Origin
Clerodendrum hildebrandtii Vatke var. puberula Verdc. is a plant species belonging to the family Lamiaceae, native to Eastern Africa. It is commonly found in Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Kenya.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Wi-Fi plant" due to its purported ability to cleanse and limit radiation from wireless networks. Additionally, it is called "Tanzanian fishtail clerodendrum" or simply "fishtail clerodendrum".
Uses
Clerodendrum hildebrandtii Vatke var. puberula Verdc. is mainly used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive leaves. However, it has also been used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of various ailments including headaches, toothache, and earache. The plant is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, although further scientific research is necessary to confirm this.
General Appearance
The plant is a small to medium-sized shrub with an average height of up to 2 meters. Its leaves are large, glossy, and deeply lobed, resembling a fishtail, hence the common name "fishtail clerodendrum". The leaves are dark green and have a velvety texture on the undersides. The plant produces small, tubular, red or purple flowers arranged in clusters, which bloom from mid to late summer. The fruits are small, round, and black, containing one or two seeds.
Light Requirements
Clerodendrum hildebrandtii Vatke var. puberula Verdc. is a plant that requires moderate to high light conditions to reach its full growth potential. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight for short periods during the day. However, it is important to avoid placing the plant in full sun as it may lead to damage on its leaves.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows best in warm to hot temperatures ranging from 20 – 35°C. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures of about 15°C without any negative impact, but prolonged exposure to low temperatures may cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Clerodendrum hildebrandtii Vatke var. puberula Verdc. requires well-draining fertile soil to grow. It does not thrive in soils that are waterlogged or with poor drainage as this may lead to root rot. A recommended soil mix would ideally be composed of equal parts of potting soil, perlite or sand, and organic matter such as compost or peat moss that will enrich the soil with nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Clerodendrum hildebrandtii Vatke var. puberula Verdc. prefers well-draining soil that has a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It thrives in partial shade to full sun, making it an ideal addition to gardens or landscapes. The plant requires hot temperatures, ranging from 18°C to 30°C, and can withstand drought-like conditions.
Watering Needs
This plant requires frequent watering, especially during dry periods. It thrives in moist soils and should not be left to dry out completely. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It’s important to note that the amount of water needed varies depending on the climate and soil type.
Fertilization
Fertilizing this plant regularly is essential for optimum growth and development. It requires a balanced fertilizer that has equal portions of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, and reduce the frequency to once every month during the dormant season. However, avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
Pruning
Clerodendrum hildebrandtii Vatke var. puberula Verdc. requires a minimal pruning regimen. Avoid excessive pruning, as this can stunt growth or delay flowering. Prune only to get rid of dead, disease-ridden, or broken branches. You can also prune to maintain a specific shape, but this is more of a personal preference rather than a requirement.
Propagation of Clerodendrum hildebrandtii Vatke var. puberula Verdc.
Clerodendrum hildebrandtii Vatke var. puberula Verdc. can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of the Clerodendrum hildebrandtii Vatke var. puberula Verdc. plant are viable and can be used for propagation. The best time to collect the seeds is during the autumn season when the capsules ripen and turn brown. Once collected, the seeds must be cleaned and soaked in water for a few hours to soften the outer seed coat.
To propagate through seed, a seedbed should be prepared with a mixture of soil and compost. The seeds should be sown by scattering on the surface of the soil mixture and then gently pressed into the soil. Light should be allowed to pass through to the seeds which should be kept moist and warm. Germination of the seeds can take several weeks to months and is usually erratic.
Cuttings Propagation
Clerodendrum hildebrandtii Vatke var. puberula Verdc. can also be propagated through leafy stem cuttings, which should be taken during the growing season. For successful rooting, the cuttings must be taken from healthy parent plants.
The cuttings should be 10-12 cm in length, and their lower leaves should be removed, leaving only the top two or three remaining. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining medium - such as a mixture of sand and peat moss. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment, and it takes approximately four to eight weeks for roots to develop.
Division Propagation
Another propagation method for Clerodendrum hildebrandtii Vatke var. puberula Verdc. is by dividing the parent plant. This method is useful for older and mature plants that have formed clumps.
The parent plant should be carefully removed from the soil, and the roots should be untangled. After that, the plant can be divided into several sections which should be planted in well-prepared sites. It is essential to water and care for the divided plants as the roots take to the new location over several weeks.
Disease Management
Clerodendrum hildebrandtii Vatke var. puberula Verdc. is susceptible to certain diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. The most common diseases affecting this plant include root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
To manage root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant and to ensure the soil has good drainage. Diseased portions of the roots should be removed, and the plant should be replanted in fresh soil. Proper sanitation practices like avoiding cross contamination and regular clean up help reduce the occurrence of root rot.
To manage leaf spot, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread of the disease. Proper sanitizing and proper drainage of soil can help prevent leaf spot from happening in the first place.
Powdery mildew can be managed by avoiding humid conditions, proper ventilation or pruning, and regularly removing affected parts. Fungicides can help in severe cases, with regular application according to package instructions.
Pest Management
Clerodendrum hildebrandtii Vatke var. puberula Verdc. can also be affected by pests that can cause damage to the plant and impede its growth. Examples of these pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies.
To manage spider mites, it is important to increase humidity in the surroundings, reduce overcrowding of plants, and use insecticidal soap to control the population of pests. Careful observation is also needed to catch infestation early and keep it from spreading.
Mealybugs can be removed by manually picking them off and/or by using a mixture of alcohol and water. However, it is important to avoid over-saturating the soil to prevent injury or death of the plant.
To manage whiteflies, yellow sticky traps can be used to trap them. The use of insecticidal soap can also be effective, as long as directions for use are carefully followed.
In general, it is important to consistently monitor the health of the plant, and address any issues promptly to prevent the disease or pest from spreading to other plants.
