Luxurious clerodendrum in your home: cultivation, care and reproduction. Clerodendrum - home care

Exotic flower with bright greenery and gorgeous flowers loved by many flower growers. Large beautiful leaves plants, long lush bloom and bushes various shapes allow you to use it to decorate any interior. However, in order for a flower to grow healthy and please with its beauty, you need to know the conditions for its maintenance and the rules of care. Of particular importance is the pruning of bushes, with the help of which their crown is formed. Consider the features of growing an exotic flower at home.

Description of clerodendrum

The plant belongs to the Verbena family. and may be a deciduous shrub or evergreen tree. In nature, klerodendrum grows in the tropics. South America, Asia and Africa.

Translated from Greek name flower means "tree of destiny". With its help, temples were decorated in ancient Rome. Clerodendrum was especially popular in the 19th century. At that time, aristocrats grew it in winter gardens and tropical galleries, used it as a beautiful vertical background and living partitions.

grown at home shrubs or creepers that differ:

1. Bright green leaves, whorled or opposite on the stem. They can be heart-shaped, simple, with solid or serrated edges.
2. Flexible shoots that quickly become woody at the bottom.
3. Collected in brushes or corymbs flowers in the form of a butterfly. Clerodendrum Bengue and Philippine inflorescences look like unusually shaped bouquets.
4. Long stamens on each flower.
5. A unique aroma that comes from flowers and leaves. Each type of plant exudes its own aroma.

When growing a shrub at home, it can be given a standard, bushy or ampelous shape with the help of pruning. This makes the plant even more popular when decorating rooms with a different interior.

Gallery: clerodendrum (25 photos)

Features of care

Since in nature the shrub grows in tropical conditions, he needs good lighting and high humidity air. At home, a pot with a plant is recommended to be placed on the windowsills of windows that face east, west or south. On the southern windows, the klerodendrum should be shaded from direct sunlight, which can burn its leaves and buds.

The name "clerodendrum" has an interesting translation from Greek - "tree of fate". It is difficult to say reliably about how a plant really affects a person, but the fact that it will make your home more comfortable and bring a little tropical exoticism into it is a fact. In indoor floriculture, three species are most common, forming lush bushes and pleasing to the eye with bright flowers. Read the article about what a plant called at home requires. The photos below will help you understand the types of plants.

plant description

Under the generic name Clerodendrum, about four hundred species of shrubs, vines, trees growing in the tropics and subtropics are combined. The plants are referred to, however, they were previously erroneously included in Verbena. The natural habitat is Africa, America, Australia, Asia (Japan, Philippines, China, India, Indochina and Korea).

In the bulk, clerodendrums are climbing shrubs that form shoots more than 4 m long in nature, overall height plants at the same time reaches 2.5 m. In this regard, like some other home flowers, klerodendrum requires pruning. Flexible shoots adorn large, opposite leaves of rich dark green color with prominent venation. The size of the leaf blade reaches 12 cm in length, the edges are most often smooth, the tip is slightly elongated.

One of the main advantages of the plant is flowers. Clerodendrum blooms twice - in spring and autumn. It is abundantly covered with clusters of buds on long peduncles (8-20 each). Color and shape depend on the type of plant. AT room culture Three species are especially widespread: Wallich, Thompson's clerodendrum, Ugandan.

Clerodendrum Wallich

The plant is native to the subtropics of Bangladesh, India, Nepal and South China. It grows at an altitude of 100 to 1200 m above sea level. It got its name in honor of the Danish botanist and surgeon Nathaniel Wallich, who was the owner of the botanical garden and often made scientific expeditions to India. Tropical flowers are among his many discoveries. Clerodendrum Wallich at room conditions grows up to 50 cm in height. His distinguishing feature- large glossy dark green leaves with wavy edges up to 15 cm long. Large white flowers are collected in a brush.

Clerodendrum Thompson

This species (in the first photo) is the most common and can often be found already blooming on store shelves. The evergreen liana in room conditions shoots up to 2.5 m long, which is often used for vertical gardening of space. Flexible shoots are covered with large leaves. Flowers of an unusual shape consist of a snow-white five-lobed bract in the form of a flashlight and a corolla of a rich red hue, which is slightly smaller in size. Clerodendrum Thompson blooms flowers twice a year. The corollas quickly wither, and the bracts last for several months.

Clerodendrum uganda

The species is native to the mountainous regions of East Africa. It is a rather rare guest in our apartments and houses and one of the brightest representatives of the family. In the people, he received the name "blue butterflies" because of the specific shape of the flowers. The plant is a liana with thin semi-lignified shoots up to 2.5 m long. Large five-petal flowers have a pale blue hue and are collected in a paniculate inflorescence.

Lighting and air temperature

When choosing a place for a plant and to ensure best conditions for it, one should first of all take into account information about where it comes from. According to this principle, all indoor flowers should be placed. Clerodendrum grows in the humid tropics on rich soil, under the cover of large trees that scatter natural light.

In this regard, the plant requires bright lighting, but without direct sunlight. Provide him with diffused light. For this, the western and eastern windows are best suited. On the south side, shading will be required, and on the north, on the contrary, there will be a lack of light, and the plant simply will not bloom.

Clerodendrum is thermophilic, so it is quite comfortable in our climate in summer. The most optimal air temperature range is +18 ... +25 °С. The winter period should be cooler, around 16 °C. Therefore, it is best to remove the plant away from radiators.

The soil

Soil for klerodendrum should be light and nutritious. In order to prepare it, take peat, sand and ordinary garden soil, pre-treated and disinfected in a ratio of 1: 1: 3. If you can't do it yourself, then the best option there will be a purchase of ready-made special soil. A slightly acidic nutrient substrate with a pH of 5-6.5 is what the clerodendrum "loves". Home care (the photos used in the article show what a green pet looks like when he does not need anything) is not too laborious for him, but he should be constant.

At the bottom of the flower pot, a drainage layer 2-3 cm thick from expanded clay or broken brick. It is recommended to transplant adult specimens every 2-3 years, and annually after the flowering period.

Humidity and watering

High humidity, heat and regular watering are one of the main conditions successful cultivation clerodendrum at home. A classic tropical plant does not tolerate dry air at all. Spraying is carried out frequently (especially if heating radiators are located nearby) and throughout the year, avoiding drops of water on the flowers. Clerodendrum can drop leaves during the dormant period, in which case it is enough to protect it from heat sources.

Watering in the summer and during flowering periods should be regular and plentiful, in autumn and winter - moderate. Despite the love of moisture, the plant does not tolerate its stagnation at all. Water for irrigation is recommended to take soft: rain or settled.

During the period of active vegetation and flowering, it is necessary to feed the plant with mineral complex fertilizers. The frequency is once every two weeks.

Clerodendrum: pruning

An adult plant needs regular sanitary and anti-aging pruning. It is carried out until the moment when the clerodendrum starts to grow - in early spring. To activate the growth of lateral branches, the shoots are cut to 1/3 of the entire length. In addition to the aesthetic factor, there is also a practical one. Flowers are formed only on young shoots, so you will stimulate the plant. Young specimens can be simply pinched to enhance bushiness.

Some species, in particular, Thompson's clerodendrum, can be grown as a beautiful ampelous plant or use in vertical and horizontal gardening with stretched strings or threads. The growth of a bush can be directed, for example, in a spiral or ring, or a small tree can be formed.

Plant propagation

This issue is especially relevant for lovers of indoor floriculture, due to the fact that it is very effective and beautiful flower. Clerodendrum, which can be propagated in two ways (vegetative and seed), very quickly increases its voluminous green mass. In this regard, obtaining a new specimen of the plant from lignified apical cuttings does not cause any difficulties. Planting material formed more than enough after pruning.

The cuttings are brought to a length of 20 cm, lower part free from leaves. Then they are placed in an opaque jar of water. Roots appear very quickly and develop well. Young specimens of some species bloom in the first year after planting.

Clerodendrum seeds are quite large, so there are rarely problems with them. But still seed propagation relevant for rare species or varietal hybrids, when it is simply not possible to get a cutting. This process is more labor intensive. Seeds are sown in a mini-greenhouse or greenhouse, lightly sprinkled with soil and wait for seedlings, periodically ventilating the container and moistening the soil as it dries. After the appearance of the second true leaf, the seedlings are seated in separate small pots.

Diseases and pests

Clerodendrums are quite resistant to pests and diseases, this is explained by the presence essential oils in leaves and shoots. However, it should be borne in mind that the plant is most vulnerable to whiteflies, aphids, spider mites and scale insects. If there are signs of damage, then you should immediately treat the bush with special preparations and isolate it from other indoor flowers for a while.

The cause of diseases most often lies in the improper care of the plant. So, high soil moisture in combination with low air temperature can provoke the appearance of powdery mildew and the development of various rots.

Why does the clerodendrum not bloom?

Clerodendrum is ornamental plant, green powerful shoots of which are already good in themselves. The effect is enhanced at times when the most beautiful flowers with a delicate aroma appear on it. If this does not happen for a long time, then the problem lies in improper care. The reasons may be the following:

• pruning is not carried out, while inflorescences are formed only on young shoots;
• non-observance of the winter dormant period (for abundant flowering the plant should "rest" at low temperatures and reduced watering);
• lack of lighting - location on the northern windows or in the shade leads to dull foliage, stretching of shoots and the absence of flowers, since the klerodendrum needs at least 2-3 hours per day of diffused sunlight.

Clerodendrum is familiar to almost everyone. This is a plant with unusual colors often found in the lobby of various institutions. It is quite unpretentious, so it is also suitable for beginner flower growers who want to grow it at home. Manifold flowering species- this is a wonderful opportunity for compiling a collection, which will be simply impossible not to notice during flowering. Read about all the features of planting and caring for this plant in our article.

What does clerodendrum look like and where does it come from?

Clerodendrum is a genus in the Verbenaceae family. It has a significant variety. Among more than 400 of its representatives, there are trees, low shrubs, creepers that shed their leaves for the winter and evergreen species.

Its homeland is tropical rainforests around the world. He meets in South-East Asia, Oceania, Africa. Slightly less common in South and Central America.

The name of the plant is translated from Greek as "tree of fate". This is due to an old belief that it can change your life for the better. It is not known exactly where the legend came from, but most consider the island of Java to be its homeland.

Where the climate allows, clerodendrum is widely used in landscape design.

Flower growers sometimes, meaning clerodendrum, say "innocent love." Perhaps such a popular name is associated with the combined red and white flowers.

In nature, klerodendrum grows up to 3–5 m tall. But you can "shorten" it to a potted plant, up to about 1.5 m. It will only take regular formative pruning of the shoots.

Most of the clerodendrums do not have a clearly defined stem. Instead, they have a lot of quickly woody shoots at the base of approximately equal length and thickness. If the trunk is still there, then most often it is hollow. In nature, ants will almost inevitably settle inside.

Clerodendrum leaves, depending on the species, are located opposite each other or in groups of three. Their shape is always heart-shaped, with a pointed tip. The length, depending on the species, is 7–15 cm. The surface of the dark green leaf is uneven, evokes associations with a quilted blanket. "Swellings" are located between the veins. The edge can be either smooth or serrated. To the touch, the leaves are thin, but dense and harsh.

Even a non-flowering clerodendrum looks pretty impressive.

The main thing that attracts flower growers in clerodendrum is flowers. AT suitable conditions the plant blooms very profusely, literally covered with inflorescences in the form of a shield or panicle. Each inflorescence is 4–20 flowers. They are small (2-3 cm in diameter), but this is more than offset by the quantity.

In nature, the plant blooms from mid-spring to autumn. But at home, especially in winter gardens, greenhouses, greenhouses, you can achieve almost year-round flowering. Most species have a very special smell of flowers and leaves, characteristic only for this clerodendrum.

The fruit of the klerodendrum is similar to a berry, although from the point of view of botanists it is a drupe. There are always 4 nests in it, in which 2–4 seeds ripen.

If you do not need the seeds of the clerodendrum, cut off the faded inflorescences

A non-flowering plant can also be used in design. This is an excellent material for trellis. It grows very quickly along the guides (supports, wire), creating a continuous carpet of leaves.

The most beautiful and popular varieties grown at home

Of the many clerodendrums in indoor floriculture, 15–20 species are most often found.

Clerodendrum Mrs. Thompson (Thomsoniae)

This species is a climbing vine with rapidly woody shoots at the base. The leaves are pubescent, with smooth edges. Sometimes the upper side of the leaf plate is covered with blurry spots, darker or lighter than the main tone. Inflorescences in the form of panicles. Flowers with a white, cream or greenish calyx, similar to the "flashlight" physalis, and a scarlet corolla, which falls before the calyx. In "captivity" blooms in early spring, sometimes a second time - in the fall. A cultivar with lime-colored leaves has been bred. A superstition common on the islands of Oceania does not recommend growing this species for girls who want to get married. It is believed that the flower "attracts" loneliness to them.

Mrs. Thompson's Clerodendrum is the only one named after a woman.

Brilliant or gorgeous (splendens)

Low growing evergreen shrub with creeping shoots. The leaves are quite small, corrugated along the edges. Inflorescences in the form of corymbs or short racemes, each with 30-40 flowers. They are very beautiful, dark pink, greenish calyx. Stamens are bright scarlet, curved.

The color of the petals of the brilliant clerodendrum is known to artists as scarlet.

The most beautiful (speciosissimum)

Also called prickly (fallax). Evergreen upright shrub, in nature grows up to 3 m. From below it is short, similar to wool, from below - to fluff. The shrub blooms all summer. Inflorescences in the form of panicles are located on the tops of the shoots. The outer calyx is purple-violet, the corolla is rich scarlet, almost the color of blood. Unlike most species, it does not have a dormant period.

Clerodendrum finest is sometimes called Javanese, after its place of origin.

Fragrant (fragrans) or Philippine (philippinum)

Low (1.5–2 m) evergreen shrub with pubescent shoots and leaves. The edge of the leaf plate is strongly serrated. Inflorescences-shields are formed at the tops of the shoots. Pink-white flowers have a strong fragrance that intensifies in the evening and at night. It resembles a mix of violet, jasmine and orange blossom.

A distinctive feature of fragrant clerodendrum is very long stamens

Based on it, a hybrid was developed with double flowers that appear regardless of the time of year.

The terry variety of fragrant clerodendrum looks even more impressive

Paniculata (paniculatum)

Also known as Pagoda. Tree up to 12 m. Suitable only for greenhouses and winter gardens. The characteristic bulges are almost imperceptible on the leaves, the petioles are dull red. Flowers in inflorescences are arranged in clear tiers, evoking associations with the roofs of pagodas.

Due to its size, Clerodendrum paniculata is almost never grown indoors.

Ugandan (ugandense)

Very fast growing evergreen shrub with creeping shoots. Max Height- 2 m. The inflorescence does not have a definite shape. Flowers with five petals look like butterflies. The upper and side ones are sky blue, the lower one resembles a boat and slightly shimmers with lilac. The long outward-curved stamens are pale blue. Flowering with short breaks continues throughout the year. Even direct sunlight does not harm him. An additional plus is easy reproduction.

The "blue butterflies" of Ugandan clerodendrum are worth trying to grow.

Video: description of the Ugandan clerodendrum

Clerodendrum Wallichiana (Wallichiana)

Other names: Veil, Veil of the bride. The official name of the plant was in honor of the Danish botanist and researcher of Indian flora, Nicholas Wallich, who managed the Calcutta Botanical Garden for 25 years in the 19th century. In nature, this is a bush, but with the help of pruning, you can form a kind of tree about 0.5 m high. It blooms for 1.5–2 months starting from the end of summer. The calyx is greenish, the petals and stamens are snow-white. There is it breeding hybrid- Clerodendrum Prospero, which differs from the parent in coral-orange cups.

Clerodendrum Wallich's nickname is due to the beautifully flowing tassels of inflorescences.

Bunge (Bungei)

This variety is also known as Bouquet of Kashmir. Under natural conditions, the shrub grows up to 3 m, at home - about half as much. The flowers are small, pastel pink.

The spherical inflorescences of Clerodendrum Bunge from a distance are very reminiscent of hydrangea

Inerme or thornless (inerme)

An erect shrub up to 3 m high. The flowers are snow-white, with pale lilac stamens and pistil. There are 3 of them in each umbrella inflorescence.

Unlike other species, Clerodendrum Inerme survives even in saline soil, for example, on the seashore.

indicum

Other name: Champagne splash (sahelangii). In Russia, it is still little known. The plant owes its unusual nickname to small white flowers on long pedicels, similar to drops flying in different directions.

Due to a very successful nickname, the official name of Clerodendrum indicum is almost never used.

Clerodendrum Schmidt (Schmidtii)

Also known as Chains of Glory. The edges of the leaves are slightly corrugated. The inflorescence is a very long (up to 50 cm), falling brush of small white flowers, resembling a waterfall.

Clerodendrum Schmidt flowers, tropical plant stubbornly resemble snowflakes

Fireworks (quadriloculare)

The only one with burgundy leaves on the reverse side. The inflorescence is spherical, each flower is located on a long stem. It blooms from the beginning of winter, within 2-3 months.

Clerodendrum inflorescence fireworks - a kind of hybrid of a sea urchin and a volley of fireworks

musical notes

Another variant of the name of this variety is Morning Kiss (incisum Macrosiphon). Leaves with serrated edges. The flowers are white, with dark pink or crimson stamens. Flowering continues almost continuously.

Unopened clerodendrum buds Musical notes really look like quarter notes

Clerodendrum calamitosum (calamitosum)

Compact low bush (0.6–0.75 m). Both petals and stamens are white. It has a characteristic aroma that intensifies at night.

A distinctive feature of klerodendrum calamitosum is snow-white petals and stamens

Video: types of clerodendrum

How to create optimal conditions?

Clerodendrum is quite hardy and unpretentious plant. But if you want to observe flowering regularly, take care of optimal conditions.

Table: optimal conditions

Clerodendrum support option

Transplant procedure

The optimal time for a klerodendrum transplant is early spring, when the flower "wakes up" after a dormant period. Plants under the age of 5 years are transplanted annually, each time increasing the diameter of the pot by 2–3 cm. Adult clerodendrums need only one transplant every 3-5 years.

Simultaneously with the transplant, it is desirable to cut off each shoot by a third to give the flower more decorative and "bushiness".

If you purchased a clerodendrum from a store, give it 10-15 days to get used to the new environment, then transplant. The universal soil used by houseplant growers does not take into account the specific needs of the flower.

The pot should have a large drainage hole. At the bottom, pour a layer of drainage (expanded clay, pebbles, crushed stone, brick chips, ceramic shards) 3–4 cm thick.

Ready-made soil can be purchased at specialized stores. Look for one designed for roses and azaleas. They need to be mixed in a ratio of 4:1.

When preparing it yourself, remember that the clerodendrum prefers slightly acidic soils, light and breathable. When collecting soil in your own garden, check the level of acidity. The soil mix might look like this:

• Fertile turf, ordinary land, dry peat, coarse river sand, humus in equal proportions.
• Leafy soil, powdered clay, coarse sand, dry peat. The first component must be taken twice as much as the rest.

The fragile roots of klerodendrum should never be disturbed during transplantation. It is strictly forbidden to shake off the earth from them and / or rinse with running water. The earthen ball is removed from the pot as a whole and placed on a layer of substrate in a new pot. At the edges, the prepared soil is filled up and rammed. The method of transplantation is known as "transshipment".

The support (if needed) is placed in the pot at the same time as the earthen clod, and not stuck later. Otherwise, there is a high risk of injuring the roots.

Necessary Care

Clerodendrum vitally needs only abundant watering. If you want to give the plant more decorative and tidy, annual shaping pruning is necessary.

Watering

In the active growth phase, water the clerodendrum abundantly every 3-4 days and spray the leaves daily with soft water at room temperature, which has settled for at least a day. The plant is especially demanding on humidity during flowering. Ideally, you should use rain or melt water but not everyone has this opportunity. Tap water can be softened by adding 3-4 granules to a 10 liter bucket citric acid and waiting for the precipitation.

But it is also undesirable to arrange a swamp in a pot. After watering, wait 15-20 minutes and drain excess water from the pan. So you gradually decide on the norm.

Clerodendrum, which lacks moisture, is easily identified by its drooping leaves.

top dressing

Fertilizers are applied only at the stage of active growth every 12–15 days. The first top dressing is carried out immediately after transplantation, associated with pruning. After flowering, the klerodendrum does not need fertilizer until next spring.

The flower perceives well both organics and store-bought liquid fertilizers for flowering houseplants (especially with high concentrations of phosphorus). If possible, alternate them.

Natural organics is an infusion of fresh cow dung or bird droppings. Cooking it is best not in the apartment. Even under a tightly closed lid, the smell is very specific. The selected container is filled with raw materials by about a third and topped up to the brim with water. Then close tightly. After 3-4 days, after the appearance of a characteristic odor, the contents are vigorously mixed. For irrigation, the fertilizer is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:15.

If you notice that the leaves turn pale, become translucent, as it were, spray the underside with a solution of a complex mineral fertilizer.

Bloom

Clerodendrum blooms profusely and almost continuously from May to October. If you want to get flowers by a certain date, try to "trick" the plant. Remove it to the darkest corner of the room, stop feeding, spraying and reduce watering. After 20–25 days, the lower leaves will droop, turn yellow and fall off, but buds will form on the tops of the side shoots in the axils of the leaves. Wait for this moment and return the plant to its original place, providing it with optimal conditions.

rest period

Most Clerodendrum varieties need a dormant period. This is a necessary condition for flowering next year.

Once the plant has flowered, stop fertilizing and gradually reduce watering. When the lower leaves begin to fall off, transfer it to a bright, cool (15-18ºС) room.

Clerodendrum cannot do without water at all, even in winter. One watering every 3-5 days is enough. The norm in comparison with the summer is reduced by about half. Do not bring the flower to such a state when the soil begins to move away from the edges of the pot. In this case, immediately water the plant outside of the schedule.

Pruning: how to form a bush, tree and other options

pruning - necessary procedure for clerodendrum. Otherwise, it will look very sloppy, occupy the entire window sill, and also hang down.

Long shoot lianas provide growers with a wide range of options for giving the plant a wide variety of shapes. The easiest option is to run the shoots up along the guides (thin wire or twine) tied to the curtain rod or fixed to the ceiling. Soon you will get a solid green wall. Alternative option- hanging pots. Then you can do without tying. Every year, the shoots need to be cut by about a third, while getting rid of dried, broken, dead lashes. So you stimulate the flower to form new shoots.

If you want to form a bush from the klerodendrum, cut off all the shoots up to 50 cm every year. Pinch the tops of young last year's shoots at the same time by a quarter. Ideally, the shape should be close to spherical.

You can give the klerodendrum the appearance of a tree, justifying its name. Select 2–3 of the most developed shoots, cut them to a height of 60–70 cm. Cut the side branches on them in half. In the lower part, up to a height of 10-15 cm, cut off all the greens on the main shoots, leaving bare trunks. In the future, annually pinch young shoots by 8-10 cm, remove all shoots at the roots.

With the help of pruning, any variety of clerodendrum can be brought to an acceptable size.

Pruning is carried out only with sharply sharpened disinfected scissors, so as not to damage the shoots and not to cause infection.

Video: caring for Mrs. Thompson's clerodendrum

Common mistakes flower growers

Clerodendrum, of course, is undemanding, but the mistakes of inexperienced flower growers often negatively affect the decorativeness of the plant.

Table: Frequently Asked Questions When Growing Clerodendrum

Pest control

Inspect plants regularly for characteristic damage and take appropriate action immediately.

Table: the most common clerodendrum pests

Many acaricides are toxic, so treatment is best done outdoors.

Photo gallery: clerodendrum pests

Durable shell scale insects can "dissolve" by no means any insecticides The whitefly is easy to identify, but quite difficult to get rid of. Separate varieties mealybug damage the roots. The pest is hard to identify until it's too late To combat spider mites, use special preparations - acaricides

Reproduction methods

Clerodendrum, like most houseplants, propagates by seeds (generatively) and cuttings (vegetatively).

Clerodendrum cuttings quickly give roots even in plain water

The easiest way to grow a new clerodendrum is by taking a cutting from an old one.

Apical cuttings 8–10 cm long with 2–3 leaves are cut off at the beginning of spring and the lower third is lowered into a solution of a root formation stimulator - Epin, Kornevin, Topaz, potassium humate. A day later, the cuttings need to be rooted in individual pots with a diameter of 7–9 cm in a mixture of sand with peat or humus in equal proportions.

It is best to root the tops of the clerodendrum shoots

To create the effect of a greenhouse, the pots are covered with plastic bags or glass jars. Cuttings need abundant watering and bright light. After the appearance of new leaves, gradually accustom them to the environment.

After 4-5 months, transplant the clerodendrums into the soil for adult plants, pinching the shoots a quarter. Take care in the usual way.

Young clerodendrums will bloom this year

seed germination

Clerodendrum seeds are definitely among the ten most unusual in indoor plants

Clerodendrum seeds ripen at the end of winter. They are planted in early spring in a mixture of fertile soddy land (or humus), dry peat and sand in equal proportions. The containers are covered with glass or film, maintaining a constant temperature of about 22ºС and high humidity. Once a day of planting, air for 3-5 minutes. Shoots will have to wait a long time: 45-60 days.

Clerodendrum seeds germinate for a long time

When 3-4 true leaves appear, the seedlings are planted in separate pots and looked after as if they were rooted cuttings. They will bloom next year.

At home? Several factors influence this. Primarily, main reason in all cases acts improper care. This applies to most plants. In the article we will talk about the correct care, what rules must be followed in order to wait for the flowering of your favorite plant.

Briefly about the plant

Clerodendrum is a green vine with beautiful weaves. In translation, the flower means "the tree of fate." In the people it can be called "innocent love."

The homeland of the liana can be called Africa and Asia. The leaves of the plant resemble a heart in shape, the inflorescences look like a panicle. In nature, there are a lot of species of this flower, and each of them has its own exceptional and amazing aroma.

Plant care, what and how to do

Let's take a look at home care for clerodendrum in steps:

1. Watering. Liana loves moisture very much, so watering is carried out regularly. You can use only soft water, settled for several days. Water the plant when the topsoil dries out. In winter, watering is significantly reduced, however, it is impossible to allow the soil to dry out.

The golden rule for watering!!! The lower the temperature in the room, the less often you need to water the flower.

1. Lighting. Liana loves a lot of light, but the direct rays of the sun will not do her any good. The best option would be eastern or West Side Houses. The north side of the house should be completely excluded.
2. Temperature. At the time of vegetation and growth temperature regime for klerodendrum should fluctuate 18-25 ° C. AT winter time, the dormant period, the temperature is lowered to 15-16°C.
3. Top dressing. Like any other plant, the liana needs to be fed, but only during the warm period (spring-summer). You can buy the necessary one in any flower shop; top dressing for flowering houseplants is suitable. Clerodendrum has a serious problem - chlorosis. In order to avoid problems, during the cold period, the leaves are treated with a preparation containing iron in the composition. In the summer, protect the plant from direct sunlight.
4. Air humidity. Liana loves a humid atmosphere, so the more often you spray her, the better. Use only soft, settled water. AT winter period the vine also needs moisture. Here are some places nearby heating appliances destructive for her.

Reasons why klerodendrum does not bloom

All the reasons why the plant does not bloom at home converge to improper care:

• The dormant conditions of the plant are disturbed.
• The flower has not been transplanted for a long period.
• The soil will pick up nutrients, or there are too many of them.

In order for the plant to please with its flowering, all problems should be corrected, given the opportunity to grow in the right and comfortable conditions.

Flowering klerodendrum depends on its type. Basically, the plant begins to bloom in early summer, and stops in September.

Inflorescences can occur in different forms and color palette. For example, Thompson's clerodendrum has a rich crimson hue, the most beautiful clerodendrum has a purple hue, its inflorescences look like a panicle. The fragrant type of clerodendrum can delight with its flowering all year round. Once you see how the liana blooms, you will want to observe this process again and again.

We transplant the vine

Clerodendrum is transplanted in the spring, when pruning is carried out. The procedure is carried out by transshipment. Such a campaign ensures the safe transfer of the plant without damaging the root system. Choose a large flower pot.

In order for rooting to occur quickly and painlessly, drainage is placed at the bottom of the pot, then soil, and only then the plant. After transplanting, fertilize and put the pot in a warm and bright place.

When the plant is young and constantly developing, it needs to be transplanted every year. Adult flower once every couple of years.

It is not difficult to prune the clerodendrum at home, but it is very important. Liana grows quite quickly, can reach 4 meters. The main thing is to form a crown in time, then the plant will grow evenly, it will be beautiful and lush. You can create any shape on your own.

Pruning is carried out in early spring or late winter. All shoots that are lignified need to be cut by a third. Thus, you will stimulate active flowering in the clerodendrum.

From liana you can make magnificent shrub, for this, all shoots are turned into stumps, the height of which is not more than 7 centimeters.

To get a standard tree, you should:

• The shoot is selected healthy and strong, others are cut off.
• At the first appearance of young shoots, they need to be cut off.
• When the plant grows up to 70 centimeters, the crown is slightly shortened throughout the volume.
• Shoots pinch on the sides.
• The shoots at the root are cut off.

There are such types of clerodendrum in which young shoots independently coordinate growth, that is, they dry out. This is an absolutely normal phenomenon, and it does not pose any danger to the flower.

Dangers awaiting klerodendrum at home

Clerodendrum is by nature a very strong plant, which is practically not afraid of many diseases. But pests can cause trouble:

• Spider mite. It is determined by the wilting of the foliage. A cobweb appears on the plant. If the infection is at the initial stage, you can process the flower soapy water. When the infection is large enough, chemicals are used. So that the spider mite does not attack the plant, it must be constantly sprayed.
• Aphid. It is determined very quickly, the plant stops growing and developing, the inflorescences change shape, the leaves fall off. Folk ways it is difficult to deal with aphids. The first thing to do is to remove the affected areas, treat the rest with a chemical agent. Processing does not stop until the problem disappears completely.
• Whitefly. Thanks to his appearance, the midge is immediately visible. On the lower part of the leaf there are larvae, as they develop, the leaves acquire a whitish coating resembling sugar. The flower loses its shape, the leaves dry and fall off. The fight against the whitefly begins with the removal of the affected foliage, then treated with a chemical solution. Spraying is carried out three times a day.

Another problem of clerodendrum is the drying of foliage. Each change has its own explanation:

• The leaves acquire a yellow tint, the inflorescences wither - the plant lacks moisture.
• Brown or yellow spots appear on the leaves - the “place of residence” was not chosen correctly for the flower. The plant needs to be rearranged in a place where there will be more light, but at the same time so that the sun does not burn.
• When dry spots are visible on the leaves, this indicates the presence of drafts and cold in the room.
• Foliage and buds are falling - the air is too dry in the room, moisturizing, spraying is necessary.

Conditions for flowering clerodendrum

In order for the plant to bloom profusely and beautifully, you need to create the appropriate conditions for this:

• The entire winter period, the flower should be in a cool environment, the temperature can withstand no more than 15 ° C, it is good if it is 2-3 degrees lower.
• As soon as the flowering period comes to an end, watering is suspended. Humidification is required only to maintain the vital activity of the plant.

By keeping the flower in such conditions, you give it strength and energy for the next year. The dormant period of the plant is not so long, it lasts no more than 2 months, before the first shoots appear. After that, watering becomes more frequent. Weak and lifeless branches are removed. The plant is transferred to a warm and bright place for further growth and development. In the spring, feeding begins.

reproduction

You can propagate clerodendrum at home using:

• Chereshkov.
• seed.

Reproduction directly depends on the type of flower. Consider the varieties and their reproduction:

• The most beautiful. Propagated by petioles. The optimal period is from the first month of winter to the first month of spring. Planting is best done at the end of February. After the appearance of the first sprouts, they are seated in pots. All that is further required is thorough watering, temperature conditions from 16 ° C to 20 ° C. In the year of planting, the flower should bloom.
• Fragrant. For propagation, cuttings are used, a piece of root can be used. Landing is carried out when the temperature rises to 19 ° C. After successful rooting and the appearance of the first shoots, the plant is seated in separate pots. Abundantly watered. As soon as the roots have become stronger and have gone into development, the flower is transplanted into a larger pot. The young liana is pinched several times, so they will develop side shoots. The next year, the flower is moved to an even larger pot.
• Brilliant. Propagated by cuttings. Young petioles are planted in new pots, while the temperature in the room should fluctuate around 22-25 ° C. One cutting is planted in one pot. When using a larger flowerpot, planting several cuttings is acceptable. Once they are firmly rooted, there is no need to plant them.
• Clerodendrum Thompson. This type of flower can be propagated both by half-lignified cuttings and seeds. About 5 cuttings can be planted in one pot (diameter 7-9 centimeters). You can root cut shoots by lowering them into water. When the root system is formed, they are transplanted into separate flowerpots and placed in a shaded place. In the year of landing, they need to be pinched a couple of times. Flowers can be observed the next year after planting.

Clerodendrum(Clerodendrum) from the large Verbenaceae family is represented by about 350 species of climbing vines, shrubs, evergreen and deciduous trees. Some varieties of clerodendrum are perfectly adapted to growing at home. Fans of flowering indoor plants appreciate miniature bushes for large oval-pointed leaves with serrated, simple or solid edges, as well as for graceful flowers that look like butterflies, bells, Chinese lanterns. The flowers of some types of clerodendrum exude a very fragrant, unique smell.

The name of this wonderful houseplant can be translated from Greek as the Tree of Destiny. Some historical sources claim that the clerodendrum had a huge symbolic meaning for the Indonesian peoples. For example, in Javanese legend, this tree brought happiness to lovers. In previous articles, we told you about what house plants are usually given to each other: newlyweds can be presented as a gift with a miniature myrtle tree - a symbol of family happiness, unmarried girls they give spathiphyllum - a symbol of female happiness, and for men - anthurium - a symbol of male happiness. In some countries of Western Europe, klerodendrum represents innocent love and a happy fate. Why not a gift for a young loving girl from a loved one? Some needlewomen make very beautiful jewelry and crafts in the form of clerodendron flowers from satin ribbons (kanzashi), natural silk, chiffon, nylon, cold porcelain, polymer clay, corrugated paper and other improvised materials.

There are several types of clerodendrum, the care of which at home is quite simple and does not require specific knowledge. Photos of these plants, as well as useful tips on growing, you will find below. It should be noted that some phytodesigners are happy to use climbing lignified vines to decorate floral arrangements, for vertical gardening of various interior objects. By pruning all but one of the old shoots and pinching the emerging apical shoots, you can make a standard miniature tree from the clerodendrum with lush crown in the form of a topiary, which will look interesting in compositions with such unpretentious indoor plants as Benjamin's ficus, Crassula Money tree, Zamioculcas Dollar tree, Marginata dracaena, domestic yucca, chlorophytum with hanging narrow leaves, monstera.

The most unpretentious and popular species among lovers of flowering indoor plants is Thompson's clerodendrum (Clerodendrum thomsoniae). This is a very beautiful curly lignified liana with shiny dark green oval leaves. But the main feature of this species is the unusual flowers that adorn the plant during a long flowering period in spring and summer. On a green background of large leaves, dazzling white flowers with bright red "droplets" and long stamens, similar to Chinese lanterns, look gorgeous. Flowers with petals in the form of inverted cups are collected in racemose inflorescences. Interestingly, the color of the Thompson clerodendrum petals changes during the flowering period. Bright droplets at the end of the flower turn blood red, and then - a dark cherry color. Snow-white cups change color to pale pink, and then to lilac or lilac.

With the help of timely pruning and pinching, you can turn Thompson's clerodendrum into a lush bush. Trimming should be done at the beginning spring period, cutting off old shoots by about a third, and pinching can be done at any time during the growing season, when the plant is actively growing and developing. If you plan to grow clerodendrum in the form climbing liana, direct the shoots of the plant up several supports.

The species popular with our flower growers can also include such evergreen shrubs as the most beautiful Clerodendrum (Clerodendrum speciosissimum), Fragrant Clerodendrum (Clerodendrum fragrans), Philippine Clerodendrum (Clerodendrum philippinum) with the smell of jasmine in flowers, as well as the liana-shaped subshrub Ugandan Clerodendrum (Clerodendrum ugandense) . Against the background of lush, bushy varieties of clerodendrum, when forming a floristic composition, it will be interesting to look at indoor flowers of a small size: phalaenopsis or dendrobium orchid, gloxinia with bell flowers, indoor Saintpaulia violets, geranium pelargonium with large flowers, tuberous begonia, hibiscus Chinese rose, gerbera, hydrangea.

♦ WHAT IS IMPORTANT!

Location and lighting.

A plant pot can be placed on a flower stand near a south-facing window. But in this case, be sure to shade the window panes a little, because due to direct sunlight hitting the plant, the leaves lose their tone and turn yellow. Clerodendrum feels comfortable on the windowsills of windows facing the western and eastern sides of the room. On the north side, the plant will grow and develop normally, but the decorative value of the leaves may deteriorate slightly.

Temperature regime.

The optimum temperature regime during the growing season is 17-27°C. Starting in November and continuing winter months it is necessary to keep the temperature in the range of 14-16 ° C, so that during flowering flower buds are set, from which inflorescences will appear.

Air humidity.

The plant will grow and develop normally with high humidity. If the room has a moderate humidity level (40-50%), be sure to spray the indoor clerodendrum with warm settled water in the evening. During the heating season, do not place the pot next to the heating system. Several times a month, you can gently wipe the leaves with a damp sponge. During the summer heat, place the pot on a tray with wet expanded clay (fill a three-centimeter layer with water by 2/3), and place a container of water next to the plant.

Watering.

Water the plant only warm water, defended for several days. Watering in the summer - several times a day, draining all the flowing water from the pan. In winter, water rarely (3-4 times a month) and very sparingly. The main thing is to prevent the earthen coma from drying out. In spring and autumn, water so that the top layer of the substrate is completely dry before the next watering.

Earth mix and top dressing.

The substrate must be loose and absorbent. The earth mixture can be made independently by mixing equal parts peat, leafy soil, perlite and coarse sand.

From mid-autumn and winter, the klerodendrum does not need to be fed. Fertilizers begin to be applied once every two weeks, from March to the end of September. For top dressing, you can use special phosphorus-potassium fertilizers for verbena, both in liquid form and in crystals or granules. In addition to root dressing, you can spray the plant from a spray bottle with a solution of water with liquid fertilizers.

Transfer.

The top layer of the earth can be changed annually. And completely transplant the clerodendrum into another clay pot - once every two years after the flowering period. choose a more spacious and tall pot, on the bottom of which you need to pour a drainage layer of expanded clay 4 cm high.

Reproduction.

The best way to propagate at home is by cuttings after pruning. Shorten the cut semi-lignified stalk to 20 cm. Remove the lower leaves, and leave a few at the top. Treat the cut site with a root stimulator. Now you need to deepen the cutting into the substrate (a mixture of peat and sand) to a depth of 3 cm and cover the container with a plastic bag. After a month or a little more, the stalk will take root.

♦ CLERODENDRUM. PHOTO OF SPECIES, NAMES:

♦ VIDEO. HOW TO CARE FOR CLERODENDRUM AT HOME:

Home care for Thompson's clerodendrum - advice from a specialist:

Growing Ugandan Clerodendrum (Clerodendrum ugandense) at home:

Evergreen Liana:

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