Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingAn indoor flower called Clerodendmm belongs to the Verbenaceae family. The native land of the plant is the rainforest of the Eastern Hemisphere, Japan. In the wild, it is a beautifully blooming liana. The name of this flower comes from the fusion of two Greek words, which means “the tree of fate”. Clerodendrum is also called Volcameria or “Innocent Love” flower.

The cultivation of a clerodendrum flower at home began relatively recently, since for a long time breeders were unable to breed hybrids that would easily adapt to the conditions of an apartment. Therefore, these plants could only be seen in greenhouses.

Foliage, inflorescences and fruits of clerodendrum

Clerodendrum can be deciduous or evergreen, but most are long-stemmed vines. At home, using the pinching method, it is possible to form a beautiful ampelous shape, tree-like or bush.

Stems are smooth brownish-reddish or green-olive. They have leaves on petioles, dark green or emerald hue. Clerodendrum, depending on the species, can be clearly seen in the photo, it can have a different foliage shape:

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum heart-shaped (C. speciosissimum).

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum ovoid (C. inerme, C. ugandense).

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum oval (C. wallichiana).

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

The foliage surface is smooth (C. wallichiana) or velvety (C. Bungei), and its edges can be with small denticles, for example, as in C. philippinum, C. Fragrans. Their length can reach 20 cm, and veins are clearly visible on the surface.

It blooms from April to October, the buds appear in the axils on the peduncles. Inflorescences can be paniculate or scutellous. The diameter of one flower can reach 2,5 cm, it often has a bell-shaped shape with a bunch of stamens (up to 3 cm in length). Clerodendrum, depending on the variety, has buds of blue (Ugandan), red (Thompson, shiny) or pink (Bunge) shades. The aroma that comes from a flowering bush of a particular type of plant also differs.

The fruits are oblong, orange, up to 1 cm long, formed after pollination, and there is one seed inside.

Types and varieties of clerodendrum: photos and description of varieties

There are more than 300 species in the clerodendrum genus. Many of them are characterized as rich and long flowering plants. Some of their varieties are used as horticultural crops in countries with warm climates. For example, K. fragrant (C. fragrans) with double, red-purple flowers. Has a sweetish aroma with a touch of citrus.

But for countries in a temperate climatic zone, breeders have bred varieties of this vine that can be used as a houseplant. Although there are not so many domesticated type clerodendrum, there are species and their varieties that can be talked about:

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum Thomsona (S. thomsonae).

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum brilliant (C. splendens).

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum Inerme variegatny grade.

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum Bunge (C. bungei).

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Beautiful clerodendrum (C. speciosum).

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum false (C. fallax).

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum Ugandan (C. ugandense).

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum Filipino (C. philippinum).

Look below at some of the clerodendrum of domesticated species and some of their varieties in the photo, check out a more detailed description of each of them:

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Thomson’s clerodendrum (C. thomsonae) with scarlet flowers and a white calyx are widespread. Leaves up to 20 cm long, entire, dark green, stems reach a height of 3 m. Each bud is up to 2,5 cm in size, with a bell-shaped swollen white or cream cup, at the end of which scarlet stars “glow”. Small flowers gather in paniculate inflorescences. This is how the most common type of indoor floriculture looks like – Thompson’s clerodendrum.

Look at the Clerodendrum of the Thompson variety in the photo:

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

The first buds can be seen already in March, and again the vine can give color in autumn. After the corolla withers, the cups remain on the plant for a long time, but at the same time its shade becomes lilac.

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum brilliant – a type of evergreen shrub, characterized by round, curly shoots. The shape of the leaves is round, heart-shaped, up to 8 cm long, up to 6 cm wide, the edges are wavy. Brilliant Clerodendrum is one of the few species of this plant that has a very long flowering period, it can last almost all year. At this time, shield-like short inflorescences with red buds will appear on the liana, which will gradually replace each other.

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum of Inerme species it is distinguished by oval foliage of an emerald hue. Inflorescences are similar to moths with long stamens of a purple hue. In Clerodendrum Inerme, Variegatny foliage is distinguished by the presence of lighter spots, which makes the color of the greenery similar to marble.

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum Bunge is a fast-growing liana, from which, by cutting off shoots, you can easily form a plant in the form of a medium-sized bush. It has heart-like leaves, dark green in color. A characteristic feature of this domesticated flower is that when exposed to direct sunlight, its foliage becomes a lilac hue. And if the plant does not have enough light, then it falls off.

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum of this variety blooms with crimson buds that appear at the ends of the shoots. But as the flowers develop, they change their color, acquiring a pale pink hue in a blossoming state. The inflorescences are large enough, spherical and look like fireworks.

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Beautiful clerodendrum Is an evergreen shrub with characteristic shoots with 4 edges. The leaves are cordate and slightly rounded, the edge of which is wavy. The most beautiful inflorescences of this species, which gather in apical panicles, have purple cups with dark red corollas on them. The first buds can be seen in June, the flowering period ends by September.

Look at other varieties of the clerodendrum flower in the photo and appreciate their decorative effect:

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Despite all its beauty, this plant is not too whimsical to care for and grow, but still requires some attention.

That is why clerodendrum turn yellow, become covered with spots and leaves fall

The plant is photophilous, in summer at noon it needs protection from direct sunlight. The most suitable for this domesticated vines will be windows of the east or west direction. Here there is enough diffused light for the flower, which will favorably affect its development. Many growers notice that if a pot with this plant is placed on the windowsill of the northern window, then the leaves of the clerodendrum begin to fall off. This is a clear sign that it lacks sunlight. Insufficient lighting can also be the result of the fact that the inflorescences of the plant become not so lush or do not appear at all. It is also undesirable to place a clerodendrum on the southern windowsills – this is the main reason why the leaves turn yellow and become stained. With prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on the vine, its foliage gets burned, which affects its decorative effect. The solution to the problem can be a transfer to another more favorable place or shading the flower.

The temperature in winter should be + 12-15 ° С, which provides the plant with winter rest and contributes to the further formation of buds.

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

The plant requires high humidity, so it is necessary to spray the leaves with soft water and it is better if it is settled. For the same purpose, the liana should be protected from heating devices in winter, which dry out the air near the clerodendrum. You can minimize the negative impact by using a tray of wet gravel, on which the flowerpot should be placed. A reduced percentage of ambient humidity can also be the main reason why the foliage of the clerodendrum turns yellow. You can solve this problem simply by normalizing this indicator.

The best substrate for clerodendrum is from turf and leafy soil, humus, peat and sand (2: 2: 1: 1: 1). It should be humus, slightly acidic.

Planting and transplanting clerodendrum

If you become the owner of clerodendrum, then when caring for and growing it, you should understand that this plant comes from the tropics, where it is hot and at the same time very humid. Therefore, as much as possible, you need to provide the flower with these conditions. The main nuances that you should pay attention to when growing clerodendrum will be:

  1. Watering.
  2. Top dressing.
  3. Pruning.
  4. Transfer.

If we talk about the irrigation regime, then a certain rule should be adhered to: the higher the ambient temperature, the more abundant the soil should be moistened. But do not flood the plant, the main guideline is the drying of the top layer of soil in the flowerpot. Also remember that during the period of active growth, abundant watering is necessary. In summer, the soil should always be moist. For watering the land, you should use settled water, room temperature.

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

When leaving, homemade flowers of Clerodendrum require timely feeding. This will help them to develop fully and give abundant flowering. The plant should be fed once a month with full mineral or special flower fertilizers:

  1. “Kemira Flower”.
  2. Agricola for flowering plants.
  3. “Pokon” and others.

During the period of active growth, the frequency of introducing nutrients can be increased up to 1 time in 14-16 days. At this time, the flower consumes significantly more minerals, so such frequent feeding will not be superfluous.

Every year in early spring, young plants should be transplanted into a larger container with nutritious soil and good drainage (2-3 cm). For an old flower, such a procedure is necessary with a frequency of once every 1-3 years. Planting a homemade clerodendrum in a new pot should take place in the spring. This work is done by transshipment of the plant. This allows you not to damage the root system of the flower and at the same time enrich the soil with useful substances.

Prepare a larger pot for transplanting than the domesticated vine had previously. Be sure to lay a layer of new drainage on the bottom. Fill about 1/3 of the flowerpot with new soil mixture, adding a little sand to the soil. Then proceed directly to the transplant. First, soak the soil ball with the plant well. When the water has been absorbed, pull the clerodendrum out of the old pot along with the soil. Move it to a new prepared pot and fill the resulting voids with new soil.

Pruning when forming the crown of the clerodendrum at home

When transplanting, you can combine this process with pruning flower shoots. Long and weak processes are removed, and you can pinch them to give the plant a more magnificent shape. The formation of the crown of a clerodendrum is very important, since this flower belongs to vines, then its size can reach 2-3 meters, which is not always appropriate in an apartment. And only regular pruning will help keep the shape of a decorative bush or tree.

The simplest pruning of a plant is to remove 1/3 of the length of woody shoots. This annual clipping of the clerodendrum promotes abundant flowering.

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

When grown at home, this liana is usually given the shape of a medium-sized bush. To do this, at the beginning of spring, all shoots are cut to a size of 7 cm from the point of growth. Then the plant begins to grow actively, new young shoots with leaves appear and the result is a nice flowering bush.

How to prune clerodendrum branches correctly

If you want to have a liana in the form of a medium-sized tree, then you need to know how to properly cut the branches of the clerodendrum. When forming a young flower, side shoots should be removed, leaving one larger, stronger and healthier one. All these works are carried out until the plant reaches 0,8 m. The next step will be to pinch the top of the formed trunk. This will allow the lateral shoots to start actively developing. In the following years, the emerging twigs should be pinched to form the crown. In this case, you should remove all shoots that may additionally appear in the clerodendrum on the ground.

Do not be upset if you notice that dry twigs have appeared on your vine. The fact is that some species of this plant themselves regulate growth by drying out excess shoots. For clerodendrum with such a feature, the removal of dried shoots should be included in pruning at home.

Method of propagation of clerodendrum at home by cuttings

As with growing any other home flower, many are worried about how this representative of the Verbenov family reproduces. The most common method is by cuttings in spring, and species with simple flowers can be used with clerodendrum seeds.

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

When propagating by cuttings, the planting material can be placed either in water until the roots appear, or immediately planted in prepared soil. If you chose the first method, then prepare a vessel with clean water, into which you can add “Kornevin” to accelerate the appearance of roots. The stalk is placed in this liquid; it must be stored in a bright, warm place. After the first roots appear on the sprout, it should be moved into the prepared soil mixture.

In a situation with planting a cuttings immediately in the ground, waiting for the appearance of roots is not required.

Further, no matter how you grow clerodendrum, home breeding implies some care for the cuttings. For him, greenhouse conditions should be created, covered with cellophane or a jar. The pot with planting material should be placed in a bright, warm place. Planted shoots should be ventilated daily, moisten the soil as needed. As soon as the first leaves appear on the cuttings, which indicates the successful rooting of the plant, the cellophane or film is removed. A young clerodendrum flower requires the same care at home as an adult, and the first transplant into a larger flowerpot should take place no earlier than 12-13 months.

How to propagate clerodendrum by seeds

If you have the seeds of this plant, then they should be sown at the end of winter in a wide, but not very deep container. Shoots appear in 2-2,5 weeks. After the first 2-3 leaves are formed on the sprouts, which must be removed as they grow, a pick should be made. Disembarkation can be done in disposable cups, at the bottom of which large drainage holes are made. Then the grown seedlings are transplanted into separate pots. With this cultivation, you should ensure:

  1. Abundant watering.
  2. Temperature: in the daytime – + 20, at night – +16 degrees.

Now you know all the secrets of growing clerodendrum and how to propagate it by cuttings and seeds. It is worth noting that with a little effort in caring for this plant, it will be able to please you with an abundant and beautiful color.

Why clerodendrum does not bloom: plant diseases and pests

Most often, changes in growth, development, and abundance of flowering can be observed in cases of improper care of this plant. To solve the problem that has arisen, you should identify an error in growing a flower and eliminate it. For example, the reason that the leaves of the clerodendrum begin to turn yellow, and sometimes the plant may begin to shed them, will be insufficient watering, being kept in a too dry room, or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on the foliage.

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

Florists note that the plant is quite resistant to diseases. Most often, spots of chlorosis can be observed on the leaves of this vine. For clerodendrum, the appearance of such a disease signals a lack of iron in the soil. To stop such destructive processes, foliage is treated with preparations containing this element (iron chelate). For a plant with signs of chlorosis, this treatment should be carried out three times a year.

In contrast to diseases, harmful insects are really a problem when growing clerodendrum. The most common pests that can be found on it are:

  1. Spider mite.
  2. Aphid.
  3. Whitefly.

spider mite appears in the internodes of the plant and looks like a spider web. In this case, you can observe the wilted state of the foliage. To combat these insects, chemical preparations should be used (“Akarin”, “Talstar”, “Vitoverm”, “Vertimek”). Spray the plant, if the instructions do not say otherwise, should be once, and another treatment should be carried out after 14 days.

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

aphid – This is a pest that becomes the reason why it does not bloom or gives deformed clerodendrum buds at home. Florists can immediately determine its presence on the plant. Usually aphids keep in groups and concentrate on the leaves, at the base of the flower. It feeds on plant sap and is a carrier of viral diseases. When it appears on the clerodendrum, cut off the damaged elements, and treat the flower with chemicals (“Aktara”, “Commander”, “Corado”).

Clerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growingClerodendrum: species and varieties, problems in growing

whitefly looks like a midge that is clearly visible even from a distance. She lays her larvae at the base of the leaves, and the processes of her life lead to the fact that the green of the plant is covered with a white bloom. If clerodendrum is damaged by a whitefly, you need to remove all affected areas and spray the flower with fungicides.

How to make homemade clerodendrum bloom

When growing Clerodendrum, every grower wants the plant to give a beautiful and abundant color. But not everyone succeeds in achieving this. Therefore, many are interested in the question of how to make clerodendrum growing at home bloom. Here are the basic rules:

  1. Keep it cool in winter (range +12 to +15).
  2. Timely watering.
  3. Top dressing during the period of growth activation.

If you notice that your clerodendrum turns yellow and leaves are falling off, then look for mistakes in caring for it:

  1. Untimely or insufficient watering.
  2. Air is too dry.
  3. Direct sunlight.

In most cases, eliminating these negative external influences on the plant, it is possible to bring the development of the flower to normal levels, it grows quickly and gives abundant and lush buds.

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Anna Evans

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