Cleome hassleriana

Cleomes are relatively drought-tolerant once established, making them excellent for xeriscape gardens. Organic mulch layered around your plant will help decrease the watering frequency.

The spider flower thrives with plenty of sunlight, promoting healthy growth. Its natural habitat is well-lit, which helps its development. While full sun encourages blooming, it can tolerate lower light levels. Conversely, too little sun weakens it, and excessively strong light can cause harm.

Spider flower naturally occurs in areas with temperatures between 68 and 100 °F (20 and 38 ℃). The plant prospers in these warm climates. Seasonal care may be necessary, especially during cold winter periods when it should be moved indoors or supplied with extra heat.

This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.

Once most of the Spider flower's blooms have opened and reached full size, you should begin fertilizing again. When blooms are at their peak output, apply fertilizer once every three to four weeks, as weather permits. Then, once the Spider flower starts producing fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing; there's no need to feed the plant when it can no longer produce more blooms.

When repotting Spider flower, choose a pot that's 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger in diameter and ensure it has good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix and consider adding perlite for extra drainage. Repot in spring or early summer, water thoroughly afterward, and keep it in a shady spot at first.

As relatively low-upkeep plants, Cleomes only need light pruning. Trim off dead or damaged leaves during the growing season. During planting, you can cut them back by about half once they are in the ground to stimulate new growth.

Cleomes are non-toxic flowering plants that are safe for children, dogs, cats, and even horses. You can keep them as outdoor garden plants, indoor houseplants, or cut arrangements with no problem.