The Best Time to Sow Spider Flower and an Introduction to Its Benefits and Uses

Today I am sharing a herbaceous plant native to tropical America, the "spider flower" (Cleome hassleriana). Once its flowers bloom, the unique petals look just like butterfly wings, and the stamens resemble antennae, seeming to dance along with the petals. Its flowering period is generally concentrated in summer and autumn, and the flower color changes from pale white to light red, and then from light red to light purple, very dreamy.

Besides the ornamental value mentioned above, the spider flower also has medicinal uses. Its petals can absorb formaldehyde and sulfur dioxide, so a high-quality essential oil can be extracted from them, which has the effect of improving skin tone and making the skin smoother and more delicate.

In terms of care, the spider flower is suitable for sowing in late spring and early summer. It is recommended to choose loose, well-drained soil. When sowing, be careful to spread the seeds evenly over the soil surface, then cover them with a thin layer of soil 1 to 3 cm deep. After about 7 days or so, they will germinate. During this period, be sure to keep the soil moist.

As for temperature, the suitable range is 20 to 25°C, and try to avoid conditions where humidity is too high or too low, because this can easily hinder the plant's growth. In terms of light, the spider flower likes a sunny environment and needs at least 6 hours of light every day.

For daily watering, slightly moist soil is best, but do not overwater, as this can cause root rot. Generally, watering once a week is enough, and in summer or in dry environments it can be increased appropriately. During the growing season (spring and summer), a diluted compound fertilizer or organic fertilizer is needed once a month. Before the flowering period, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can be increased appropriately, which helps the flowers become more vibrant and also promotes plant growth. After the flowering period ends, promptly cut off spent flowers and dead branches to encourage new branches to sprout and the next round of blooming. For overly dense branches, thin them out appropriately to keep the plant well ventilated and exposed to light, reducing the occurrence of pests and diseases. 

In addition, although the spider flower can absorb harmful substances from the air, this also means the plant is mildly toxic. When caring for it, extra care is needed if there are children or pets, and direct contact with the sap should be avoided.