Spider Flower (Cleome houtteana)

Spider Flower

Cleome houtteana

Airy, spidery blooms dance atop tall stems, a whimsical garden standout. Annual flowering plant; common name: Spider Flower.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Thrives in full sun; tolerates partial afternoon shade in extremely hot climates
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Prefers warm growing temperatures; tolerates light frost but will die back once temperatures drop below 10°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Palmately compound leaves with 5–7 bright green, slightly sticky leaflets
  • Flower: Fragrant spidery clusters in pink, purple, or white; long, prominent stamens extend outward
  • Stem: Erect, branching stems with fine hairs; releases a mild musky scent when crushed
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Apply balanced, diluted fertilizer every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization once blooms begin to fade in late autumn

Banana peel tea:Soak 2–3 chopped banana peels in 4 liters of water for 3 days; strain and use to water the base of plants to enhance flower production
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
  • Pinch back young stems when 10–15 cm tall to promote bushier, more compact growth
  • Remove yellowing lower leaves to improve airflow and reduce the risk of fungal infections
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-confirmed non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden plant; attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds as pollinators