Photo: Paul HoekmanCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Spotted Cleome Plant Care
Cleome maculata (Sond.) Szyszyl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its delicate clusters of pink or white flowers that resemble spider legs, giving it the nickname "Spider Flower." Cleome maculata originates from North and South America, where it can be found in open fields and meadows. Plant collectors are drawn to this species for its unique appearance and ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees to the garden.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Spotted Cleome?
Water Spotted Cleome every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Spotted Cleome Native To?
What Is the Spotted Cleome?
Spotted Cleome (Cleome maculata) belongs to the Cleomaceae family within the Cleome genus. Spotted Cleome is native to southern Africa.
Spotted Cleome displays an upright, branching annual growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Spotted Cleome produces showy clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spotted Cleome?
Cleome maculata requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Spotted Cleome Need?
Spotted Cleome thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spotted Cleome Prefer?
Cleome maculata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Spotted Cleome prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spotted Cleome?
Well-draining soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Spotted Cleome to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spotted Cleome?
Feed Spotted Cleome every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Spotted Cleome?
Repot annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Spotted Cleome?
Spotted Cleome can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Spotted Cleome Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spotted Cleome, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Spotted Cleome?
Spotted Cleome is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Spotted Cleome Need?
Spotted Cleome grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Spotted Cleome is native to southern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Spotted Cleome as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Spotted Cleome is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cleome genus — compare its care with other Cleome species on PlantoScan.
Cleome is part of the Cleomaceae plant family — browse all Cleomaceae genera and species.
Spotted Cleome thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cleome maculata (Sond.) Szyszyl., family Cleomaceae (first published in Polypet. Thalam. Rehmann. : 17 (1887)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spotted Cleome, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Paul Hoekman, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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