Ugandan clerodendrum is a tropical shrub whose homeland is considered to be East Africa and Asia. Clerodendrum in nature grows in three species: like a small tree or bush, ampelous plant and liana. The tree is popularly given the name clerodendrum blue, or blue butterflies in honor of bright light blue flowers. It also has another name - the tree of fate, because of the legend of attracting joy, good luck and luck.
Ugandan Clodendrum
Ugandan clerodendrum is gaining great popularity among connoisseurs of exotic plants and ordinary florists living in the middle latitudes. But the evergreen plant grows in Africa and Asia, is used for decorative purposes.
Ugandan potted look
Botanical description of the plant
Ugandan Clodendrum is an evergreen perennial that belongs to the Verbena family. It has lignified thin shoots, so it is attributed to the semi-lianas and shrubs. Shoots can stretch up to 2.5 m in length. A dark green leaf reaches a size of 10 cm, the shape of the leaf is lanceolate with a serrated edge, and there are also with a smooth edge.
A flower of bright blue color with large petals, which is very similar to a blue butterfly. In one bud there are five petals, each of which differs in color and shape from the others. The one in the middle is much darker than the rest and curved in the form of a boat. At the very end of the bud are yellow stamens.
Blue butterflies
The beautiful legend of the tree of fate
The literal translation of the name of the flower means "tree of fate." There is a legend that came from the island of Java from Indonesia. It says that a tree has tremendous power. It is able to bring joy and happiness to the house.
A similar legend exists among African peoples. It is known that they worshiped a tree. It was under him that the significant rites of the African inhabitants took place. They believed that the tree of fate, Clerodendrum, can attract only good and happy emotions, as well as luck and luck.
For your information! It is believed that the flowers of the Ugandan clerodendrum in ancient Rome adorned the temple of the goddess of love Venus.
What is the value of Ugandan clerodendrum?
Ugandan clerodendrum is valued primarily for its beautiful and long flowering. Of particular interest is the shape of the flowers in the form of blue butterflies, which makes the bush more desirable for gardeners to acquire than the white species - clerodendrum calamitosum. The pleasant aroma emanating from the flowers also attracts attention.
Some gardeners acquire this look due to an unusual legend associated with the plant. Some believe that it really has the ability to bring good luck and joy.
Ugandan Clodendrum: home care
Creating favorable conditions for Ugandan clerodendrum and leaving at home does not take much time. The plant is unpretentious in growing, so you do not need to have special skills. Basically, it is necessary to monitor lighting, humidity, thorough watering and temperature conditions. After blooming the flowers, pruning and pinching are mandatory so that the plant blooms well next year. If you properly take care of the plant constantly, then treatment for diseases and pests is not required.
Window sill cultivation
Temperature mode
For healthy growth of clerodendrum in the northern latitudes, it is necessary to maintain a certain temperature. In the summer season, the tree functions actively, but in winter, it needs peace. For this, the room temperature drops to 19 ° C. This method helps the plant gain strength and bloom profusely from the beginning of spring. From March to November, the temperature regime of bush cultivation is maintained in the range from 19 ° C to 25 ° C.
Air humidity
The basis for the care of a clerodendrum, nicknamed the tree of fate, is to maintain an increased level of humidity. In indoor conditions, it is not always possible to maintain a certain level of humidity. Regular spraying with soft and slightly cool water will help to increase it in a dry, heated room. For added humidity, the pot is placed on a water tray, a container of water is placed near it, or a damp rag is placed under the windowsill on the heating pipe.
Flowering care
Caring for the clerodendrum tree of fate during flowering includes periodic dressing, maintaining a favorable temperature and moderate watering.
During flowering, the plant is fed with complex organic and mineral preparations. Especially at this time, it is recommended to increase the potassium content in the soil, which affects lush and abundant flowering. But nitrogen-containing fertilizers should be reduced, but it’s better to stop them temporarily. To prevent the occurrence of chlorosis, the plant is treated and sprayed with preparations containing iron.
Important! Watering is carried out with soft, slightly warm water, it is better to use river or rain water.
Flowering time
Clerodendrum blue butterflies blooms for a long period, but not all year, like another species of Clerodendrum Uruguayan. Blooming of buds begins in April after pruning of old branches. Flowering continues until November. Then the vine should be sent to rest to build up strength.
Ugandan Clodendrum
Diseases, pests, growing problems
The main reason for the emergence of diseases in Ugandan clerodendrum is improper care. Problems and diseases that arise in a tree:
- chlorosis. It is treated using top dressing with a solution of iron vitriol or special preparations containing high levels of iron;
- rotting of the root system, due to excessive watering. Regular drainage of the soil and proper watering are necessary;
- yellowing of leaves, drying of the tops of shoots, shedding of buds. It begins to turn yellow due to a lack of moisture in the soil and air;
- the appearance of brown spots on leaf blades due to hypothermia. It is recommended to move the pot to a warmer place;
- a spot of yellow and brown on the leaves. The reason for their appearance is a sunburn. It is necessary to move the flower pot to a darker place. Then spray the ground part of the bush with water. For a more effective result, you can put a fan near the pot.
Note! Liana rarely suffers from a pest attack. The fact is that they are scared away by the smell of the leaves of the plant, which contains an elevated level of essential oils.
Pests harmful to clerodendrum:
- Lithuanian;
- aphid;
- spider mite;
- whitefly;
- scale shield.
If the pest is slightly affected, it is enough to rinse the bush with soapy water. With extensive damage, special preparations of fungicides and insecticides are used, which treat the soil and the ground part of the bush.
Breeding methods
Clerodendrum reproduces in two ways:
- by seeds;
- cuttings.
Reproduction using seeds is carried out in late February or early March. Seeds are recommended to be planted in a pre-prepared substrate from peat soil and sand. Then you need to water the soil abundantly and cover the pot with a film. After 1.5 months, the first sprouts appear.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is carried out in the period from April to September. To do this, the elongated shoots are cut in half. The cut is divided into cuttings, each should have at least three rows of kidneys. Then they are placed in a container with water, and tightly covered with a plastic bag on top. As soon as the first roots appear, the cuttings are planted in the ground.
Ugandan clerodendrum is a beautiful and bright flower with unusual inflorescences in the form of blue butterflies. Every year new types and varieties of clerodendrum are introduced, which win the love of gardeners.
