
Photo: Michael WolfCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Glandular Sensitive-plant Plant Care
Chamaecrista glandulosa (L.) Greene
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its vibrant yellow flowers with red centers, which bloom in the shape of a delicate butterfly. Originating from North America, Chamaecrista glandulosa is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and eye-catching appearance in gardens and landscapes.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Glandular Sensitive-plant?
Plant Glandular Sensitive-plant in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 10a–12b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Glandular Sensitive-plant Native To?
What Is the Glandular Sensitive-plant?
Glandular Sensitive-plant (Chamaecrista glandulosa) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Chamaecrista genus. Glandular Sensitive-plant is native to the Americas. Glandular Sensitive-plant is also known as Glandular Cassia, Cassia chamaecrista var. stricta, Cassia glandulosa.
Glandular Sensitive-plant displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Glandular Sensitive-plant produces small yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Glandular Sensitive-plant?
Water a young or newly planted Glandular Sensitive-plant every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Glandular Sensitive-plant Need?
Glandular Sensitive-plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Glandular Sensitive-plant Prefer?
Chamaecrista glandulosa tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Glandular Sensitive-plant prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Glandular Sensitive-plant?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Glandular Sensitive-plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Glandular Sensitive-plant?
Feed Glandular Sensitive-plant every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Glandular Sensitive-plant?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Glandular Sensitive-plant is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Glandular Sensitive-plant?
Glandular Sensitive-plant can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Glandular Sensitive-plant?
Prune Glandular Sensitive-plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Glandular Sensitive-plant in Winter?
Glandular Sensitive-plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Glandular Sensitive-plant?
Glandular Sensitive-plant can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to partridge pea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Glandular Sensitive-plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Glandular Sensitive-plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Glandular Sensitive-plant?
Glandular Sensitive-plant is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Glandular Sensitive-plant Need?
Glandular Sensitive-plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Glandular Sensitive-plant is native to the Americas. In cooler regions, grow Glandular Sensitive-plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Glandular Sensitive-plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Chamaecrista genus — compare its care with other Chamaecrista species on PlantoScan.
Chamaecrista is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Glandular Sensitive-plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Chamaecrista Species
Other Chamaecrista species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Chamaecrista glandulosa (L.) Greene, family Fabaceae (first published in Pittonia 4: 28 (1901)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Glandular Sensitive-plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Michael Wolf, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
