Spider Flower

cleome hassleriana

Also known as: ["Spider Plant","Grandfather's Whiskers"]

Family: Cleomaceae Genus: Cleome Category: Flowers

Overview

An annual flowering plant known for its tall, spidery flowers and pungent fragrance.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Brassicales
Family: Cleomaceae
Genus: Cleome
Botanical Name: Cleome hassleriana

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly during blooming season; light pruning in early spring if needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning as it may reduce flowering.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for extreme heat by providing partial shade in afternoon.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate seedlings gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun to prevent scorching; place in brightest spot indoors if grown as a houseplant.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil drainage or nutrient issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; avoid shaded spots.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use raised beds for better drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter annually.

Temperature

Warm conditions (65–85°F / 18–29°C); thrives in heat but may require shade in extreme temperatures.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; apply to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing when plant is dormant.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seeds; seeds are the most common and reliable method.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in moist medium.
  5. Keep humid.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F / 21–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix (e.g., perlite and peat moss blend).

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Seeds germinate in 7–14 days; cuttings root in 2–4 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil mix.

Quick Tips

Use fresh seeds for best germination; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node; remove dead or damaged growth.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, clean cutting tool.

Checklist

Use clean tools; prune dead or diseased parts; remove spent flowers; shape as needed.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot annually or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the root zone without disturbing the soil surface.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to frost damage or death in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; cover with a frost cloth if outdoors; avoid cold drafts.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering due to excessive heat and dryness.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Cleome hassleriana may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, which can affect overall plant health and vigor.

Wilting in Cleome hassleriana is often a sign of water stress, either due to under or overwatering, which can lead to reduced photosynthesis and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Cleome hassleriana are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, which can reduce photosynthetic efficiency and lead to premature leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Cleome hassleriana due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to plant decline and death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cleome hassleriana can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats if ingested. The toxicity is generally low but can result in discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant; seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Ingestion of Cleome hassleriana seeds or roots by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant, especially seeds and roots; consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Cleome hassleriana contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The toxic effects are generally not severe but can be unpleasant.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of seeds and roots; keep out of reach of children.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How tall does Cleome hassleriana grow?

A: It can grow up to 5 feet tall.

Q: Does Cleome hassleriana require full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun conditions.

Q: Is Cleome hassleriana self-seeding?

A: Yes, it readily self-seeds and can naturalize in gardens.

Quick Reference
Family: Cleomaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Unknown
View
Spider Flower
View
Spiderwisp
View
Prickly Cleome
View