Overview
Clerodendrum discolor (Klotzsch) Vatke var. oppositifolium E.Thomas is a tropical plant species commonly known as the Harlequin Glorybower, due to its stunning foliage. This species belongs to the Verbenaceae family, and is native to the mountainous regions of the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan, and Assam.
Appearance
The Harlequin Glorybower is an evergreen bushy shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. The plant has an upright habit with woody stems that are smooth and grayish-brown in color. The leaves of this plant are a distinctive feature, having bright green blades with purplish undersides. The leaves are ovate or elliptical in shape, opposite in arrangement on the stems, and can grow up to 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. The plant produces small clusters of tubular, white to pinkish-lavender flowers that bloom throughout the summer months.
Uses
The Harlequin Glorybower is an ornamental plant that is grown for its attractive foliage and flowers. The plant is often used as a hedge, screen, or specimen plant in tropical and subtropical gardens. The leaves of this plant are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including skin conditions, rheumatism, and fever. The roots are also used as a remedy for dysentery and diarrhea.
Care
The Harlequin Glorybower prefers partial shade to full sun and requires well-draining soil that is kept moist. The plant is tolerant of a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain the shape and promote new growth. The plant is also susceptible to pests, including mealybugs and spider mites.
In summary, Clerodendrum discolor (Klotzsch) Vatke var. oppositifolium E.Thomas is a beautiful and useful tropical shrub, with stunning foliage, a beautiful habit, as well as medicinal uses.Growth Conditions for Clerodendrum discolor var. oppositifolium E.Thomas
Light: Clerodendrum discolor var. oppositifolium prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate some shade but too much shade can weaken its growth and cause the plant to produce fewer flowers.
Temperature: This plant thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 60°F (16°C).
Soil: The soil for Clerodendrum discolor var. oppositifolium should be well-draining and fertile. The plant prefers slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It can also tolerate some degree of soil salinity.
Water: Adequate watering is essential for the growth of this plant. The soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged. During hot or dry weather, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilizer: To maintain healthy growth, it is recommended to fertilize the plant with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. However, over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth with weaker stems and foliage.
Humidity: Clerodendrum discolor var. oppositifolium thrives in high humidity environments. It can benefit from occasional misting or being placed near a humidifier.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated using stem cuttings or by root division. Cuttings should be taken in spring or summer and placed in a well-draining rooting medium.
Cultivation
Clerodendrum discolor (Klotzsch) Vatke var. oppositifolium E.Thomas is a tropical plant that can thrive in warm temperatures above 60°F (15°C). It is best grown in a partially shady position with good air circulation.
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 is ideal for healthy growth. You can propagate the plant via stem cuttings or by root division.
Watering Needs
Clerodendrum discolor (Klotzsch) Vatke var. oppositifolium E.Thomas requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. You can test the soil moisture level by inserting your finger about an inch into the soil. If the soil is dry, it's time to water the plant.
During the flowering period, it's important to keep the soil consistently moist. However, avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Clerodendrum discolor (Klotzsch) Vatke var. oppositifolium E.Thomas benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. You can use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer every 4-6 weeks for optimum growth.
Avoid overfertilizing the plant as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil. This can cause root damage and stunt the plant's growth.
Pruning
Clerodendrum discolor (Klotzsch) Vatke var. oppositifolium E.Thomas can grow up to 6 feet in height if left unpruned. However, you can maintain a compact shape and encourage branching by regular pruning.
Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also trim back the top growth to reduce the overall size of the plant.
Pruning also encourages more flowers to grow as the plant redirects energy towards new growth and blooms.
Propagation of Clerodendrum discolor (Klotzsch) Vatke var. oppositifolium E.Thomas
Clerodendrum discolor (Klotzsch) Vatke var. oppositifolium E.Thomas can be propagated by various methods including:
Seeds
Seeds of Clerodendrum discolor (Klotzsch) Vatke var. oppositifolium E.Thomas can be collected from the fruits when they turn black. The seeds are then cleaned, dried and sown in well-drained soil. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the germination process.
Cuttings
The stem cuttings of Clerodendrum discolor (Klotzsch) Vatke var. oppositifolium E.Thomas can be taken during the summer season from the mature plants. Cuttings should have at least three nodes and be about 4-6 inches long. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted into well-drained soil. Care should be taken to avoid overwatering the cuttings as they have not yet developed a root system. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area until they develop roots.
Layering
Clerodendrum discolor (Klotzsch) Vatke var. oppositifolium E.Thomas can also be propagated by layering. This method involves bending a low hanging branch or stem down to the ground and covering it with soil. Roots will develop at the point of contact with the soil. Once roots have developed, the rooted stem can be cut away from the parent plant and transplanted.
Overall, Clerodendrum discolor (Klotzsch) Vatke var. oppositifolium E.Thomas can be easily propagated by seeds, cuttings or layering.
Disease Management
Clerodendrum discolor (Klotzsch) Vatke var. oppositifolium E.Thomas is generally a healthy plant, but it can be affected by a few diseases that can cause damage or death to the plant. The most common diseases that affect this plant are fungal diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot.
Leaf spot is characterized by round, brown patches with yellow halos on the leaves. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves, while root rot causes the roots to rot and eventually die.
To manage fungal diseases, remove any diseased leaves and stems. Avoid watering the leaves and instead water the soil directly. Use fungicidal sprays to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Clerodendrum discolor (Klotzsch) Vatke var. oppositifolium E.Thomas is also susceptible to pest attacks which can cause damage to the plant. Common pests that affect this plant include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck on the plant sap, causing the leaves to curl and distort. Spider mites are tiny pests that suck on the plant sap, causing stippling and yellowing of the leaves. Mealybugs are covered with a white, powdery wax and suck on the sap of the plant, causing it to wilt and die.
To manage pests, regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation. For small infestations, try washing the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge the pests. For more serious infestations, use insecticidal sprays to control and manage the pests effectively.
