Crotalaria retusa aka Rattlebox

Taxonomy

Common names

Rattlebox, Devil Bean, Wedge Leaf Crotalaria

How to care for Rattlebox

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Rattlebox is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Rattlebox should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Rattlebox loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Rattlebox requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Devil Bean is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Rattlebox to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.


More info:
Wikipedia