Tephrosia virginiana aka Catgut

Catgut is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

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

Catgut 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.

Catgut requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Catgut will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Catgut is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

The Catgut should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Catgut’s native range is Eastern N. America - New Hampshire to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba.