How to grow popcorn plant

 

This plant known as popcorn plant is native to central and eastern Africa. The popcorn plant is a tall shrub, and in its native habitat the plant can grow up to 25 feet in height. When the plant is grown as a small shrub in colder climates as an annual, the plant usually doesn't get taller than 3 feet.

Actually popcorn plant is very popular with children for its recognizable scent that must be coaxed by touching. Popcorn plant is poisonous if ingested and it's best not to have it in reach of small children or curious pets. The plant puts out brown seed pods that are a tasty snack for songbirds, after flowering for a long season.

The plant also has vibrant color that makes it a dramatic sight in the summertime garden landscape. Below is the basic information about popcorn plant;

 

The botanical name: The botanical name is   Senna didymobotrya

The common name: The common names are Popcorn plant, cassia.

The plant type:   Tropical.

The mature size: The mature size is 10-25 feet perennial, 2-3 feet annual.

The sun exposure: The plant prefers full sun.

The soil type: The plant does well in rich, fertile soil.

The soil pH:  Slightly acidic to neutral.

The blooming time: The blooming time is late summer.

The flower color: The flower color is yellow.

Plant hardiness zones: USDA 9

The native areas: The plant is native to Central and Eastern Africa.

Plant toxicity: The plant is poisonous if ingested.

 

Popcorn Plant Care

Actually these plants are somewhat invasive in their native Africa. One variety of the Senna genus can be quite weedy in some hot humid regions like south Florida. Just make sure you check the label to get Senna didymobotrya and not Senna pendula var. glabrata.

Popcorn plants are grown as an annual in most places and they are attractive and interesting plant. Popcorn plants are fairly easy to grow in containers and they can also be planted in the garden.

If they plant are given proper care, plenty of water and fertilizer, they will bloom all summer long and into the autumn, although they will be at their most floriferous in the hot humid days of summer. Popcorn plant flourishes when other plants wilt in the heat.

 

Light requirement: This plant actually likes heat and light, make sure you place your containers in direct sun. If the popcorn plant is getting too hot and dry, the leaves may close up during the day. The leaves also tend to close up at night to conserve moisture.

 

Soil requirement: Popcorn plants like very fertile, rich and well-drained soils. Potting mix with some sandy loam is a very good combination. Actually potting mix alone may drain too quickly and leave the popcorn plant to dry out too quickly.

 

Water requirement: Make sure you water the popcorn plant regularly. Also daily watering is the best bet if it is in a container. If the plant leaves close up during the day, it simply means the plant may want some water. Make sure you keep the soil moist but not wet. And again misting the leaves with water in a sprayer is also advisable if the weather is too hot and dry. You can also keep a shallow dish of water nearby to help keep it hydrated.

 

Fertilizer requirement: Actually this plant responds well to fertilizer throughout the growing season. You can fertilize in late spring and again once or twice in middle and/or late summer.

 

Pruning: Deadheading spent blooms and trimming any dead or leafless branches will really help to keep the popcorn plant looking healthy and full.

 

How to propagate popcorn plants: Popcorn plant can also be propagated from seeds or cuttings, although is usually fairly inexpensive at some garden shop when it is purchased as an annual.