Prickly Cleome
cleome rutidosperma
Also known as: ["Prickly Cleome"]
Overview
A herbaceous annual plant in the Cleomaceae family, known for its prickly stems and small, yellowish flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Cleomaceae |
| Genus: | Cleome |
| Botanical Name: | Cleome rutidosperma |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but performs best with some fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate the plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight indoors; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a cactus or succulent mix as a base; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with compost annually.
Temperature
Warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); thrives in hot summers; sensitive to frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from cold drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing when blooms appear to encourage flowering; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings root easily in warm conditions.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting just below a leaf node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; maintain high humidity with a plastic bag; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; cut just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged growth; remove spent flowers; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; allow excess water to drain away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration by avoiding compacted soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in cold; leaf scorch or bud drop in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage; prolonged exposure may lead to death.
Solution: Move potted plants indoors before frost; use frost cloth for in-ground plants; ensure good drainage to prevent cold waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering; may lead to dehydration.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest Cleome rutidosperma seeds or roots. The effects are generally not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Cleome rutidosperma seeds or roots may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant does not typically cause severe toxicity, but caution is advised due to potential discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCleome rutidosperma contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract, with no severe systemic effects reported.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cleome rutidosperma toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How often should Cleome rutidosperma be watered?
A: It is drought tolerant and requires watering only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Q: Does Cleome rutidosperma attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, making it a good choice for wildlife gardens.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cleomaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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