Crotalaria verrucosa — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Crotalaria verrucosa

Crotalaria Verrucosa

Updated · 50 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Crotalaria verrucosa, the blue rattlepod, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae. This shrub belongs to the subfamily Faboideae. The herb found in Bangladesh, China, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam; Australasia and Africa and Americas regions. Crotalaria verrucosa is a perennial shrub that grows to about 50 to 100 cm in height.

A note from PlantMom

Blue rattlepod has good resistance to disease and is generally not prone to illnesses. However, it can be susceptible to pests and diseases present in its surroundings. These infections are usually not severe. Regarding care, this plant requires a moderate amount of maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to maintain a neat appearance and healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help stimulate flowering. Blue rattlepod is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not need extensive care experience. It may demand more attention when grown indoors.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Crotalaria Verrucosa.

Light

Blue rattlepod comes from bright, open habitats where it thrives in full sun. It can tolerate partial sun but favors direct sunlight for optimal growth. This plant, which can be annual or biennial, is known for its sun-loving nature.

Water

Native to tropical regions, the blue rattlepod thrives in consistently moist soil. To prevent waterlogging, it needs to be watered twice a week. In outdoor settings, mulching is beneficial as it helps retain moisture during hot weather, ensuring that the plant remains well-hydrated while being planted in well-draining soil.

Temperature

Blue rattlepod comes from tropical areas, where the climate is usually warm and humid. As a result, it is well-suited to high heat and moisture. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and favors a steady thermal environment, so it is important to avoid indoor temperature swings. It generally cannot endure cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Fertilizer

When most of Blue rattlepod's flowers have opened to full size, resume fertilizing. At the height of bloom production, feed the plant every three to four weeks, weather permitting. Once Blue rattlepod begins producing fewer new flowers, stop fertilizing; there's no need to apply fertilizer when the plant can no longer produce additional blooms.

Pruning

Blue rattlepod, known for its striking blue flowers, benefits from pruning in early to mid-spring to promote optimal growth. To enhance the plant's health, remove any dead branches and shape it to improve airflow and sunlight exposure. Regular pruning helps prevent disease, encourages abundant flowering, and boosts the plant's vigor. For the best results, use clean and sharp tools.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual
Genus
Crotalaria
Family
Fabaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
49 cm to 91 cm
Mature Spread
0.91 m to 1.83 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Blue, Purple
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Summer, Fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall, Early winter
Native Area
Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Timor-Leste, Laos, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Thailand
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Blue-flower rattlepod en Blue rattlesnake en Purple Popbush en Blue Rattleweed en Blue Rattle-box en Blue Rattlepod en Blue-Flowered Rattlepod en Cascavelle á Fleurs Bleues en Purple Rattlebox en Sweet Pea en Tooth-Leaved Rattlepod en Warty Crotalaria en Warty Rattlebox en Blue Andana en గిలిగిరింత
PLATES
Crotalaria verrucosa leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Crotalaria verrucosa leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Crotalaria verrucosa flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Crotalaria verrucosa flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Crotalaria verrucosa fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Crotalaria verrucosa fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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