Telegraph Plant Plant Care
Codariocalyx motorius H.Ohashi
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Codariocalyx motorius, known as the telegraph plant, dancing plant, or semaphore plant, is a tropical Asian shrub in the pea family (Fabaceae), one of a few plants capable of rapid movement; others include Mimosa pudica, the venus flytrap and Utricularia. The motion occurs in daylight hours when the temperature is above 22° C.
Bright indirect light
At a glance
How do you care for Telegraph Plant?
Telegraph Plant grows best in bright indirect light.
What Is the Telegraph Plant?
Telegraph Plant (Codariocalyx motorius) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Codariocalyx genus. Telegraph Plant is also known as Dancing Plant, Moving Plant.
Telegraph Plant displays a vining, climbing growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Telegraph Plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
What Light Does the Telegraph Plant Need?
Telegraph Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Telegraph Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Telegraph Plant?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Telegraph Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Telegraph Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years 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 Telegraph Plant?
Telegraph Plant can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Telegraph Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Telegraph 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 Telegraph Plant?
Telegraph Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.
Keep exploring plants
Telegraph 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 Codariocalyx genus — compare its care with other Codariocalyx species on PlantoScan.
Codariocalyx is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Telegraph Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Codariocalyx motorius H.Ohashi, family Fabaceae (first published in J. Jap. Bot. 40: 367 (1965)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Telegraph 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.
- 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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