Desmodium gyrans (Telegraph Plant) Plant

Description

Desmodium gyrans, commonly known as Telegraph Plant, is a tropical Asian shrub. It is one of a few plants capable of rapid movement, whose small lateral leaflets rotate on their axes and jerk up and down under the influence of sunshine. Commonly used as ornament in gardening, in which some are made as bonsais.

Telegraph Plant is a small shrub growing up to 60-90 cm. It produces small, purple flowers.

Apart from ornamental value, the plant also has medical value, due to its leaves, stems and roots containing small amounts of tryptamine alkaloids, especially DMT and 5-MeO-DMT.

• Common name.

Semaphore Plant; Dancing Plant; Dancing Grass.

• Syn.

Codariocalyx motorius (Accepted Name)

• Specifications.

50mm Pot Size
Seed Grown Plant

Ideal Growing Conditions.

Desmodium gyrans is well suited to warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical climates. It requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out, and prefers a lightly shady position.

Pruning: Regular pinching or pruning encourages bushier growth and more flowering points. Can be heavily trimmed—very resilient and quick to regrow.

Pests and Diseases: Desmodium gyrans is generally hardy, but may occasionally be affected by pests like aphids, scale and mealybugs. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap, Eco Oil or Neem Oil 

Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage.

Fertiliser: We recommend and use Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. We also stock an Australian Made liquid indoor fertiliser The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food which is easy to use and odourless

We cannot send plants to Western Australia & Tasmania due to restrictions.

We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.

Other species that may interest you

Desmodium gyrans (Telegraph Plant) 20 Seeds

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