Tephrosia purpurea — a easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Tephrosia purpurea

Tephrosia Purpurea

Updated · 158 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Tephrosia purpurea is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, that has a pantropical distribution. It is a common wasteland weed. In many parts it is under cultivation as green manure crop. It is found throughout India and Sri Lanka in poor soils. Common names include:

Bengali: জংলী নীল (Jangli neel), বন নীল। English: Fish poison, wild indigo Hawaiian: ʻAuhuhu, Ahuhu, ʻAuhola, Hola Hindi name: Sarphonk, Sharpunkha Rajasthani: Masa Tamil: Kolinchi (கொழிஞ்சி), Kollukkai Velai (கொள்ளுக்காய்_வேளை),kaaivelai(காய்வேளை ) Telugu: Vempali (వెంపలి), Pampara chettu Malayalam: Kozhinjil (കൊഴിഞ്ഞിൽ) Kannada: Kaggi Duk: Jangli-kulthi

A note from PlantMom

Fish poison has strong resistance to disease and is typically not susceptible to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. Planted outdoors, it needs little watering, and bigger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller specimens, however, should be pruned after flowering. Fish poison is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or a deck, and does not demand extensive gardening experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Tephrosia Purpurea.

Light

Fish poison does best in spots that get plenty of sun throughout the day. If it lacks adequate sunshine, its growth can be inhibited and its vivid colors may lose their brightness. Its native environments are usually areas with abundant sunlight. Excessive sun is unlikely to injure this plant.

Water

Fish poison, native to tropical regions, thrives in high humidity and can withstand periods of drought. It grows well with watering every 2-3 weeks. As an evergreen plant, it retains its leaves throughout the year and requires consistent moisture to maintain vibrant foliage.

Temperature

Fish poison comes from tropical areas where the climate is usually warm and humid. Therefore, it is well suited to high temperatures and humidity. It is sensitive to sudden temperature changes and prefers a steady thermal environment, so avoiding indoor temperature fluctuations is important. It generally cannot tolerate cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the ambient temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Fish poison is in early spring, when it comes out of dormancy. This encourages overall growth and the development of flowers. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches, and promotes flowers that are larger, more vibrant, and longer-lasting. It also helps move nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant's health and resistance to disease.

Pruning

Pruning fish poison plants in early spring can significantly improve their growth and flowering. To achieve this, focus on removing dead branches and thinning out dense areas to ensure better air circulation. Make cuts just above the buds to encourage new growth. Always use clean, sharp tools to prevent infections and reduce the risk of disease.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Tephrosia
Family
Fabaceae
Hardiness Zone
8
Mature Height
0.3 m to 1.52 m
Mature Spread
13 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Purple, Pink
Flower Size
0.76 cm
Bloom Time
Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall, Early winter
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Purple tephrosia en Wild indigo en Fishpoison en వెంపలి
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

What's the best way to water my Fish poison?

To ensure excellent root development, place a garden hose at the base of the plant. Avoid spraying the leaves directly, but if the plant is outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves will need more water. You can also use bubblers or soaker hoses to moisten the roots. When adding or removing plants, use soaker hoses that cover the entire garden or bed to encourage deep root growth. After watering, drain any excess water and wait for the soil to dry before watering again. To prevent diseases, water at ground level. On a sunny day, consider spraying the entire bush with water. Whether the plant is in a pot or in the ground, keep in mind that deep watering is preferred over light sprinkling for Fish poison.

What are the sunlight requirements for Fish Poison (Tephrosia purpurea)?

Fish Poison (Tephrosia purpurea) needs above 6 hours of sunlight to thrive, highlighting the importance of picking garden spots that offer a perfect balance of light and shade. This plant does well in full sun exposure areas and is likely to exhibit stunted growth and faded colors without sufficient sunlight. Its native habitats are generally sunny, indicating its high sunshine requirement. However, too much sunlight is unlikely to harm it.

What is Fish poison?

Fish poison is commonly known by its botanical name, Tephrosia purpurea. It is a plant recognized for its unique characteristics and uses, particularly in traditional practices.

What do I do if I give Fish poison too much or too little water?

When a Fish poison plant is overwatered, it may exhibit yellowing, dropping, and wilting leaves. The plant may also appear dull and unhealthy, with mushy stems as a sign of excessive watering. If these signs start to appear, it's important to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Additionally, wilting can also indicate under watering, as evidenced by crispy and dry leaves. In this case, it's necessary to check the soil and give the plant a thorough watering when it is dry. While enough water will help the Fish poison plant recover, the damaged root system may cause the plant to continue appearing dry with yellow leaves for a few days. Once the plant returns to normal, the yellowing of leaves will cease. For indoor Fish poison plants, it is crucial to regularly check the moisture levels in the pot and avoid overwatering. If you notice any black spots on the plant, allow the soil to dry by refraining from watering for a few days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so if you observe discolored and slimy roots, it may be necessary to transfer the plant to a different pot. Preventing root rot is imperative, so ensure that the soil does not become overly soggy. When planting Fish poison outdoors, it is advisable to dig a bit deeper. If you detect excessively dry soil by using your fingers, it may indicate under watering. Adequate watering is necessary to promote the recovery of the outdoor Fish poison plant.

Can artificial lighting be used for Fish Poison when natural sunlight is not sufficient?

Yes, artificial lighting can be a vital solution for Fish Poison when natural sunlight is insufficient, especially during winter or in less sunny spaces. LED lights are recommended due to their ability to provide the specific wavelengths needed by the plant. For full sun plants, 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light is required, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants require 10-20W/sq ft. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, and most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.

How often should I give water to my Fish poison?

The Fish poison plant prefers deep and infrequent watering. If planted in pots, soak them in a gallon of water each time to compensate for limited water storage in the pots. In colder regions, water every 3 to 5 days, preferably in the morning when the soil is dry. To determine if watering is needed, check the top 2-3 inches of soil - if dry, give the plant a full watering. During hot days, check the soil moisture daily as the heat can quickly dry out the pot. In gardens, water once a week if living in a hot climate, and only when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Avoid watering if there has been sufficient rainfall to prevent root rot. Add 3-4 inches of mulch around outdoor plants to conserve water. Sandy soil drains faster and requires more frequent watering, while clay soil requires less frequent watering to avoid root rot. Keep track of watering dates to prevent under-watering and look for drooping leaves as a sign of potential delayed watering.

What are the symptoms of insufficient sunlight in Fish Poison?

Fish poison may exhibit several symptoms when exposed to suboptimal lighting, including smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or halted growth, lighter-colored new leaves indicating a lack of chlorophyll, chlorosis where leaves turn yellow, sunscald marked by pale or necrotic areas on the plant, leaf curling as a defense against excessive sunlight, wilting from increased transpiration, and leaf scorching characterized by brown or crispy leaf edges.

How much water should I use to give my Fish poison?

To ensure your fish poison plant stays healthy, it's important to provide it with the right amount of water. For potted plants, water them deeply until you see water dripping from the bottom of the pot, and then wait for the soil to dry before watering again. Use a water calculator or moisture meter to determine the amount of water your plant receives in a week. During the flowering period, provide plenty of water but allow the moisture to evaporate afterwards to prevent root rot. If your fish poison plant is planted outdoors and receives adequate rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary. However, for young or newly planted fish poison plants, aim for 1-2 inches of rain per week. As the plant matures, it can survive on rainfall alone. Only in extremely hot weather or during prolonged periods without rainfall should you consider giving the plant a full watering during cooler parts of the day to prevent heat damage. Additional watering will be needed during persistent dry spells.

What solutions are available for Fish Poison suffering from insufficient sunlight?

To address insufficient sunlight for Fish Poison, you can gradually move plants to sunnier locations, ensuring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use south-facing windows and keep curtains open during the day, or use artificial light if the plant is large or not easily movable, ensuring at least 8 hours of artificial light daily. Outdoor plants should also be gradually moved to sunnier spots to avoid sunburn. Pruning surrounding trees can reduce obstructions, and transplanting smaller plants to sunny areas with good drainage can improve growth. However, parts of the plant that have already been affected by insufficient light may not recover, but new growth should be healthy once the light exposure is increased.

Should I change how often I water my Fish poison plant based on the time of year or the weather conditions?

To keep your Fish poison plant healthy, it's important to provide the right amount of water based on the season. During spring and fall, the soil should be kept moist but not soggy to facilitate growth. Alternating between dry and moist soil conditions will promote healthy growth. In the summer, hot weather can cause water to evaporate quickly, so you may need to water more frequently to ensure the soil stays moist. However, during winter when the plant goes dormant and loses its leaves, less water is required. Using a well-draining soil mixture like terracotta can help water evaporate faster during this period. Once the plant begins to leaf out in the spring, you can skip watering altogether and rely on rain for its water needs during the dormant period. When growing Fish poison in pots, it's important to provide good drainage at all times to prevent ponding or drought. During summer, make sure to keep potted plants well-watered, as they have limited root growth. However, be mindful of cold and wet roots and ensure adequate drainage to avoid any issues. To water your Fish poison plant effectively, give the entire root system a deep soak once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Avoid shallow sprinkling as it may encourage fungal growth and won't reach the roots deeply. Even during fall and winter dormancy, don't let the plants dry out completely. However, be cautious not to overwater, as they don't like to sit in water for extended periods. If the soil doesn't drain well, the plants may not survive the winter. Applying mulch whenever possible can help reduce stress, conserve water, and promote healthy blooms.

What do I need to watch out for when watering my Fish poison in different seasons, climates, or growing periods?

If you're planting Fish poison in the ground, it relies mostly on rain for water. However, if there's no rainfall for 2-3 weeks, you may need to water the plants deeply. It's best to water in the morning during summer to avoid stressing the roots with a temperature difference. Avoid watering when it's too hot outside. Start mulching in the spring when the ground isn't too cold. Lack of water is a common reason newly planted Fish poison fails to grow, so make sure to water them. Once they're established, reduce watering in the fall and winter, especially if the soil retains water. Dry winds in winter can dry out the plants and put newly planted ones at risk of drought. Windy seasons require more watering. Potted plants dry out faster, so they need more water. Watch for decreased blooming and drying leaves as signs of needing water. Be mindful not to let potted plants sit in water and avoid using containers with saucers or trays. Overwatering in the fall can cause mottled or yellowish leaves. Always be cautious of overwatering, regardless of the climate or season. During flowering months, increase watering frequency but give it a rest once plants are fully grown. Water every 3 to 5 days, but check if the soil is dry with your finger or a moisture meter. Avoid overwatering or underwatering, as it can cause root rot and death.

Why do I need to water my fish with poison?

To transport nutrients from the soil to the rest of the plant, it is important to water the Fish poison. Knowing the right amount of water to give will ensure the species stays healthy. The watering requirements will vary depending on the weather and soil type. While the Fish poison thrives on moist soil, excessive water can be harmful. When planting in the ground, it is recommended to provide sufficient mulch and avoid underwatering. For optimal blooms, potted Fish poison should be watered thoroughly, making sure the water moistens the base of the plant. If using Fish poison for foliage, watering to a depth of 10 to 20 inches is necessary for continued growth. During rainy periods, it is best to refrain from watering, as the plant can obtain the necessary nutrients from rainwater.

PLATES
Tephrosia purpurea leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Tephrosia purpurea leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Tephrosia purpurea flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Tephrosia purpurea flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Tephrosia purpurea fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Tephrosia purpurea fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
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