Sorghum bicolor aka Sorghum

Taxonomy

Sorghum bicolor, also known as sorghum, great millet, broomcorn, guinea corn, durra, imphee, jowar, or milo, is a grass species that originated in Africa and is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. It is mainly grown for its grain, which is used for human food, animal feed, and ethanol production. With 61,000,000 metric tons of global production in 2021, sorghum is the world's fifth-most important cereal crop after rice, wheat, maize, and barley. Sorghum bicolor is typically an annual, but some cultivars are perennial, and it grows in clumps that can reach over 4 meters in height. Its grain is small, ranging from 2 to 4 millimeters in diameter. Sweet sorghums are taller cultivars that are primarily grown for forage, syrup production, and ethanol. Sorghum belongs to the Sorghum genus, and its wild relatives make up the botanical genus Sorghum. While sorghum is an important crop, it can also be invasive in some regions, such as the Midwestern US. However, it is also a rare houseplant that is easy to grow with regular watering and direct light. Sorghum prefers well-draining soil and can benefit from organic fertilizer during its peak growing season.

Common names

Sorghum, Great Millet, Rhodesian Sudan Grass

How to care for Sorghum

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

Sorghum 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

Sorghum 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 Rhodesian Sudan Grass.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Sorghum to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Sorghum’s native range is Original habitat is obscure.


More info:
Wikipedia