Cleomaceae
Tropical Spiderflower: Medicinal Uses & Care Tips
Cleome aculeata
Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Although hardy, it benefits from regular watering and deadheading to encourage new blooms.
Every 5 days
Bright indirect
15° - 35°C
40% - 70%
Categories
What is Tropical Spiderflower?
Tropical Spiderflower (Cleome aculeata) is a medium-care plant from the Cleomaceae family. Cleome aculeata is an annual or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant, known for the small prickles on its petioles and delicate white flowers. Native to tropical regions of the Americas, it is distinguished by its sticky glands and characteristic odor, often found in disturbed areas or used as an...
Tropical Spiderflower grows up to 1.0m, spread of 60cm, watering every 5 days, 15°C – 35°C, 40–70% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Tropical Spiderflower?
TLDR: Tropical Spiderflower needs Bright indirect, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between 15-35°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Tropical Spiderflower?
Water when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch, avoiding waterlogging the roots.
How Much Light Does Tropical Spiderflower Need?
Prefers direct sun exposure for at least 6 hours a day to bloom abundantly.
What Is the Best Soil for Tropical Spiderflower?
Avoid excessively compact or clayey soils; a mixture of sand and organic matter is ideal.
What Pot Should You Use for Tropical Spiderflower?
Ceramic or terracotta pots with ample drainage holes to prevent moisture buildup.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Rotate
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Tropical Spiderflower and Where Does It Come From?
Cleome aculeata is an annual or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant, known for the small prickles on its petioles and delicate white flowers. Native to tropical regions of the Americas, it is distinguished by its sticky glands and characteristic odor, often found in disturbed areas or used as an ornamental in low-maintenance gardens.
How to Propagate Tropical Spiderflower?
Direct sowing
- Seeds can be collected directly from the dried capsules of the mother plant.
- 1 Soil preparation
Prepare a seedbed with light, well-drained soil.
- 2 Sowing
Press the seeds lightly onto the soil surface without covering them completely, as they require light to germinate.
- 3 Maintenance
Keep the soil slightly moist until the seedlings reach 4 inches (10 cm) in height.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Tropical Spiderflower Grow?
TLDR: Tropical Spiderflower can reach up to 1.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
1.0m
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Treatment of respiratory issues
- Used in compresses for skin inflammation
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents resilience and beauty that blooms even in poor soils.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
