Origin
Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild., commonly known as the Blue Butterfly Bush, is a species of flowering plant which belongs to the family Lamiaceae. The plant is native to tropical Africa, specifically in the countries of Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and the Central African Republic.
Common Names
Aside from Blue Butterfly Bush, Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. also goes by other common names such as African Glory Bower, East African Glory Bower, and Village Clock among others.
Uses
The plant is often used as ornamental and is mostly grown as a garden plant. It can also be used to adorn balconies or terraces and can be grown in groups as a hedge or border plant. The leaves of Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. are used for medicinal purposes. In traditional African medicine, the leaves are used to treat various ailments like skin diseases, cough, and fever.
General Appearance
Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. is a perennial shrub that grows up to 4 meters in height. The plant has a fast growth rate and has soft stems and branches. It has large, ovate leaves which are dark green in color, and about 15-20cm long and 10-15cm wide. The flowers are tubular, with a blue-violet color and have a butterfly-like shape, hence its name. The plant blooms usually in the summer season.
Growth Conditions for Clerodendrum Excavatum De Wild.
Light: Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. prefers a partially shaded location with bright indirect light. It can tolerate full sun if given enough water, but too much direct sunlight can lead to scorching or wilting of the leaves.
Temperature: This plant can tolerate a broad range of temperatures. However, it prefers warm and humid conditions with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C during the winter months, but it is best to keep it in a warmer environment.
Humidity: Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. thrives in high humidity environments, which are typical in tropical and subtropical regions. It is best to keep the plant in a room with a humidifier or place the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles to create a humid microclimate.
Soil: well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter creates a suitable growing medium for Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. The optimal pH ranges from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant requires good drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 during the growing season from spring to fall. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can lead to burning of the roots.
Water: Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. needs frequent watering during the growing season but should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering during winter or colder seasons, but do not let the soil become completely dry. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which is difficult to control.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated by stem cuttings during the growing season or by layering in the spring. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and rooted in a well-draining potting mix under high humidity and bright indirect light.
Pests and Diseases: Common pests of Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. It is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as grey mold and leaf spot, which can be controlled with a fungicide.
Cultivation Methods for Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild.
Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. is an evergreen shrub that can reach up to 2-4 meters in height. When selecting a site for this plant, it's essential to choose a location that provides partial shade or full sun exposure. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Before planting the shrub, it is important to prepare the soil by incorporating compost or organic matter. Planting holes should be dug two times wider than the root ball and at the same depth. Once planted, it is crucial to keep the soil consistently moist.
Watering Needs for Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild.
The watering needs of Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. can vary depending on the time of year and climate. During the growing season, this shrub should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. It is essential to avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. During the winter months, watering should be reduced to prevent overwatering.
Fertilization for Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild.
Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, from spring through summer, following the manufacturer's instructions. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning for Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild.
Pruning Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. can help manage its size and shape, as well as promote healthy growth and flowering. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Dead, damaged or diseased branches should be removed, making clean cuts close to the trunk or main stem. Improper pruning can lead to plant stress, so it's important to follow established techniques or seek professional advice.
Propagation of Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild.
Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. is a plant that belongs to the Verbenaceae family, and it is commonly known as the Ethiopian clerodendrum. It is a shrubby plant that is native to Ethiopia and can reach up to 3 meters in height. Its stems are erect, woody, and have a grayish-brown color. The leaves are ovate and have a glossy green color, and the flowers are tubular with a pink to reddish color.
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. can be done through seeds. The seeds need to be collected from ripe fruits, which usually appear after the flowering season. The seeds should be cleaned and dried before sowing. It is best to sow the seeds during the rainy season, as this will provide adequate moisture for germination. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and it is best to cover them lightly with soil. The seedlings will emerge after a month, and they should be transplanted once they have reached a height of about 10 cm.
Cuttings Propagation
Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the firm stem tips of healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be at least 15 cm long and should have at least 2 to 3 nodes. The leaves on the lower nodes should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a shaded area until they form roots. Once the roots have formed, they can be transplanted into individual pots or the ground.
Air-Layering Propagation
Air-layering is another propagation method for Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. This method involves taking a stem and making a shallow cut on the bark, below a node, and applying rooting hormone. The cut area is then wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic. Roots will grow from the cut area and into the moss. Once the roots have formed, the new plant can be removed and planted in soil. This propagation method is slower than cuttings, but it has a higher success rate.
Disease and Pest Management for Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild.
Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild. is a hardy shrub that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. While it is not highly susceptible to diseases and pests, it is still important to maintain good plant health to prevent any issues. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect this plant:
Diseases:
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brownish spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove and dispose of affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and improve air circulation around the plant.
Root Rots: Root rots are caused by fungi and lead to decay and decline of the plant. To manage root rots, avoid overwatering, plant in well-draining soil, and apply a fungicide as needed.
Pests:
Spider Mites: Spider mites are small pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and distort. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to dislodge them, apply insecticidal soap, and ensure adequate plant nutrition.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small pests that attach themselves to the plant and feed on the sap, causing yellowing and stunting of growth. To manage scale insects, prune and dispose of affected branches, apply horticultural oil, and release predatory insects such as ladybugs.
Overall, proper plant care including regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning can go a long way in preventing diseases and pests from affecting Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild.
