We consider Thompson's clerodendrum and caring for the flower at home: propagation, pruning, flowering and other aspects.

The Clerodendrum plant (lat. Clerodendrum) is becoming increasingly popular and today we will tell you about this beauty.

Clerodendrum in nature is most often found in the tropics of South America, Asia and Africa. The name of the plant can be translated as “tree of fate”; it can also be called “innocent love”, “volkameria” or clerodendron.

The plant has been cultivated for several centuries, but the flower has recently become widespread among flower growers around the world. In total, more than 400 species of clerodendrum are known.

Thompson's clerodendrum (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) is one of the most popular plant species. This type is a fast-growing semi-deciduous vine native to the tropics of West Africa.

Caring for Thompson's clerodendrum at home is no different from most similar plants and can be done even by novice gardeners.

• Thompson's clerodendrum adapts well to the conditions of our apartments and houses.

Clerodendrum loves a lot of diffused light, therefore, it is better to place it on the western or eastern side. On the north side there will be a lack of sunlight and the formation of buds will be disrupted, and on the south side the clerodendrum will need to be shaded.

Clerodendrum Thompson white

Thompson's clerodendrum is suitable for temperatures in summer: 18-25°C, in autumn and winter: 12-15°C. In autumn- winter period the plant rests, sheds its leaves and prepares for future flowering.

Thompson's clerodendrum grows well on a nutritious, slightly acidic substrate with a pH of 5.5 - 7.0. It is important to provide good drainage at the bottom of the pot.

You can make a substrate for clerodendrum using soil for roses and azaleas in a 4:1 ratio. Or take turf, peat, leaf, humus soil and sand in equal proportions.

In spring and summer, clerodendrum is watered abundantly after the top layer of soil has dried for active growth and development. It is important not to allow the substrate to dry out or soak.

• In the autumn-winter period, watering is reduced so that the substrate remains moist longer. The plant does not need excess moisture.

AIR HUMIDITY. Regular spraying in summer and winter when heating radiators are running has a beneficial effect on the plant. If Thompson's clerodendrum has completely shed its leaves in winter, then spraying is only needed to protect it from hot air from the radiators.

In spring and summer, it is advisable to fertilize once a week with liquid fertilizer for beautiful flowering plants. In autumn, Thompson's clerodendrum is fed once a month, and in winter it is not fed at all.

Clerodendrum needs to be replanted in early spring, before active growth begins. A young flower can be replanted every year into larger pots, and adult plants can be replanted once every 3-4 years in the same pots, but by replacing the substrate and cutting off too long roots.

DISEASES AND PESTS. As a rule, diseases occur in plants due to improper care. Warm wintering or lack of light leads to a lack of flowering.

• Yellow-brown spots on the leaves indicate sunburn in bright light. Falling leaves in summer occurs due to lack of watering, nutrients or low air humidity.

Clerodendrum Thompson is most often affected by whitefly and spider mites. Whiteflies hide at the bottom of the leaves and leave a shiny coating (honeydew or honeydew) on top. The spider mite cannot be seen with the naked eye, but it gives itself away as white dots on the bottom of the leaves and cobwebs on them.

Whitefly - appearance.

If pests are detected, the plant must be washed immediately warm water and treat with Actellik (1 ampoule per liter of water). In advanced cases, remove the affected shoots and spray the plant with Actellik. Treatment can be repeated 4 times every 3 days.

Spider mites on anthurium leaves

Clerodendrum Thompson: propagation by cuttings and seeds

Clerodendrum Thompson is most often propagated vegetatively. Propagation by cuttings of Thompson clerodendrum is simple and convenient.

1. To do this, take the tops of shoots with 2-3 internodes. The roots of the plant form even in a glass of water, especially in spring and summer.
2. Cuttings with roots are planted in small pots (5-7 cm in diameter) under a glass cover and the substrate is kept moist.
3. When shoots and leaves appear on the cutting, it and the earthen lump are transplanted into a pot of larger diameter (8-10 cm) and the cap is removed.
4. After 2-3 months, the shoots are pinched for the first time, and another 2-3 months - again.
5. Next spring, Thompson's clerodendrum is transplanted into a pot (11-13 cm). Until this moment, the shoots must be pinched at least 2 times so that the side branches grow actively.

SEEDS. Propagation by Thompson clerodendrum seeds is carried out in late February or early March.

1. Seeds are sown in a substrate of turf soil, peat and sand.
2. Afterwards they are transferred to a warm place with good lighting, ventilate and maintain moderate soil moisture.
3. Shoots begin to appear 45-60 days after planting.
4. After the seedlings have 4 true leaves, they are transplanted into separate small containers, one or several pieces at a time, depending on the size of the container.

Thompson's clerodendrum: pruning and bush formation

Adult clerodendrum needs regular pruning. Pruning should be done in early spring, before the flower begins to actively grow.

• Pruning is easy and simple: the shoot is cut to 1/3 of its length.

This type of pruning of Thompson's clerodendrum allows for active growth of lateral branches and abundant flowering just as the flowers will form on the new growth.

In young plants, you can pinch off the tips of the shoots.

FORMATION OF A BUSH

Clerodendrum Thompson can be grown as hanging plant or, if there is sufficient lighting, let it curl in the desired direction along the string. With the help of gratings, you can direct the clerodendrum to any place desired by the grower.

If desired, you can make a standard tree or give it a bush-like shape.

STAMP FORM. The standard form of clerodendrum is created in this way: one of the strongest shoots is left, and the rest are removed.

This shoot is cut at a height of 50-60 cm, and then new shoots are pinched at the top so that they branch and thereby create a crown. On the trunk below the crown, all new shoots are removed.

BUSH FORM. To create a bush-like form - with Thompson's clerodendrum during spring pruning shorten shoots strongly and evenly. And so every year, over time, the shoots grow stronger and branch on the sides.

Why doesn't clerodendrum bloom at home?

Sometimes Thompson's clerodendrum does not bloom at home and flower growers come to us with this problem. In fact, as a rule, it is not difficult to make Thompson's clerodendrum bloom.

The main condition for abundant flowering is compliance with the rules of plant care.

Most common cause The reason why clerodendrum does not bloom is due to improper wintering of the plant.

1. In winter, clerodendrum needs to be provided with a cool winter at a temperature of 12-15°C and minimal watering. This regime for 2 months promotes the restoration of clerodendrum. It gains strength for future flowering, and then begins to actively grow and bloom.
2. Also, Thompson's clerodendrum may not bloom due to lack of lighting or nutrients (if you have not replanted the plant for more than 3 years or did not feed it in spring and summer).

Clerodendrum Thompson with pink flowers

This is how the story turned out about Thompson’s clerodendrum and caring for it at home (propagation, pruning, flowering). If you have any questions you can write them in the comments.

1. Clerodendrum leaves turn yellow and fall off!

Answer: This is quite normal for clerodendrum. From the end of autumn and almost all winter, the plant has a dormant period. At this time, the clerodendrum sheds its leaves, bare branches remain, it is necessary to reduce watering and place the plant in a cool place. From February, Clerodendrum begins to produce new shoots. Sometimes dropping leaves is evidence of insufficient watering. The main rule is that there should always be water in the pan; it is almost impossible to “flood” the plant. Sheds leaves only in winter and/or in the absence of moisture.

2. Clerodendrum does not bloom.

Answer: A period of rest is definitely needed, otherwise there will be no flowers. If you really want flowers in April, then the dormant period is approximately November - January, increase watering from the end of January, feed better from March, these are approximate dates. Still depends on the light. She also loves water and fertilizing. Waking up from hibernation, clerodendrum produces its first leaves. When they are still small, he releases buds together with them (this happens in May - June). At this time, it does not produce more than one new leaf, and devotes all its energy to flowering. As flowering stops, i.e. the red flowers have flown around, but the white calyxes still remain, he outlines the places where the young shoots will come from. So they hatched and froze again, but not for long. As soon as these white (over time become pink) calyxes fly around, the active growth these hidden vines. They grow very quickly, so that by autumn they reach a meter, or even more.

3. I purchased a cutting of clerodendrum, with roots (dug out of the ground). I immediately planted it in the ground, watered it a little, but the next day the leaves began to wither and fall off. Covered plastic bottle(the stalk is very tall), but so far there is no effect. Is this normal? How to help a plant survive?

Answer: This may be at the planting stage. The twig sticks out of the ground for a long time, without any signs of life, i.e. there are no buds or leaves. The only thing that indicates the opposite is the living bark on the branch. Be patient, he will still please you! Most likely it does not have enough heat, try bottom heating.

4. Please tell me why this might be: my clerodendrum (Thompson) flowers grow in some way underdeveloped: only white calyxes grow, and even then some small ones, but the red corollas never appear. The bush itself grows well too (I mean the leaves). Maybe the lack of a rest period is affecting it?

Answer: Without a dormant period, clerodendrum blooms, as a rule, rarely. But, if it has already bloomed, it needs to be fed. If the foliage grows well, it means it has enough nitrogen. You need to add phosphorus and potassium.

5. Clerodendrum does not want to grow. I planted the sprout last summer and it grew a little, it was green in winter and now the leaves have begun to turn pale. It stands by the window, I water it as the soil dries out and spray it every day. What is he missing?

Answer: Place it on a bright window and look spider mite. In addition, clerodendrum can shed its leaves for the winter. In bright light, new shoots will appear.

6. Clerodendrum has grown to 50 cm in height, but does not bush.

Answer: We need to cut!!! This 50 centimeter shoot will not begin to bush!!! It must be constantly shaped to have a good bush. Do not prune while the vines are actively growing, but when their growth stops and the leaves begin to turn yellow, I shape it as I like. In addition, you need to keep him in moist soil, he loves it very much. And you need to spray not only in the heat, but constantly, except for the hibernation period.

Clerodendrum - perennial, belongs to the Verbena family (Clerodendrum L.). Representatives of the clerodendrum genus are evergreen or deciduous shrubs (many of them climbing) and even trees. They grow mainly in tropical Africa, Asia, and South America.

Translated from Greek, the word “klerodendrum” is translated as “tree of fate” (kleros - fate, dendron - tree).

Some types of clerodendrum are attractive and very decorative, which is why they have become quite common in indoor floriculture.

I would like to talk about Thomson's clerodendrum (Clerodendrum thomsoniae). If this plant comes into your home, you will quickly become friends with it for many years. And it is not just words. Everything about clerodendrum is attractive: large emerald leaves, very fast growth, and bright, long-lasting, unique flowering.

The leaves of Thomson's clerodendrum are dark green, emerald, rather large, oval-pointed. Leaf plate it seems a little convex, lumpy, as if slightly pulled together by veins, a little rough to the touch.

Clerodendrum grows very quickly and is capable of growing vines up to 2 - 2.5 meters in length in one growing season. Clerodendrum is a very powerful vine by nature. Clerodendrum shoots grow day and night, in summer, and even in winter. Therefore, it constantly has to be pinched in order to somehow limit its irrepressible growth.

With the help of constant pruning and pinching, clerodendrum can be formed into a huge “green pillow”. Or allow the shoots to simply hang down, limiting their growth to a certain length, then you will have a gorgeous hanging plant. Clerodendrum vines do not have suckers and cannot entwine a wall like ivy, so the plant needs to be fixed to a support, for example, in the form of a ball, a pyramid or an ordinary ladder.

However, Thomson's clerodendrum impressed me most of all with its flowering. Firstly, the flowering of clerodendrum was quite long, from March to the end of July, almost five months.

Secondly, clerodendrum flowers are collected in racemose inflorescences; they have an original shape in the form of inverted white cups, reminiscent of bells or lanterns, inside which there is also a bright red center of the flower with stamens. On an emerald background of leaves, brushes of white lanterns with bright red flowers they look very nice.

Thirdly, the color of clerodendrum flowers changes during the flowering process. The snow-white calyxes of the flowers first become slightly pinkish, then lilac. The center of the flower turns from bright red to dark cherry. If you look into the cup, you will find that black nut-seeds are ripening there and are capable of germinating.

But it turns out that flowering in clerodendrum ends when the flower calyxes begin to change their color. And cute lanterns are the usual protection for ripening clerodendrum seeds. But it's still beautiful.

Clerodendrum care

Soil for clerodendrum

Clerodendrum grows well in a classic earthen mixture. Earth mixture It should be moderately nutritious, moisture-absorbing, and at the same time well drain excess water and allow air to pass to the roots. For replanting an adult or planting a young clerodendrum, ready-made soil for indoor plants containing leaf soil, peat, sand, fine expanded clay or perlite is quite suitable.

At the bottom of the pot, do not forget to put a drainage layer about three centimeters high made of expanded clay, clay shards, pebbles, and pieces of polystyrene foam. Choosing the right pot and replanting it correctly is the key rapid growth healthy plant.

Clerodendrum transplant

I replant clerodendrum in the summer, after flowering, once every two years. Sometimes I just replace the top layer of soil. She refused the transplant in February for several reasons. And, of course, the main reason was flowering. In order for the clerodendrum to bloom, it needs pruning, and pruning and replanting cannot be combined, since the roots are still damaged during replanting, and you have to wait until the plant begins to grow again, and then just prune it.

Also, even if you do the usual transfer to a larger pot, the flowering time may also be delayed. Until the roots reach the walls of the pot, the plant will simply continue to grow.

Lighting for clerodendrum

Clerodendrum loves diffused light. Clerodendrum will be most comfortable on windows facing east or west. The morning and evening sun will not cause trouble in the form of leaf burns.

On southern windows in the summer it will be hot, the leaves will quickly turn yellow and wither. To avoid sunburn on the leaves, the plant will have to be kept out of direct sunlight or covered with tulle for the whole summer.

Clerodendrum is so unpretentious that it grows quietly on northern windows, but perhaps the leaves will become a little smaller.

Watering clerodendrum

Another striking feature of clerodendrum is how it loves water. Since clerodendrum grows very quickly, it has many leaves, and they are quite large, so water evaporates from them very quickly. In summer, sometimes you have to water two or three times a day. If you involuntarily skip watering, you look, and the leaves have already completely drooped. The next watering and spraying quickly corrects the situation: in the morning you look, and the leaves are fresh again. An absolutely cheerful plant!

It is better to water clerodendrum with boiled or settled water room temperature. Watering should be uniform, even abundant in summer; in winter, during the dormant period, watering is significantly reduced compared to summer water consumption, but does not stop completely, since the growth of clerodendrum shoots does not stop even in winter. The earthen clod must not be allowed to dry out. In winter, during the dormant period, it is possible that clerodendrum sheds some of its leaves due to lack of light. If the clerodendrum has dropped its leaves, then watering should be minimal, just so that the roots do not die from drought.

In addition to watering, clerodendrum absolutely loves moist air. Therefore, it is advisable to spray clerodendrum every day. Spraying not only humidifies and purifies the air, but also reduces the air temperature in summer, creating more comfortable conditions.

While the clerodendrum is still small, once a week it can be given water treatments in the bathroom using a shower, having first covered the soil in the pot with a film so as not to wash it away.

Over time, when the plant is already large, it is problematic to transfer it to the bathroom. That's why water procedures Clerodendrum can be done once a month by carefully wiping the leaves with a damp sponge.

To create constant air humidity, you can use a tray with moisture-absorbing material, for example, expanded clay. Expanded clay is poured into the tray in a layer of 2-3 centimeters, 2/3 of the layer is filled with water. The pot of clerodendrum is placed in this tray. If the tray is large, you can put several pots with plants in need on it. high humidity air.

Pruning clerodendrum

In February-March, pruning is carried out so that the clerodendrum blooms. Every year, the clerodendrum will have to undergo a thorough pruning, cutting off the shoots to the point where they are almost woody. An adult plant has shoots about 40-50 centimeters in length. Watering gradually increases, young shoots with buds begin to grow from the axils of the leaves.

After flowering, clerodendrum shoots continue to grow. Therefore, in the future you will need more pinching or formative pruning of the clerodendrum. A clerodendrum bush is formed whenever the growth of shoots stops and the leaves begin to yellow. This pruning stimulates the formation of new shoots.

Fertilizers for clerodendrum

In summer, direct sunlight can cause leaf burns.

Sometimes, if you water clerodendrum with hard, unsettled tap water, there may be chlorosis of the leaves. With chlorosis, the upper, young leaves begin to turn yellow.

Whitish spots on clerodendrum leaves may be due to spraying with hard water. The water droplets dry out, and in their place a limescale deposit remains.

From cold water and low air temperatures may cause powdery mildew. This will be signaled white coating on the leaves.

Problems when growing clerodendrum

Clerodendrum leaves wither and droop, and may even fall off - insufficient air humidity, insufficient watering, heat air.

In autumn, the leaves turn yellow and fall off - this is a normal phenomenon in deciduous species of clerodendrum.

All clerodendrum leaves turn yellow in the summer - it is very hot, the sun's rays have burned the leaves, or the concentration of fertilizers is too strong.

The shoots become very elongated, the leaves become small - the clerodendrum does not have enough light, the room is warm.

Leaves, buds, flowers fall - strong draft, low humidity air, lack of nutrients in the soil.

Clerodendrum does not bloom - wintering is too warm, lack of pruning, lack of nutrients in the soil.

Image copyright belongs to flickr.com

Plants influence our lives, bringing a wide variety of energy. A home is the center of peace and well-being, therefore species that have a beneficial effect on our well-being and well-being should grow in it. One of these flower plants is clerodendrum, home care for which has its own subtleties and secrets.

They can be used to landscape large spaces and winter gardens, loggias and insulated verandas. It can become a living screen if it is passed along a decorative lattice. It is not without reason that people call it the fateful tree and innocent love. Clerodendrum gives love and has a positive effect on the fate of the inhabitants of the house in which it grows.

Where does clerodendrum come from?

This amazing plant that decorates the window sills of our houses comes from distant subtropical and tropical forests located in Africa and Asia. In its natural conditions this plant found in the form of shrubs and trees, grass and vines. More than 400 species of clerodendrum are known: both evergreen and deciduous.

The interesting shape and color attracted the first owners of the plant. Thanks to extraordinary view inflorescences resembling a moth and a bell delight flower growers to this day, clerodendrum.

No special care is required at home. It is grown as a single potted plant and is also used effectively to form a living green background.

Varieties

On the windowsills of our houses you can find the varieties that have gained the greatest popularity, including:

Mrs. Thompson (Clerodendrum thomsonae) is a vine with a climbing stem bearing large oval leaves with a pointed shape. The stems can reach a length of 3 m. It blooms twice - in spring and autumn. The flowers reach sizes up to 25 cm, have a bell-shaped greenish-cream color, in the bowl of which bright scarlet stars glow. Even after flowering, when the bell has fallen off, the calyxes are colored pink color and continue to delight the eye until the month of November. The plant partially sheds its leaves in winter.

Philippine (Clerodendrum philippinum), the fragrant clerodendrum, whose homeland is the island of Java and China, grows as a small shrub and delights owners with the intoxicating sweet aroma that the terry clusters emit continuously flowering plant. The leaves are large and soft, bright green in color, resembling a heart with jagged edges. When grown, it does not tolerate direct sunlight.

Clerodendrum Prospero - “bridal veil”, “Cleopatra’s tears”. A gracefully shaped bush, dotted with snow-white inflorescences, the flowers of which are of amazing shape. This clerodendrum looks gorgeous in any apartment. However, special care is required for it at home: it is necessary high humidity, and a certain light regime must be maintained.

Ugandan clerodendrum- “blue butterfly” - distinguished by exotic colors of pale lilac or violet shade, shaped distinctly like a moth with outstretched wings and dark green leaves. The vine reaches 2 m in length. The plant can be shaped like a tree or bush.

Brilliant is the most common species, blooming from January to early June. This is an evergreen shrub with climbing shoots with large, almost round leaves up to 8 cm. Brushes with velvet-red flowers delight owners with beauty all year round.

Clerodendrum: care at home. Nuances

The hot countries from which clerodendrum comes are characterized by bright sunshine and a humid climate. Lighting is one of the fundamental factors affecting growth and flowering. But here, the main thing is not to overdo it and avoid direct sunlight, which can have a detrimental effect on the plant, causing yellowing and falling leaves. It is best to place the pot in the east or west direction, making sure there is sufficient lighting for your pet. If you intend to place a flower on windowsills facing south and north, then you should protect the plant from direct rays, providing diffused light.

Temperature

Which temperature regime does it require clerodendrum? Large temperature fluctuations are undesirable for the plant. This should be taken into account when growing clerodendrum. Home care (photo above is proof of this) proves that maintaining a temperature of +18-25 degrees is optimal mode, quite sufficient for successful growth and flowering. In winter, clerodendrum Mrs. Thompson requires special cool conditions, up to +12 degrees, shedding some of the foliage and remaining in a state of rest, which is necessary for laying buds.

Features of reproduction

Have you decided to get a clerodendrum? Home care and propagation are of interest to all plant owners. This can be done through cuttings or seeds. There is no need to plant seeds if the plant is healthy. In this case, you can do just fine with cuttings.

After spring pruning, the cuttings are placed in water, and after they sprout roots, they can be planted in a pot. Or the cut cuttings are placed in a pot with a peat-sand mixture, which should be covered with a transparent cap. Remove the watering cap every day until the first leaves appear. The plant should be replanted after a year.

If there is a desire to acquire a new species, then sow the seeds at the end of winter or early spring in a mixture of sheet soil, peat and sand.

Features of watering and fertilizing

How to feed and water clerodendrum correctly? Care at home (the photo below clearly demonstrates a plant that is not given due attention) has certain features. The lack of minerals and vitamins in a flowering plant is reflected in the drying tips of the leaves. Therefore, careful attention to the plant is required so that clerodendrum long time pleased the owner with its flowering and lush greenery. The humidity level must be maintained, because the flower tolerates dry air extremely poorly.

It is worth spraying regularly, and it is better to place the flowerpot in a tray filled with moss or expanded clay. Regular and abundant watering is vital for a tropical, moisture-loving plant. But you shouldn’t constantly fill it, just as you shouldn’t let the earthen clod dry out. It is necessary to water when the top layer of soil has dried out. The water should be soft and settled. During the cold season, watering is reduced; it is enough to water the plant a couple of times a month and keep it away from radiators.

You need to fertilize twice a month; it is best to use a complex composition.

Clerodendrum: care at home. Trimming

For correct formation The crowns of the plant resort to pruning. Considering that plants can reach a height of up to 3-4 m, pruning is used to limit the size.

The required form and required size determined by the owner himself, taking into account the characteristics of the interior and the proximity to other plants. They also prune clerodendrum, care at home (sometimes it does not bloom even with excellent care), which we describe in the absence of flowering. This applies to Ms. Thompson. Pruning is done to improve branching and ensure abundant flowering. Dry, weakened shoots are removed during the period after flowering and after winter dormancy. A feature of some plant species is the ability to independently regulate growth and flowering capabilities, relying on the available vitality. The flower itself dries some shoots during the dormant period without pests. That's why the most the right time for pruning it is spring.

Features of transplantation

The best time to replant a plant is after pruning.

Clerodendrum does not tolerate this procedure well. Care at home will ensure flowering if done correctly. It will improve after correct transplantation, which can be done annually, but better after two years. To do this, it is preferable to take a vessel 2 cm higher and larger in diameter than the previous one. The drainage layer is poured at least 3 cm, and the support for the plant is placed directly in the flowerpot. A method that is less traumatic for the root system is to transfer the plant root ball into a new pot, after which fresh soil is added on top. A universal, slightly acidic soil is suitable. And when preparing the mixture yourself, you need to maintain the proportions, taking peat, coarse sand, clay and leaf soil in equal parts.

Caution: Pests

The presence of a spider mite is indicated by the cobwebs that cover the leaves of the plant. Signs of the disease include curled yellowed leaves, blackened buds, sticky honeydew and slow shoot growth. It is necessary to pick off the affected leaves, destroying them. Treat with Actellik or a solution of insecticidal soap.

Clerodendrum will not cause any particular trouble to the owner. Care at home (pruning, propagation, pests - we told you about all this) can be easily provided only if you have certain knowledge that will help you grow beautiful and healthy plant, capable of delighting household members for many years.

Clerodendrum. Flower care.

Some indoor plant lovers grow clerodendrum at home, a plant that blooms with white flowers. However, it can be very difficult for novice gardeners to grow such a plant in an apartment. At best, they grow a stunted and poorly flowering plant, with falling leaves. Why does this happen and what to do in this case?

Clerodendrum belongs to the verbena family and is a deciduous plant. Therefore, it is quite normal for a plant to shed its leaves from time to time. In principle, about 400 species of this plant are known, but at home room conditions, as a rule, brilliant (Clerodendrum splendens), fragrant (Clerodendrum fragrans), false (Clerodendrum fallax) and Thomson's clerodendrum (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) are grown. As for the last type, it is climbing vine with a woody trunk.
With the onset of spring, many white bracts begin to appear on the bare stems of Thomson's clerodendrum. After some time, crimson corollas are formed from them, reaching a diameter of 2.5 cm. Those who managed to see the bloom of clerodendrum get real pleasure from such a magical spectacle. The flowers are collected in racemes and remain in them for quite a long time, practically retaining their color.

Clerodendrum is not too fussy to care for, which can cause even more confusion as to why, for example, your neighbor managed to grow this plant, but you didn’t. The reason for this failure is most likely that the plants grow in completely different conditions, and their care is different.

It must be said that for the normal growth and development of a plant, it needs a sufficient amount of lighting. Therefore, the plant will feel most comfortable on the windowsills of those windows that face south. IN wildlife Thomson's clerodendrum grows in tropical forests where humidity is very high. Therefore, when growing in an apartment, clerodendrum must be frequently sprayed and moistened the soil. As for the last condition, the soil should be moist, but not wet. If these conditions are not met, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off prematurely.

With the coming winter cold the plant needs to reduce the temperature to +15 °C to give it the opportunity to get rid of some of the leaves. If this is not done, the plant will not have time to “rest” and its further flowering will not be as abundant. At the end of this period of “calmness”, it is advisable to prune the plant heavily, which will also have a positive effect on its flowering. It must be said that large specimens of clerodendrum can independently regulate their own size during winter. Therefore, they specially dry some of their shoots, which disheartens the owners, who think that the plant has dried up.

After the plant begins its rapid growth, it should be fed. Feeding should be carried out based on its growth rate. Usually it is carried out once every 7 - 10 days. The plant can be propagated by cuttings, layering and seeds. If the plant was grown from seed, then in the best case it can bloom in the second year.