Castanospermum

Family. Legumes.

Origin. Tropics of Australia.

Description. Castanospermum is a large evergreen tree that grows up to 40 m in its natural environment. The leaves are pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of leaflets, 15–60 cm long and 7 cm wide. Individual segments are 9–16 cm long, shiny, green. The flowers are yellow-red, 3–4 cm in diameter, collected in small brushes, often hidden by foliage. The fruits, like those of other legumes, are pods up to 20 cm long, containing large round seeds.

Height. In its natural habitat it grows up to 10 m or more; in indoor conditions it develops slowly and its height is 150 - 180 cm. 

Temperature conditions

All year round they are kept at normal room temperature of about 16 - 27 °C. The minimum temperature in winter is 10 °C.

Lighting

Tolerates fairly low light levels, but will do best in bright indirect light with access to direct sunlight in the morning and evening. 

Care

Wipe the leaves with a damp sponge to remove dust. Take the plant outside during warmer months. The size of the castanospermum can be controlled by keeping it in a relatively tight pot and pruning. The tree can be shaped as a bonsai - it tolerates pruning well.

Substrate

Very well-drained soil, rich in organic matter, with a pH of about 5.9.

Feeding

During the growing season, they are fed with liquid fertilizers with a high content of nitrogen and potassium. In autumn and winter, feeding is stopped.

Flowering time

Flowering occurs in late spring - summer. 

Air humidity

Castanospermum should not be kept near heat sources. To increase air humidity, place the pot on a tray of damp gravel or use a room humidifier. You can spray with water at room temperature in the first half of the day.

Soil moisture

Wet the earthen ball completely, drain the excess water that has accumulated in the pan and dry the soil before the next watering. In early autumn and winter, simply protect the soil from drying out completely. 

Transfer

Repotting is done annually in spring. Do not rush to change the size of the pot - castanospermum grows well in somewhat cramped conditions.

Reproduction

The tree is propagated by seeds sown in spring. Place the pots with seedlings in a warm place with a temperature of about 23°C and cover with a polyethylene cap. Fresh seeds have the best germination.

Pests and diseases

Root rot due to excess moisture.

Among the pests, the flower can be attacked by mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and thrips when there is insufficient air humidity.

Note

Castanospermum leaves and seeds are toxic; keep the plant away from children and pets.