Pagoda Plant: 27 Care Tips You Should Know for Your Clerodendrum Paniculatum

Clerodendrum Paniculatum is a tropical and easy-to-care-for plant. Not only that, it’s distinct appearance and feel make it an excellent choice among plant collectors!

This post shares the tips and tricks you’ll need to best care for your Clerodendrum Paniculatum. We’ve also listed down shopping options if you’re searching for this plant. Read on to learn more about this beautiful Clerodendrum!

What Is Clerodendrum Paniculatum?

The Clerodendrum Paniculatum has been called Pagoda Flower, Orange Tower Flower, and Clerodendron. As a perennial from the Lamiaceae family, this plant grows well near a south-facing window when grown indoors.

The Pagoda Plant is a semi-woody shrub with large leaves and massive clusters of flowers above its foliage. It earned its common name, the Pagoda Plant, because of its orange-red, pyramid-shaped beautiful blooms of tiered flowers that resemble a pagoda structure.

If you keep this plant outdoors, this Clerodendrum will thrive in hardiness zones 8-11.

Origin And Family

The Pagoda Flower comes from the genus Clerodendrum, which belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This plant is originally from the plains of Asia, specifically the Philippines in Southeast Asia, some parts of China, and Sri Lanka. In recent years, it has become a popular houseplant, typically easy-to-care-for.

First described in 1767 by Carl Linnaeus, this tropical plant makes a great addition to any indoor grower’s collection. It produces large red-orange flowers in the early summer months through late fall.

Where To Buy

You should be able to find Clerodendrum varieties at your local nursery, but if you want a hassle-free experience of selecting from a wide variety of plants online and having one delivered to you, Etsy is an excellent option! We’ve ordered several plants there and have been delighted with the delivery and the health of the plants.

For pretty affordable prices, you can buy a Clerodendrum Paniculatum for about $20 for small plants and up to $40+ for larger or more mature plants.

Clerodendrum Paniculatum Plant Size

The Clerodendrum Paniculatum is a fast-growing houseplant when placed near a south-facing window. In homes, it can reach an average height of 3-5 feet and an average width of 2-3 feet.

Fast-growing, these plants spread through rhizomes; however, they are not invasive.

Clerodendrum Paniculatum Care Needs

Most plants quickly grow with the proper care and including Clerodendrum Paniculatum.

Known for its showy flowers, it prefers humidity, moisture, and relatively moist soil.

When watering this Paniculatum, give it a drink when the upper 2 inches of the soil are still a bit moist. Like most plants, you want suitable drainage holes in your plastic, terracotta, or clay pot.

Pruning can help this plant grow to its full potential as a bushy and flowering shrub. It also helps limit its size and prevents its extensive root systems from spreading too much.

Read on for more Clerodendrum Paniculatum details.

Care Difficulty

While all plants require some level of care, most indoor gardeners believe the Orange Tower Flower to be simple to care for. You can maintain this plant’s greatest health by choosing the appropriate combination of elements, such as the amount of water and light.

Growth Rate

The Clerodendron grows to a mature height of 3-5 feet as a houseplant. You will typically notice rapid and bushier growth in the early spring and summer.

The majority of Clerodendrum species, including the Paniculatum, grow at a fast rate.

Potting

In terms of potting container size, we recommend using a large container. Most materials, including plastic, terracotta, or clay, will work perfectly.

Pagoda Flower is susceptible to root rot. Make sure to use enough drainage holes in its deep container.

Repotting

You could think about switching from your present pot to a larger pot as your plant develops and expands. Due to how swiftly this plant grows, repotting is usually required every two years.

When you repot, you can use a new batch of orchid potting soil which is the most suitable growing medium for your Clerodendrum Paniculatum. Choose a container that’s a pot size bigger than the actual plant.

Soil

An orchid potting soil is the most recommended option for the Orange Tower Flower.

Remember that this plant prefers well-draining soil that stays relatively moist.

To prevent root rot and other diseases, the soil type should always promote excellent drainage. We advise selecting potting mixtures like the ones listed below:

pH

For this Clerodendron, you’ll need a soil pH of around 5.5-6.0, which is acidic. If you’re worried and want to monitor the pH of your soil, you can simply purchase a pH meter device online.

You may increase acidity in your soil by mixing sulfur or aluminum sulfate if the pH is too high.

On the other side, you may improve your soil with baking soda, calcitic or dolomitic lime, or wood ash if the pH is too low.

Water

Proper watering is essential for Pagoda Flower. When you water too much, you can foster diseases such as root rot. The roots of your plant may dry up if you water it insufficiently, especially on warm days. Pagoda Flower should generally have a growth medium that is wet.

There is a simple way to determine if your plant needs to be watered. You may insert a wooden skewer or, alternatively, a pencil into the pot to check if there’s wet, muddy soil is still sticking to it. Or, you can just use your finger to feel for moisture. When the upper 2 inches of the soil are still a bit moist, it’s time to water your plant.

A porous pot with drainage holes and an aerated, chunky soil mix can aid in eliminating excess moisture.

Light

This easy-to-care-for houseplant prefers full sun in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon for approximately 6-8 hours a day. Its foliage will get scorched if exposed to a brightly lit area or direct sunlight for an extended period. If there’s a lack of light, its stems may grow leggy.

If your potted plant isn’t getting enough light, you can move it closer to a window or consider investing in LED grow lights. Here are recommended products for you to choose from:

Fertilizer

The Orange Tower Flower’s growing season is in the spring and summer. During this time, fertilize your plant every week when grown in full sun or every two weeks in partial shade using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

Propagating Clerodendrum Paniculatum

Reproducing your Clerodendrum Paniculatum can be done with the proper propagation method. Below are some options to choose from, along with detailed instructions to help you out.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

The most efficient way to grow a Pagoda Flower is by directly planting stem cuttings into the soil. If you don’t already have this plant, you can purchase a cutting from Etsy or your local Facebook Marketplace.

It is best to propagate during the summer after the flowers start to fade, so your plant will be easier to recover from transplant shock.

1. Cut. Using clean shears, cut off a healthy section of the plant. A cutting should ideally be at least three inches tall and include a few leaves and nodes.

2. Plant. Bury the stem nodes in a pot or container filled with damp soil. Pinch the soil around the stem or use wooden skewers to hold the base of the plant in place. Too much movement can disrupt root growth.

3. Maintain. Place your new plants’ pot near a window in bright, indirect light. Remember to keep the soil moist.

4. Wait. You can expect new roots in about 2-3 weeks. An emerging shoot is the best indicator that your cutting has successfully grown roots!

Division

Division is a propagation technique typically used for plants that have pups shooting out from the roots.

These steps may be used to divide your Clerodendron’s stem clusters:

1. Dig up. Remove the plant from the container. The natural divisions of the plant need to be visible.

2. Separate. Gently separate the parts with your fingertips. To trim any tangled roots, you might need to use shears.

3. Repot. Expect a new Clerodendrum in no time by planting each part in fresh pots packed with the same soil they are accustomed to.

Clerodendrum paniculatum flowering outside my room at Sepilok Nature Resort, Sabah with @naturetrektours pic.twitter.com/S9uYyZbaXm

— Nick Acheson (@themarshtit) April 6, 2016

Humidity And Aeration

Clerodendrum Paniculatum is a gorgeous plant that loves high humidity. Keep the humidity level between 50%-70% at all times.

Use a simple hygrometer to check the air moisture level in your Clerodendrum Paniculatum area. If the reading is too low, you can improve the humidity through the following methods:

• Plants release moisture from their leaves through the process of transpiration, so they’ll benefit from each other if you keep houseplants closely together.

• Place a flat tray of pebbles and water underneath your plant’s pot. The evaporating water provides some nourishment to the plant.

• Purchase a humidifier for your plants. This will constantly release steam and raise the humidity in a room.

Temperature

Temperature ranges between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit is best for your Clerodendron.

Sudden temperature swings and extreme weather conditions can be fatal for your Clerodendron. During the winter months, shut your windows and secure any openings where cold drafts may enter to prevent cold damage. Don’t keep your plant near appliances that emit heat.

Flowers

The Clerodendrum Paniculatum can produce a beautiful bloom of red-orange flower clusters from early summer through fall. Additional flowering can occur throughout the year in frost-free areas, like in its natural habitat.

Non-Toxic

Orange Tower Flower won’t poison children and pets. According to the ASPCA, ingesting it will not hurt dogs or cats, and there are no toxic components in the plant.

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

The Clerodendrum Paniculatum is not a plant that’s resistant to various issues, bugs, and diseases. In the following sections, I’ll lay out some common problems for Clerodendrum Paniculatum, as well as some tips and tricks for treating them and keeping healthy plants.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are a dreadful but frequent issue, particularly with Clerodendron. Small, brown, or yellow patches will at first be seen on the leaves of this plant due to spider mite damage. Stunted development or leaves that take an eternity to unfold might also be seen.

Spider mites create webs because they are linked to spiders (which is kind of gross). The main distinction is that a spider’s web has a more complex pattern and is only inhabited by one or two spiders. On the other side, it may be a spider mite infestation if the web looks fine, sticky, and filled with several little red bugs.

To combat spider mites on your Clerodendron, you should first take your plant outside and give it a rigorous hose down to dislodge the bugs. When you take it back inside, until you are certain that there are no longer any spider mites, keep it apart from your other plants.

If that doesn’t work, organic products like neem oil, insecticidal soap, and horticultural oil can do the trick to ensure the survival of your new plant!

White Flies

Whiteflies are small airborne insects that fly around immediately when a plant is moved. They are particularly attracted to the Pagoda Flower. Although they seldom kill plants, they consume the leaves.

Keeping herbs close to your pest-infested plant offers an extra benefit if you enjoy the flavor and aroma. Mint, parsley, and cilantro are believed to deter whiteflies with their aromatic scents.

Managing a heavy infestation requires the use of pesticides. These are several popular Amazon products we recommend against whiteflies:

Scale Insects

Even though adult scales are dormant and coated in a waxy layer, they can give birth to small crawling insects.

You may remove armored scales, but you must do so delicately using your fingertips or an old ID card. Be careful not to tear your Clerodendrum Paniculatum’s leaves.

Use insecticidal soap, horticultural, or neem oil to suffocate scale insects. Spray your plant with a general pesticide once you detect active crawlers. After a week, repeat the process with a second application. Below are some products we suggest:

Aphids

Aphids are typically seen as a cluster of bugs on your Orange Tower Flower. They could be in different colors like green, black, red, brown, orange, yellow, or white. They reproduce extremely fast and can weaken your plant within days!

Aphids are attracted to new shoots, flower buds, and growth areas. As they consume the sap, they will leave behind ugly black and white splotches.

If you see any of these disgusting creepy crawlies, separate your sick plant from the others right away. To get rid of the aphids, give your plant a thorough watering, but don’t forget to cover the soil with plastic to trap any flying insects or their eggs. Place the plastic at a location far from your garden for disposal.

An insecticidal soap spray, neem oil, or horticultural oil can solve the problem. Still, this step must be repeated several times until you’re sure the aphid population has been completely eradicated.

Mealybugs

Mealybug infestations are somewhat common on Clerodendron. Act promptly if you see these little parasites, which are often identified with white puffs on the leaves of any of your houseplants.

Pour isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball, then rub it over the leaves and stem of your plant. Additionally, an effective preventative spray is neem oil.

Brown Leaf Tips

Brown leaf tips on your Pagoda Flower can be caused by soil compactness, low humidity, underwatering, and root damage.

On occasion, flushing the soil with water for a few minutes may be necessary to remove extra minerals, salts, fertilizers, and pesticides. If your soil is well-drained and your plant is in a container with drainage holes, you shouldn’t be concerned about accidentally drowning its roots.

Drooping Leaves

Mealybugs and other pests that infest the Clerodendrum Paniculatum can cause drooping leaves. Underwatering, a lack of humidity, and a deficiency in nutrients are some potential causes of this issue.

Yellow Leaves

If you see yellowing leaves on your Orange Tower Flower, you might need to consider several factors to determine the culprit. Are you watering your plant too little or too much? Is your plant getting enough light? Did you fertilize your plant recently? Are there sudden changes in the weather?

Of course, bottom leaves that turn yellow indicate that your plant is growing and the leaf’s energy has been spent. In this case, simply pluck off the yellowing leaves so the plant can focus on increasing new green leaves.

Root Rot

Root rot is a common killer of Clerodendron. Once the roots begin to decay, the stem and leaves are soon affected as well. Remember that you should only water your plants when the upper 2 inches of soil are still slightly damp.

Poor soil drainage is another factor contributing to root rot. This tropical plant requires an orchid potting soil that stays relatively moist.

Other things you can do to avoid root rot include: drilling holes at the bottom of your pot, choosing high-porosity materials such as terracotta and unglazed ceramic planters, and lengthening the gap between watering schedules.

Clerodendrum paniculatum Pagoda flower #Lamiaceae. Large herb from SE Asia, naturalised in Sri Lanka. Fed to elephants to make them braver! pic.twitter.com/V5b6yqCa3v

— Flowers of Sri Lanka (@srilankanflora) January 10, 2017

Similar Plants

Love Pagoda Flower? Here are some other tropical plants you should try:

African Violets – This well-known decorative plant features clusters of purple, blue, or white blooms above fuzzy foliage. They have many blooming seasons and are low-growing and compact. You can cultivate this lovely plant with a bit of additional care, even though they can be a touch demanding.

Ponytail Palm – is a succulent despite its name. It is an attractive houseplant that requires little maintenance and sports sleek, bulb-like stems covered in long, curly leaves.

Hoya Lacunosa – Gorgeous, fragrant, and delicate. The Hoya plant has slender, trailing tendrils that develop into an oval-shaped, tender, green vine. As a perennial with year-round flowers, it makes a beautiful addition to tropical gardens.

Conclusion

Clerodendrum Paniculatum is a gorgeous plant that is actually enjoyable to take care of. When you see this plant’s magnificent blossoms open, your care for it will have been worthwhile.

Can’t get enough of Clerodendrum plant guides? Check out these other helpful articles from Two Peas In A Condo!

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