The Candlestick Plant

The Candlestick Plant Senna Alata (linnaeus) Roxburgh

What is the plant

Erect shrub, able to grow up to 3 - 4 m tall. Pinnately compound leaves are composed of 6 - 12 pairs of leaflets (30 - 60 cm long). Oblong leaflets are smooth and thinly leathery (6 - 15 cm long, 3.5 - 7.5 cm wide). They have a rounded tip with a slight indentation in the middle. Flowers are arranged in a vertical column and bloom from the base of the column. The inflorescence, known as a raceme, resembles a lit, yellow candle, because the flowers at the base are yellow, while the unopened flower buds at the top are covered by orange bracts. Winged pods are dark purple to black, smooth and 4-sided. They contain 50 - 60 flattened, triangular to squarish seeds.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

18°C - 20°C

Hardiness zone

9 - 12

Difficulty

Easy

Hibernation

Cold Period

Water
Water the plant weekly when rainfall isn’t sufficient, to supply at least a half-inch of water and keep the soil moist.
Sunlight
Select a full-sun location for the Candle Bush plant where the soil is well-draining. Partial shade is tolerable, but not ideal.
Fertilizer
Feed your plant once a month with a half-strength solution of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, to encourage it to reach its full height and produce lush blooms.

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Pruning
Pruning for shape is often necessary for the best appearance. Heavy pruning when blooms are finished results in a more compact and attractive bush.
Container
Keep in mind, candlestick senna may reach 15 feet (4.5 m.) in height, so make sure it has room to shoot up and out.
Popularity
29 people already have this plant 22 people have added this plant to their wishlists