Clerodendrum: Home Care, Types, and Why It Doesn't Bloom

Flowers

Many tropical plants don't do well in our apartments. For example, due to its many care requirements, the moisture-loving Clerodendrum (pictured) isn't often seen on windowsills. However, various species of this plant (Bunge, Prospero, Specosium, Schmidtiana, etc.) are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their exotic appearance.

The plant must be provided with complete comfort; without it, it will stop producing buds, wither, become diseased, and become susceptible to pest attacks. Care for this plant also includes crown shaping, repotting, and (if necessary) propagation.

Characteristics and species diversity of the Clerodendrum flower

The natural range of the genus Clerodendrum is concentrated in the tropics of Africa and southeastern and southern Asia. It also grows on the South American and Australian continents, is present in the subtropics, and several species even in temperate climates (primarily in eastern Asia).

The Latin name of this plant genus is associated with the Greek words "kleros" (fate, chance, destiny) and "dendron" (tree). In the ancient world, it was used in religious rites and medicine.

The genus includes both evergreen and deciduous species. Life forms vary, including vines, shrubs, and small trees. Simple, petiolate leaves with or without serrated edges are arranged opposite each other on olive-green or reddish-brown branched stems. Leaf blades are oval, cordate, or ovate. The leaves reach 15-20 cm in length and are dark green or emerald in color.

Clerodendrum Bunge

A deciduous shrub of Chinese origin, Bunge grows quickly, reaching heights of up to 80 cm. The leaves are whorled, broadly oval, and dark green. When exposed to sunlight, the leaf blades take on a purple hue.

The spherical (or cap-like) inflorescences, up to 15 cm in diameter, consist of numerous small pinkish flowers, individually reminiscent of stars, but together, like fireworks. They are fragrant, but the dense leaves, on the contrary, have an unpleasant odor when pressed. Bunge blooms all summer and is resistant to pests and diseases.

Clerodendrum Prospero

This popular cultivar, native to the subtropics of India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, is Clerodendrum wallichii (or Wallichii, or Wallichii, depending on the spelling). It grows modestly indoors—up to 50 cm. Its branches are long and flexible, green-red.

The leaves are dark green, glossy, lanceolate, up to 15 cm long. The buds open from late August for 1.5-2 months. The inflorescences, tilted in different directions, are adorned with fairly large (2.5-3 cm), cream-colored flowers with 5 oval petals and very long stamens. The whole arrangement resembles a bridal veil. Prospero prefers abundant, filtered light.

Clerodendrum Speciosum

This evergreen, spreading species is often cultivated as a trailing plant (it can also be transformed into a bush). It can grow up to 3 meters. It was given the nickname "most beautiful" due to its flowers with delicate lilac bracts and a distinctive red corolla.

It blooms from July to September on terminal paniculate inflorescences. Speciosum's petioles are hairy, long, and dull red, and its leaves are large, bright green, oval, and pointed at the tip.

Clerodendrum schmidtii

The shrub has dense, drooping shoots bearing bright green, oblong leaves with wavy edges. A distinctive feature is the scattering of small white flowers exuding a sweet fragrance. Clerodendrum schmidtiana (also known as Chains of Glory) blooms primarily in winter. With proper care, this process can occur twice a year.

Care clerodendrum at home

The Tree of Destiny's comfortable development is possible by creating a microclimate similar to natural conditions. Lighting, humidity, temperature, watering, and fertilization should be adjusted according to the season.

Lighting

This plant, which requires high light intensity, requires supplemental lighting in winter. In summer, another concern may arise: direct, strong sunlight. To prevent foliage burn, light shade will be necessary.

Advice!

The optimal placement of the flower container is on the windowsills of the south-eastern and south-western sides of the room.

Temperature and humidity

From March to November, maintain the temperature between 20-25°C. In winter, clerodendrum enters a dormant state, meaning it should be placed in a cool location where the temperature will not exceed 15-18°C (optimally 12°C).

During the warmer months, this procedure should be performed at least twice a day. Cooler temperatures and cloudy weather require reduced misting (2-3 times a week). Additional moisture sources include a household humidifier, a tray with wet expanded clay (place the flower pot in it), an aquarium, etc.

Watering and fertilizing

Watering frequency should be adjusted seasonally. Water for watering (as well as for increasing air humidity) should be soft and warm (25-27°C). With the arrival of spring, you should begin watering more thoroughly. However, avoid allowing the soil to become waterlogged. The soil surface should be dry before each watering.

Bloom — With the end of the flowering phase, the plant organs require less moisture, and in winter - a minimum, as long as the soil ball is slightly moist.

In spring and summer, clerodendrum benefits greatly from liquid fertilizers. Suitable fertilizers for flowering houseplants include Pocon and Agricola. Apply twice a month, following the fertilizer manufacturer's recommendations. If you need to revive the foliage and give it a rich color and shine, the organo-mineral complex Emerald (which is high in nitrogen) will help.

Transfer

The most suitable method of repotting is transshipment. Clerodendrum will thrive in its new container in its usual root ball, but with fresh soil added to the cavities of the larger (by 1-1.5 cm) pot. Good drainage (at least 2 cm thick) is essential. It's best to combine spring repotting with pruning by 1/3 of the shoots.

Reproduction

Indoor gardeners use propagation methods by seeds and cuttings:

It's best to sow the seeds in February-March in a sealable, transparent container filled with a peat-sand mixture, planting them very shallowly. The greenhouse should be located in a warm, bright spot. Periodic watering and ventilation are necessary until seedlings emerge (in 1.5-2 months). When the young plants have four true leaves, they can be transplanted into containers 7 cm in diameter (one seedling) or 11 cm (three seedlings).
Propagation by seeds
Semi-woody cuttings with 2-3 nodes, taken in warm spring weather, root well in water with activated charcoal added. They also require warmth (around 25°C) and light. Once roots appear, they should be planted in a 7-cm-wide pot with loose soil and covered with a transparent cloth for 2 weeks. Once established, the cuttings can be transplanted into larger containers.

Why doesn't my clerodendrum bloom indoors?

Owners of this plant expect, above all, beautiful and lush blooms. However, proper care isn't always possible, which can delay flowering and necessitate eliminating factors that negatively impact the clerodendrum.

Diseases

Overwatering can cause the plant to become weak and stunted. Therefore, it's time to check for root rot. To do this, remove the plant from its pot, thoroughly wash the root system, remove any imperfections, sprinkle with charcoal powder, and replant in new soil. Watering should be moderate from now on.

If the leaves turn yellow while the veins retain their natural green color, these are symptoms of chlorosis. Use only settled, soft, and warm water for watering. In the fall or winter, foliar applications of iron-containing preparations (Ferrylen, Ferovit, Antikhloroz, etc.) are recommended.

Pests

Even if insects aren't immediately noticed, their presence can be determined by certain signs. These include:

the plant is covered with cobwebs, the leaves have started to fall off - this is the result of spider mite activity;
Clerodendrum has stopped growing, leaf blades are curling - an aphid invasion has begun;
the leaves turn yellow, curl and fall off - whitefly has appeared;
The plant is covered with a white, cottony coating, the leaves have become sticky and are starting to die, and the flower's growth is slowing down—this is a mealybug infestation.

Small colonies of these pests can be controlled using traditional methods, such as treating them with soapy water, infusions of garlic, tobacco, or onion, as well as mechanical removal (by hand or with a vacuum cleaner). Large infestations are best controlled with insecticides such as Aktara, Inta-Vir, or Actellic, following the instructions.

Care mistakes

Due to a lack of water in the soil, the moisture-loving clerodendrum turns yellow and its inflorescences droop. If the air humidity is insufficient, all this will fall off.

If the leaves are covered with yellow and brown spots, the tree should be shaded or moved from a brightly lit windowsill. Dry spots on the leaf blades may indicate exposure to cold air and drafts, which should be avoided.

If the clerodendrum does not bloom, this may be due to the following reasons:

violation of the organization of the rest period;
long-term stay in the same pot;
excess or deficiency of nutrients.

To ensure that the flower pleases with its bloom, it is necessary:

provide coolness for 1.5-2 months and more economical watering during the winter period;
stimulate branching by regular pruning;
provide clerodendrum with sufficient light;
During the growing season, provide balanced fertilizing;
After flowering, replant the plant.

Frequently asked questions about growing the Tree of Destiny

What kind of soil does the flower prefer?

A loose and nutritious slightly acidic soil is suitable: ready-made universal soil with a pH of 5.6-6.5 or a homemade mixture of leaf and turf soil with the addition of coarse-grained river sand and peat (proportions - 2:1:1:1).

Is it necessary to prune the plant?

Pruning is important not only to achieve a lush shape, but also to stimulate the flowering process.

How to grow a tree-shaped plant?

This is achieved in stages:

First, all shoots are cut off, leaving only the strongest;
as young branches appear, they are removed;
when the plant reaches a height of 70 cm, the entire crown is slightly shortened;
the resulting lateral shoots are pinched;
The root shoots are removed immediately.

The tree will grow many young shoots, and these will be where the buds will appear.

Any species of Clerodendrum has an exotic appearance and is sure to transform a room. Caring for this tree isn't the easiest. Clerodendrum prefers humid air and warmth, soft water, fertilizing, and periodic pruning and repotting. It is propagated in two ways, with cuttings being preferred over seeds.

Winter is a dormant period for the plant. During the warmer months, it accumulates its energy to form buds, and then luxurious flowers, which require good, diffused light. The lack of blooms, as well as other problems that arise, can be corrected, allowing you to enjoy nature's beautiful creation.