Ipomoea carnea aka Morning Glory

Taxonomy

Ipomoea carnea, also known as the pink morning glory or bush morning glory, is a species of morning glory that grows as a bush. This flowering plant has heart-shaped leaves that are a rich green and 6–9 inches (15–23 cm) long. It can be easily grown from seeds, but caution should be taken as the seeds are toxic and can be hazardous to cattle. The toxicity is related to the swainsonine produced by its endophytes, and to bioaccumulation of selenium in the leaves but mostly in the seeds. However, the stem of I. carnea can be used for making paper. In addition to its practical uses, I. carnea also has medicinal properties. It contains a component identical to marsilin, a sedative and anticonvulsant. A glycosidic saponin has also been purified from I. carnea with anticarcinogenic and oxytoxic properties. In temperate North America, the term "bush morning glory" usually refers to I. leptophylla, but in Brazil, I. carnea is known as canudo-de-pito, which translates to "pipe-cane". This is because the hollow stems of I. carnea were used to make tubes for tobacco pipes. The plant thus became the namesake of Canudos, a religious community in the sertão of Bahia, over which the War of Canudos was fought 1893–1897. As a houseplant, the rare Bush Morning Glory needs regular watering and thrives in long-lasting, direct light less than 1 foot from a window. It prefers soil that is well-draining and may benefit from a gentle, organic fertilizer throughout the peak growing season.

Common names

Morning Glory, Bush Morning Glory, Gloria De La Manana

How to care for Morning Glory

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Morning Glory due to its easy-going nature.

Water

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

Soil

Morning Glory 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

Morning Glory thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Gloria De La Manana.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

The Morning Glory is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

Region of origin

Morning Glory’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia