Telegraph plant.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Tropical shrub

Light

Bright indirect light is best for healthy growth.

Indoor light

Bright indirect

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

3 to 4 feet

Growth rate

Medium

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 12

Bloom time

Mid to late summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to mimic its tropical home. Watch for drooping leaves, which often signal that the plant needs more water or higher humidity. Place it in a spot with stable temperatures to keep those leaves moving.

Watering

Keep the soil evenly damp to the touch at all times.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.

Pruning

Trim back long stems to encourage a bushier shape.

Repotting

Move to a slightly larger pot once the roots begin to circle the bottom.

Soil

Well draining peat based mix

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.0

Temperature

15 to 35°C

Humidity

60 to 90%

Drought tolerance

Low

Lifespan

Short lived perennial, typically 2 to 4 years

Deer and rabbits

Moderate

Safety

People

There is no significant evidence of toxicity to humans, but it is not intended for consumption.

Pets

There is no evidence suggesting this plant is toxic to cats or dogs.

Children

The small seeds and delicate leaflets may pose a choking hazard if ingested by small children.

Edibility

This plant is not considered edible and should be kept away from food preparation areas.

How to identify it

• Small oval shaped leaflets
• Leaves move in rhythmic patterns
• Small pink or purple flowers
• Slender branching stems

Height

0.6 to 1.2m

Spread

0.3 to 0.6m

Leaves

green, deciduous

Flowers

purple, white, 1 to 2cm

Fruit

brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

• Root RotCommon
• Spider MitesCommon
• Fungus GnatsUncommon
• Leaf DropUncommon

Growing it

Propagation

seed, cuttings

When to plant

Spring

Overwintering

Keep the plant in a warm, draft free location during the winter months. Reduce watering slightly but ensure the soil does not dry out completely.

In containers

It grows well in containers, provided the pot is at least 20 centimeters wide to accommodate root growth.

Group this plant with other tropical species to help maintain a localized humid microclimate.

Grows well with

• Ferns · They share similar requirements for high humidity and indirect light.
• Peace Lily · These plants enjoy the same warm, moist environment.

Similar species

• Sensitive Plant · Both plants exhibit rapid movement in response to external stimuli.

Science

Family

Fabaceae

Genus

Codariocalyx

Order

Fabales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Tropical Asia

Conservation

This species is not currently listed as endangered or under protected status.

It thrives in warm, humid forest understories where it can capture dappled sunlight.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

ornamental curiosity, botanical interest

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the leaves not moving?

The plant needs high temperatures and bright light to actively move its leaflets.

Can I grow this indoors?

Yes, it makes a fascinating houseplant if you provide enough warmth and humidity.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Codariocalyx comes from the Greek word for a small vessel, while the specific epithet motorius refers to the plant's active movement.

Good to know

• It is commonly known as the telegraph plant because of its movement.
• The movement is thought to be a way to track sunlight.
• It requires warmth to exhibit its characteristic leaf motion.
• The plant is native to tropical regions of Asia.
• It belongs to the legume family.

Also in

• Plants toxic to cats and dogs