Yellow Candlewood

senna spectabilis

Also known as: ["Cassia spectabilis","Yellow Candlewood Tree"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Senna Category: Trees

Overview

A deciduous tree native to Central and South America, known for its bright yellow flowers and hard, durable wood.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fast growing"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Senna
Botanical Name: Senna spectabilis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in temperate to tropical regions
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter. Avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually, after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate. Remove up to one-third of the oldest stems to rejuvenate growth.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy or flower less.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in shade.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering), root rot, stunted growth (poor soil), or wilting (underwatering or root issues).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Full sun is best; rotate plants for even growth; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging; allow soil to dry between waterings.

Soil

well-draining, fertile loam

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

Ensure fast drainage; amend heavy soil; avoid waterlogged conditions.

Temperature

Thrives in warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C). Tolerates brief dips to 50°F (10°C) but prefers stable warmth.

Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; adjust care for seasonal changes.

Fertilizing

every 2 months during active growth

Fertilize in spring before new growth; avoid over-fertilizing; water before applying fertilizer.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seeds. Stem cuttings are faster and more reliable for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in 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 (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots may appear in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

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

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage bushiness.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased wood. Prune after flowering to promote new blooms.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; dispose of pruned material.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Potted plants benefit from fresh soil and root pruning.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for weather conditions.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, then stop to prevent saturation. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and leaf wetness.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during the growing season; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter or drought. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or wilting in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf drop or dieback. Prolonged cold can damage or kill the plant.

Solution: Protect from frost with frost cloth or mulch. Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location. Avoid wet soil in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced flowering. High humidity combined with heat may cause fungal issues.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat. Water deeply and mulch to retain moisture. Ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply at recommended rates; water after fertilizing; stop in winter.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Senna spectabilis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as spider mites or aphids, which disrupt chlorophyll production.

Wilting in Senna spectabilis can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to root damage and impaired water uptake.

Leaf spots on Senna spectabilis may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting in Senna spectabilis is often associated with root or stem rot caused by excessive moisture and fungal pathogens, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Senna spectabilis. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, leading to rapid dehydration and potential systemic toxicity due to the anthraquinone glycosides.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite dehydration
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access the plant. Immediate veterinary care is required if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Senna spectabilis can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress due to the anthraquinone glycosides. These compounds cause rapid and excessive bowel movements, which can result in dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, and potential organ damage.

⚠️ Symptoms:
diarrhea vomiting lethargy abdominal discomfort dehydration
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant out of reach of dogs. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Senna spectabilis contains anthraquinone glycosides, which can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation and electrolyte imbalances upon ingestion. The plant's toxic compounds act as potent laxatives, leading to dehydration and potential kidney or liver damage in severe cases.

⚠️ Symptoms:
severe diarrhea abdominal pain vomiting dehydration electrolyte imbalance
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of any part of the plant. Keep away from children and pets, and wear gloves when handling to prevent accidental ingestion.
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 Senna spectabilis toxic to pets?

A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.

Q: How tall does Senna spectabilis grow?

A: It can grow up to 20-30 meters tall in ideal conditions.

Q: Does Senna spectabilis require full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during growi
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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