Cleome spinosa aka Spiny Spiderflower

Taxonomy

Cleome spinosa, also known as the spiny spiderflower, is a flowering plant native to the New World Tropics. It belongs to the genus Cleome and can be found in various regions, including the United States, tropical Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Vietnam, New Caledonia, and Korea. This annual plant grows up to 1.5m tall, with hairy and spiny stems. The lower leaves have long stalks and 5-7 lance-shaped leaflets that are spiny beneath. During mid- to late summer, narrow-petalled white to pink flowers with protruding stamens are arranged in terminal racemes. Cleome spinosa is pollinated by bats. Although initially appearing weedy as young seedlings, once established in the garden, cleomes become easy-care favorites. The flower clusters, resembling softballs, have many petals radiating from a central point, giving them a spiky look due to their long stamens. Additionally, the fern-like and delicate foliage adds to their overall attractiveness.

Common names

Spiny Spiderflower, Spider Flower, Pink Queen, Spiny Spider Flower

How to care for Spiny Spiderflower

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Spiny Spiderflower, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Lighting

Spiny Spiderflower thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Spiny Spider Flower.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Spiny Spiderflower plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.


More info:
Wikipedia