My Garden
| Category | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Invasive Status | Invasive Status | |
| Plant Type | Perennial plant | |
| Medicinal Usage | Medicinal Usage | |
| Estimated Plant Lifespan | 2 years lifespan | |
| Toxic to humans | Toxic to humans | |
| Toxicity | Toxic to: Cattle, Horses, Poultry, Sheep, Goats | |
| Sun Requirements | 6+ hours direct sunlight (Full Sun) | |
| Pollination | Method: animal Notes: Primarily pollinated by various insect species, particularly bees. Self-pollination can also occur. | |
| Watering Requirements | Method: top water Frequency: When the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch. Notes: While tolerant of some drought once established, Senna occidentalis prefers consistently moist soil. Avoid prolonged waterlogging, which can lead to root issues. | |
| Humidity Requirements | Level: moderate Maintenance: Generally adapts to ambient humidity levels in its preferred warm, tropical to subtropical climates. No specific humidity maintenance is typically required unless grown in very arid indoor conditions. | |
| Care Instructions | To manage spread in areas where it is undesirable, remove spent flowers to prevent prolific self-seeding. Pruning can be done to maintain a desired shape and promote bushier growth. In colder climates, it will die back with frost and may need to be re-seeded annually. | |
| Temperature Range | Min: 10°C Max: 35°C | |
| Alternative Names | septicweed, Mogdad coffee, negro-coffee, coffeeweed, senna coffee, stinkingweed, Stephanie coffee, styptic weed, قهوة سنا, Bana Chakunda, Cassia occidentalis, Cassia laevigata, Negro Coffee, Stinking Weed |
Redroot Pigweed is a robust annual weed that thrives in similar disturbed, sunny conditions. It competes aggressively for light, water, and soil nutrients, potentially stunting the growth of Senna occidentalis.
Arrowleaf Sida is another common herbaceous weed that can grow in similar habitats and compete for resources such as light, water, and nutrients, especially in disturbed soils where Senna occidentalis is also prevalent.
Tiny arachnids that feed on plant sap, causing yellowing, stippling, and fine webbing on the undersides of leaves. Severe infestations can lead to leaf drop and stunted growth.
Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves, sucking plant sap. Infested plants may exhibit distorted, curled leaves, stunted growth, and sticky honeydew which can lead to sooty mold.
A fungal disease appearing as white, powdery patches on the surface of leaves, stems, and sometimes flowers. It can inhibit photosynthesis, leading to yellowing, distortion, and premature leaf drop, weakening the plant.
Steps:
- To improve germination, scarify the hard seed coat by lightly rubbing seeds with sandpaper or soaking them in warm water for 12-24 hours prior to planting.
- Sow seeds about 1-2 cm (0.5-0.75 inches) deep in well-draining potting mix or directly into prepared garden soil.
- Maintain consistent moisture in the soil, but avoid waterlogging. Keep the soil warm, ideally between 20-30°C (68-86°F), to encourage germination.
- Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days. Once seedlings are large enough and all danger of frost has passed, transplant them to their final desired location if started indoors.
Neem Oil Spray
A natural insecticide and fungicide effective against common pests like spider mites and aphids, and can help manage powdery mildew.
Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)
A natural, non-toxic powder that can be sprinkled around the base of plants to deter crawling insects and some slugs by dehydrating their exoskeletons.
Compost Tea
A liquid fertilizer rich in beneficial microorganisms that can improve soil health, nutrient uptake, and enhance the plant's natural resistance to pests and diseases.