Overview
Clerodendrum glabrum E.Mey. var. vagum (Hiern) Moldenke is a plant species that belongs to the Lamiaceae family of flowering plants. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful flower clusters and unique foliage.
Origin
Clerodendrum glabrum E.Mey. var. vagum (Hiern) Moldenke is native to South Africa and can be found growing in many regions across the country. It is often found in open grasslands, in scrub and on rocky outcrops.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Silver Clerodendrum, White Catswort, and White Wild Sage.
Appearance
The Clerodendrum glabrum E.Mey. var. vagum (Hiern) Moldenke can grow up to 2-3m tall and has a shrubby appearance. It has glossy, dark green leaves with silver undersides which measure between 6-10cm long and around 3cm wide. It is often very leafy with short internodes and has a mature and stiff stem that is thick, firm and woody. Its flowers are delicate and have a beautiful aroma. The flowers are small, white, and grow in clusters that are up to 10cm long at the end of the stems.
Uses
Clerodendrum glabrum E.Mey. var. vagum (Hiern) Moldenke is a widely grown ornamental plant in many countries due to its beauty and hardiness. The plant is also used in traditional medicine in some parts of Africa to treat various ailments such as fever and malaria. In Kenya, the leaves are used as a vegetable and are often added to stews and soups.
Light Requirements
Clerodendrum glabrum E.Mey. var. vagum (Hiern) Moldenke prefers partial shade. It is best to grow in a location where it can receive filtered sunlight or partial shade. In areas where the sunlight is too intense, placing the plant under the shade of taller trees or taller plants can work.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 18°C and 26°C. It cannot tolerate frost and will die back at the slightest hint of it. Therefore, it is best to plant the plant in a warm location, providing protection during winter by covering it with a frost blanket.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers rich, well-drained soil. It grows well in an acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil pH ranging from 4.5 to 7.5. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. It is best to plant the plant in a location that has good drainage to avoid waterlogging. Incorporating organic matter into the soil can also help improve soil fertility and moisture retention.
Cultivation
Clerodendrum glabrum is a tropical plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. When grown indoors, it needs a bright and sunny spot that receives sufficient sunlight for at least six hours a day like a south-facing window. When growing outdoors, it is important to choose a spot with partial shade and well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Clerodendrum glabrum vary depending on the temperature, humidity, and soil conditions. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering deeply once a week is adequate for this plant. When grown indoors, it is important to mist the plant regularly to maintain the humidity levels.
Fertilization
During the growing season that runs from spring to summer, it is important to fertilize Clerodendrum glabrum every two weeks using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce the frequency of fertilization to once a month during the fall and winter season. Fertilizing this plant helps to replenish the nutrients and boosts its growth.
Pruning
Pruning Clerodendrum glabrum helps to promote bushier growth and maintain its shape. The best time to prune this plant is during the spring when new growth appears. Prune the stems just above a node and remove any dead or diseased branches. Pinching of the tip of the stem will also encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Clerodendrum glabrum E.Mey. var. vagum (Hiern) Moldenke
Clerodendrum glabrum E.Mey. var. vagum (Hiern) Moldenke, commonly known as the Forest clerodendrum, is a highly ornamental plant species native to Africa. This plant can be propagated by various means that include:
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is one of the common methods of multiplying the Forest clerodendrum, and they are usually available during the fruiting season. Collect the fruit once it has ripened and use your hands to extract the seeds from the fruit pulp. Put the cleaned seeds into a bucket of water and discard the ones that float since they are typically sterile. Plant the viable seeds in well-draining soil (Seed-raising mix) in seedling trays or pots and ensure they are kept moist. Germination should occur within four weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is another common method of duplicating the Forest clerodendrum. Cuttings with a diameter of about 2.5-5 cm should be collected from the mother plant and dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings should then be inserted into well-draining soil or moist sand, and the soil must be kept humid. Provide a warm and bright environment for the cuttings to establish roots, and mist them regularly. Cuttings take approximately two months to root, and once rooted, transplant them into well-draining soil.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a propagation method where roots are encouraged to grow from the parent plant into a new medium while still attached to the parent plant. To propagate Clerodendrum glabrum E.Mey. var. vagum (Hiern) Moldenke through air layering, a section of the stem should be selected and the bark removed to a width of about 2.5 cm. The exposed region is then covered with moss or damp peat moss and secured in place using plastic wrap. Keep the moss moist while roots develop, which should occur within four to eight weeks. Once the roots have developed, cut the stem below the air layer and plant it in a prepared pot or soil bed.
Disease and Pest Management for Clerodendrum glabrum E.Mey. var. vagum (Hiern) Moldenke
Clerodendrum glabrum E.Mey. var. vagum (Hiern) Moldenke, commonly known as the Cape jasmine, is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, like any other plant, it is still susceptible to certain conditions that can cause damage or death. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and how to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungi that leave small brown or black spots on the leaves. If left untreated, the leaves can turn yellow and fall off. To manage fungal leaf spot, remove all the infected leaves and destroy them. Keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid spraying the foliage with water. Applying a copper fungicide can also help provided it’s done in accordance with the product’s instructions.
Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by a fungus and is characterized by a white, powdery substance on the leaves. Affected leaves may also curl or yellow and eventually drop off. To prevent and manage powdery mildew, keep the leaves dry and well-ventilated. Avoid overhead watering and use a fungicide if necessary.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the roots of the plant and eventually cause it to wilt and die. To prevent root rot, make sure that the soil is well-draining and not water-logged. If the plant is already affected, the only solution is to remove the plant from the soil and dispose of the infected soil. Don’t use the soil in other parts of the garden.
Pests
Mealybugs: These tiny insects form white cottony masses on the plant and suck its juices, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage mealybugs, remove them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or a strong jet of water. Prune heavily infested areas and discard the clippings. Make sure to keep the plant well-watered and fertilized.
Scale insects: These insects look like small bumps on the plant and also suck its juices. A strong jet of water can help remove the insects from the plant. Using insecticidal sprays also helps control the population.
Spider mites: These tiny mites thrive in hot and dry conditions. They feed on the plant’s sap and can cause yellowing or browning of the leaves. To prevent spider mite infestations, keep the plant well-watered and mist the leaves regularly. Using insecticidal soap can also help control their population.
By practicing good cultural and pest management practices, you can enjoy a healthy and thriving Clerodendrum glabrum E.Mey. var. vagum (Hiern) Moldenke plant in your garden.
