Photo: João MedeirosCC BY 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Crotalaria guianensis Plant Care
Clitoria guianensis (Aubl.) Benth.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Clitoria guianensis is a plant of the genus Clitoria native to Brazil.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Crotalaria guianensis?
Water Crotalaria guianensis every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Crotalaria guianensis Native To?
What Is the Crotalaria guianensis?
Crotalaria guianensis (Clitoria guianensis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Clitoria genus. Crotalaria guianensis is native to Brazil. Crotalaria guianensis is also known as Crotalaria longifolia, Neurocarpum angustifolium, Neurocarpum frigidulum.
Crotalaria guianensis displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Crotalaria guianensis produces showy blue, pink, or white pea-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Crotalaria guianensis?
Clitoria guianensis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Crotalaria guianensis Need?
Crotalaria guianensis thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Crotalaria guianensis Prefer?
Clitoria guianensis grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Crotalaria guianensis prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Crotalaria guianensis?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Crotalaria guianensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Crotalaria guianensis?
Feed Crotalaria guianensis every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Crotalaria guianensis?
Repot annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Crotalaria guianensis?
Crotalaria guianensis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fairchild's clitoria plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Crotalaria guianensis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Crotalaria guianensis, 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 Crotalaria guianensis?
Crotalaria guianensis is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. 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 Crotalaria guianensis Need?
Crotalaria guianensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Crotalaria guianensis is native to Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Crotalaria guianensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Crotalaria guianensis 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 Clitoria genus — compare its care with other Clitoria species on PlantoScan.
Clitoria is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Crotalaria guianensis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Clitoria Species
Other Clitoria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Clitoria guianensis (Aubl.) Benth., family Fabaceae (first published in J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 2: 40 (1857)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Crotalaria guianensis, 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: João Medeiros, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
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