Crotalaria

Family. Legumes.

Origin. East Africa.

Description. Crotalaria is a very large genus containing about 500 species of herbaceous plants and shrubs. The stems are erect, with clearly defined ribs, up to 150 cm long. The leaves are compound, consisting of 3 round, light green leaves with a diameter of about 4 cm, typical of most legumes. The leaf blades have delicate pubescence. Flowers are collected in large inflorescences - racemes up to 25 cm long, shades of flowers include bright yellow, white, greenish, rarely dark purple, almost black. After flowering, green pods with rounded seeds - beans - are formed. 

Height. Can grow up to 1.5 m, and already in the first season it grows up to 1 m.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Moderately warm all year round, grows well at room temperature.

Lighting

It is a good idea to provide crotalaria with several hours of direct sunlight a day in the morning and evening hours. Shade the plant during the day from the scorching rays of the spring and summer sun. 

Care

Young shoots should be pinched regularly to form a lush bush and get abundant flowering. Autumn pruning promotes abundant branching and the appearance of green mass and many buds. The stems should be provided with support for growth. Remove faded flowers to prolong the flowering period.

Substrate

Tolerates nutrient-poor soils and grows well in soils with a pH in a very wide range - from 5.0 to 8.4. The soil must have good drainage. 

Feeding

Feed regularly throughout the growing season, for example 2 times a month, with fertilizers high in potassium.

Purpose

Crotalaria flowers can be used for cutting. When grown in a hanging basket, the plant's stems will dangle dramatically over the edge of the pot. 

Flowering time

Summer, long flowering.

Air humidity

It is necessary to place the bush in a ventilated room with sufficient air movement. Spray only when the air in the room becomes too dry.

Soil moisture

Water regularly during the period of active growth, but if possible, it is better to water by immersing the pot with the plant in water. Avoid overhead watering. The frequency of watering depends on temperature conditions.

Transfer

Perennial species are replanted in the spring, annually, since crotalaria grow very quickly. 

Reproduction

Propagated by sowing seeds in spring in nutritious soil to a depth of about 2 cm. The seeds are pre-soaked in warm water for a day. The seedlings are placed in a warm place with a temperature of about 20 ° C. Germination can occur within 3 days.

Pests and diseases

The most common pest is aphids, sometimes thrips.  

Note

The seeds of some species are poisonous.