but not waterlogged soils. It is necessary to allow the soil to dry partially before repeating watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot that can harm the plant. In addition, the plant must not be subjected to extreme droughts as it can damage the leaves and branches.
Humidity: The plant grows well in normal room humidity of 40% to 60%. If the humidity levels are too low, it can cause the plant's leaves to dry out and eventually wither. It is recommended to mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity levels.
Cultivation methods
The Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc. is a relatively easy plant to cultivate. It is typically grown as an ornamental plant for its showy flowers and attractive foliage. For best results, choose a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight. It is important to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 4°C, as this can damage or even kill the plant.
Watering needs
When it comes to watering the Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc., the key is to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. This usually means watering once or twice a week, depending on the weather and the humidity in your area. Be sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
To keep your Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc. healthy and thriving, it is important to fertilize regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer every other month during the growing season (spring and summer). Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the overall health of the plant, but it can help to shape and encourage bushier growth. If you wish to prune your Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc., do so in the early spring before new growth appears. Cut back any dead, damaged, or diseased branches first, then remove up to a third of the remaining growth to encourage branching. Avoid over-pruning, as this can stress the plant and inhibit flowering.
Propagation of Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc.
Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc. can be propagated through different methods such as from seeds, stem cuttings, and root cuttings.
Propagation from Seeds
Propagation from seeds is one of the easiest ways to propagate Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc. Collect the seeds from the matured berries and sow them in seed trays with a good quality seed mix. Keep the seed trays in a warm, shaded, and humid place. The seedlings will emerge in 2-4 weeks, and then they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation from Stem Cuttings
Propagation from stem cuttings is another common method of propagating Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc. Select a healthy stem of about 10-15 cm in length and remove the leaves from the bottom half. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder, and insert the stem cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining rooting mix. Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. After a few weeks, new roots will emerge, and the bag can be removed.
Propagation from Root Cuttings
Propagation from root cuttings can also be successful with Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc. Take a root section of about 5-8 cm and plant it in a pot of well-draining soil mix. Water the cutting and keep it in a warm, shaded place with high humidity. New shoots will usually emerge in a few weeks.
Disease Management
Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc. is susceptible to various diseases that can hinder its growth and development. The common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Leaf spots: This is a fungal disease that results in the development of circular or irregular spots on the leaves of the plant. The affected leaves usually turn yellow or brown and fall off. To manage this disease, it is crucial to prune the infected leaves and apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. The affected roots usually turn brown or black and may rot away. To prevent this disease, it is important to plant the Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc. in well-draining soil and avoid over-watering the plant. Applying a fungicide may also help manage the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that results in the development of a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it is crucial to prune the infected branches and apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Like any other plant, Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv. subsp. mashariki Verdc. is also susceptible to pests. The common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to yellow and distort. To manage this pest, it is important to wash the affected plant parts with soapy water and spray insecticide to prevent their reoccurrence.
- Scale insects: These are small insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant, sucking sap from the plant and disrupting its growth. To manage this pest, it is important to wipe off the affected areas with a cloth soaked in soapy water and spray insecticide on the plant.
- Spider mites: These are tiny insects that spin webs on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow or brown and fall off. To manage this pest, it is important to wash the affected plant parts with soapy water and spray insecticide to prevent their reoccurrence.
