The Stickbush (kransenboom)
Manila Bulletin By oct 12, 2011,
MANILA, Philippines -- An interesting fragrant plant is the Stickbush, scientifically known as Clerodendrum philippinum Schauerm, which belongs to the Verbenaceae plant family. It has tight clusters of white bouquet-like blooms that are highly fragrant. The plant originated from Japan and China and has become a popular potted plant both here and abroad. It is commonly cultivated as a potted indoor plant.
This beautiful shrub can grow up to a height of about four to six feet. It flowers in tight clusters in the stem tips. Each flower is like a tiny rose or rosebud and becomes very fragrant after sundown.
It is very easy to grow and bloom. It thrives under full sunlight and can tolerate filtered or partial shade. It requires regular watering and high humidity (about 50 percent) though it can survive drier conditions. It can also be planted in semi-cool temperatures but not freezing temperatures.
As it happens to be a large plant, it requires pots of about one to two feet in diameter or larger. It’s best to use fertile loamy soil to provide the plant with enough nourishment. A minimal application of complete fertilizer, about half a teaspoon dissolved in a gallon of water, is applied once every two months. It shouldn’t be fertilized too much as this will merely result into a very leafy plant, and not a flowery one.
Being an “ever-bloomer,” the plant’s blooming time can be programmed as it responds to short-day photoperiods. To make it bloom, the plant must be placed in an area that has a longer period of darkness (about 16 hours) everyday for two months, and a daily light of eight hours. It normally blooms from February to March, when it is exposed to short day periods and cooler temperatures.
The plant is susceptible to insect pests like mites, aphids and other sucking insects. The underside of the leaves must be checked regularly. If infestations arise, the plant has to be sprayed with insecticides. Afflicted plants must be separated from the healthy plants.
The plant needs regular pruning as it can grow very large within just one growing season. Also, it easily propagates itself, and can become wild and weed-like if left unchecked. It must be pruned after flowering time.
Source:
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/337470/the-stickbush
