Agati

sesbania grandiflora

Also known as: ["Vegetable Hummingbird","Climbing Wisteria"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Sesbania Category: Trees

Overview

A fast-growing, deciduous tree or shrub native to Southeast Asia, known for its large, showy flowers and edible young pods.

Benefits & Perks

["edible fruits","medicinal use","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fast growing"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Sesbania
Botanical Name: Sesbania grandiflora

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: tropical garden or large container in warm, sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Edible Gardeners Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"20–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days in dry climates to maintain humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but performs better with amendments.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done anytime; major pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed for shaping or rejuvenation.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 3–5 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-draining, fertile loam with organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature

Thrives in warm conditions (20–30°C); prefers stable temperatures; sensitive to frost.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent warmth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Apply rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.

Hormone

Rooting hormone can be used to speed up root development.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; remove crossing or crowded branches.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp knife, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased parts; shape the plant; remove overcrowded growth.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter; ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and flowering.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone to avoid foliage wetting; ensure water penetrates deeply to reach roots; allow excess water to drain completely.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water precisely to the base of the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot; increase during hot, dry periods.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf curl in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or brown; risk of frost damage or death in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow; flowers may fail to develop.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Sesbania grandiflora may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Sesbania grandiflora can be caused by water stress, root damage, or disease, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potentially plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Sesbania grandiflora may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Sesbania grandiflora due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, compromising structural integrity and nutrient uptake.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause rapid toxicity, leading to metabolic acidosis, neurological impairment, and potentially fatal respiratory failure.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting lethargy difficulty breathing tremors seizures coma
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds young pods leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Immediate veterinary care is essential if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Toxic

The cyanogenic glycosides in Sesbania grandiflora can cause severe toxicity in dogs, leading to metabolic acidosis, respiratory distress, and potential organ damage due to cyanide release.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea panting weakness seizures collapse
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds young pods leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from all parts of the plant. Seek immediate veterinary attention if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Sesbania grandiflora contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested in large amounts. The physiological impact includes disruption of cellular respiration, leading to potential metabolic acidosis and neurological effects.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting dizziness weakness difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds young pods
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Consume only mature, properly prepared parts of the plant. Avoid excessive intake, especially of seeds and young pods, to prevent cyanide poisoning.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Sesbania grandiflora edible?

A: Yes, its young leaves, flowers, and pods are edible and used in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Q: Does Sesbania grandiflora attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Q: Is Sesbania grandiflora toxic to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 3–5 days during active
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","edible gardeners","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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