Small-flowered Indigastrum Plant Care

Small-flowered Indigastrum (Indigastrum parviflorum var. crispidulum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Indigastrum genus. Small-flowered Indigastrum is native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador. Small-flowered Indigastrum is also known as Curly-leaved Indigastrum.

Small-flowered Indigastrum displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Small-flowered Indigastrum produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Small-flowered Indigastrum every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Small-flowered Indigastrum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Indigastrum parviflorum var. crispidulum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Small-flowered Indigastrum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Small-flowered Indigastrum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Small-flowered Indigastrum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Small-flowered Indigastrum is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Small-flowered Indigastrum can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Small-flowered Indigastrum 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 tree in one year.

Small-flowered Indigastrum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Small-flowered Indigastrum can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to silver bush plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Small-flowered Indigastrum 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.

Small-flowered Indigastrum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Small-flowered Indigastrum is native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Small-flowered Indigastrum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.