Senna meridionalis care guide
Senna meridionalis
Also known as: Meridionalis, Cassia meridionalis
Pets and children
Caution advised
Sennas are reported to contain laxative compounds in the leaves and pods, which may cause diarrhea or vomiting if eaten; keep it out of reach and see a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Senna meridionalis
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 5 days
- A summer grower that drinks well in leaf: water thoroughly two to three days after the topsoil dries, as a guide, and hold back before it sprouts.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 10 days
- As it cools and the leaves yellow, water about a week after the soil dries, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- Once leafless keep it almost dry, moistening lightly about once a month so the fine roots do not die back.
Light and placement for Senna meridionalis
From spring to fall, generally full sun outdoors with plenty of breeze; weak light makes the branches leggy and the trunk slow to thicken, and the leaflets folding at night is normal.
Overwintering Senna meridionalis
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
As a guide, bring it to a sunny window before nights fall below 10°C and keep it above 5°C; it drops its leaves and rests in the cold, so keep it fairly dry until buds appear in spring.
Fertilizing and repotting Senna meridionalis
Fertilizer
From May to September while it is growing, slow-release fertilizer every two months or diluted liquid feed about twice a month; none while leafless.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Senna meridionalis
- Allowed to dry out in the growing season, the leaves yellow and drop all at once.
- Kept bone dry all winter, the thin branch tips die back.
- In still air spider mites move in and the leaves turn speckled.
Tips for growing Senna meridionalis
- Cutting back long shoots in spring or early summer adds branches and tidies the shape.
- Leaves that stay folded by day suggest thirst or root trouble.
- Care varies with the plant's size and conditions, so adjust watering by watching the leaves.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
