Origin
The Clerodendrum mossambicense Klotzsch var. glabrum B.Thomas, commonly known as African Glory Bower, belongs to the family Lamiaceae and is native to tropical and subtropical Africa. It can be found growing in Angola, Cameroon, Tanzania, Malawi, Kenya, and Zambia.
Common Names
The African Glory Bower is known by several common names such as, Mozambique clerodendrum, white folly, and pink folly.
Appearance
The African Glory Bower is a woody shrub that can grow up to 2 meters in height. It has white to pale pink fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters in late summer and fall. The leaves are glossy green, opposite, and ovate to elliptic in shape. The bark of the African Glory Bower is greyish-brown and smooth with prominent leaf scars.
Uses
The African Glory Bower has several uses in traditional medicine. The leaves and roots are used to treat fever, coughs, and colds. The bark is used to treat stomach ache, and the crushed leaves are used to treat snake bites. Additionally, the flowers of the African Glory Bower are known to attract bees and butterflies, making it a great plant for wildlife gardens.
Light Requirements
The Clerodendrum mossambicense Klotzsch var. glabrum B.Thomas plant thrives in bright but indirect light. It is essential to shield the plant from direct sunlight as it can lead to scorching of the leaves. The plant can tolerate low light conditions but growth will be slow. Growers should keep the plant in a well-lit area without exposing it to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The minimum temperature required for the Clerodendrum mossambicense Klotzsch var. glabrum B.Thomas to thrive is 68°F (20°C). The plant can tolerate temperatures as high as 85°F (29°C). Keeping the plant in temperatures outside of this range can stress the plant, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and other issues. It is crucial to maintain a consistent temperature for the plant to thrive.
Soil Requirements
The Clerodendrum mossambicense Klotzsch var. glabrum B.Thomas plant grows best in loose, well-draining soil. The soil should have a pH level ranging between 5.5-7.5. The plant requires a soil mix rich in organic matter. A good soil mix can consist of a combination of peat, vermiculite, and perlite. The plant does not fare well in soil that retains water for prolonged periods since waterlogging can lead to root rot. It is recommended to repot the plant yearly to replenish nutrients in the soil.
Cultivation
Clerodendrum mossambicense Klotzsch var. glabrum B.Thomas is a plant that grows well in humid and warm conditions. It is best suited for growing in tropical or subtropical gardens. The plant requires well-drained soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade.
When planting, ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter to help retain moisture and nutrients. Mix compost or aged manure with the soil before planting. The plant can be propagated from stem cuttings during the growing season or from seeds.
Watering Needs
The plant should be thoroughly watered during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced during the winter months when the plant goes dormant. The plant can withstand some drought, but it is essential to keep the soil moist during hot, dry periods.
Fertilization
Clerodendrum mossambicense Klotzsch var. glabrum B.Thomas requires regular fertilization to thrive. Fertilize the plant once every two months with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. The fertilizer should be diluted to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots.
Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizer such as compost tea or fish emulsion. These are excellent choices as they add essential nutrients to the soil without causing root burn.
Pruning
Prune the plant during the dormant season to maintain a compact shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. You can also prune the plant in the early spring to encourage new growth. Remove any leggy or weak stems and cut back the remaining branches to the desired shape and size.
When pruning, use sharp, clean tools to prevent tearing or injuring the stem. Disinfect the tools before and after pruning to avoid the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Clerodendrum mossambicense Klotzsch var. glabrum B.Thomas
Clerodendrum mossambicense Klotzsch var. glabrum B.Thomas can be propagated through various methods such as:
Seeds
The easiest method of propagation for Clerodendrum mossambicense Klotzsch var. glabrum B.Thomas is through seeds. You can collect the seeds from the parent plant when the fruits are ripe and sow them right away in well-draining soil. Make sure the soil is moist and not waterlogged as it may lead to seed rot. You can expect the seeds to germinate within 2 to 3 weeks.
Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from semi-hardwood or hardwood stems in late spring or early summer. Make sure the cutting is 5-7 inches long and has a few nodes. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location. Roots will start to develop within 4 to 6 weeks.
Layering
Another propagation method that can be used for Clerodendrum mossambicense Klotzsch var. glabrum B.Thomas is layering. Layering involves rooting a stem that is still attached to the parent plant. In the early spring, select a low-growing stem and remove a section of bark from the middle of the stem about 4 to 5 inches long. Dust the exposed stem with rooting hormone, and pin the plant to the soil with a bent piece of wire. Within a few weeks, roots will start to grow from the wounded area of the stem. Once roots have developed, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into a potting mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Clerodendrum mossambicense Klotzsch var. glabrum B.Thomas
Clerodendrum mossambicense Klotzsch var. glabrum B.Thomas is a tropical plant commonly grown for its attractive flowers and foliage. However, like any other plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause damage or even death if not properly managed. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of plants. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and can quickly spread throughout the plant if not controlled. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal infection that causes black or brown spots on the leaves of plants. It is caused by overwatering the plant or high humidity levels. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to remove infected parts of the plant and improve air circulation around the plant.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of plants. It is caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or planting the plant in a pot that is too small. To manage root rot, it is recommended to remove infected parts of the plant, improve drainage, and avoid overwatering the plant.
Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage mealybugs, it is recommended to remove them by hand or apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause distorted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with a strong jet of water or apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the underside of leaves. They can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to remove infected parts of the plant and apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring and prompt action are essential to managing diseases and pests in Clerodendrum mossambicense Klotzsch var. glabrum B.Thomas. By following these management practices, you can help ensure the health and longevity of your plant.
