The Telegraph plant – also call Codariocalyx motorius , Desmodium gyrans , dancing flora , or semaphore plant – is often listed as one of the top 10 most unusual works in universe . The reason for the fascination of the works is its ability to rotate , or move the small leaflet , at the base of each larger foliage , to stick to the warmth of the Dominicus . Unlike most plant , this movement is fast and quite seeable to the naked centre . Some people believe they can get their telegraph plant to trip the light fantastic to music . This may occur as the works respond to the vibrations of the line .
In Containers
Step 1
Plant your telegraph plant in a potting grunge that is rich with compost or constitutive material , such as a commercial orchid potting commixture , and drains well . You may bid to append 1/2 cup to 1 cup of clean grit or gumption to the potting dirt to increase good drainage . Telegraph plants are susceptible to root bunk if the soil stays too soggy .
Step 2
Place your telegraph plant in strong sunlight . Telegraph flourish in full or strong light and their leave of absence will originate turgid and turn a vivid gullible color . to boot , you may be able to see the " moving leaves " when your telegraph plant dances to the igniter .
Step 3
irrigate your telegraphy plant when the soil surface becomes dry to the touch , and you push your finger into the soil about an inch and that , too , feels dry . Water the plant until water get to appear in the saucer below the sight . Do not let the piddle stay in the dish aerial , but remove it . Your telegraph plant prefer moist grease , though not soggy . During the winter , when the industrial plant is sleeping , keep the grime moist and pee less frequently .
Step 4
Fertilize your telegraph plant once a calendar month during the bound and summer with a limpid fish photographic emulsion fertiliser per the label instructions . Do not fecundate your telegraphy plant during its dormancy of winter , when it has drop off its leaves .
In the Garden
Select an sphere that receives full sun for your telegraph plant if you live in USDA zona 10 or 11 . Although you may plant your telegraphy plant in particle spook , it will not develop as large , the leaf will not be as green , and you must defend against the soil becoming too wet . The gain of compost , constituent material and moxie may help with drainage . The telegraphy plant is tender and extremely tender to cold . It should not be implant in the ground if you live in an area that has the potential for frost or frost .
water supply on a regular basis during your telegraphy plants growing time period to keep the grime moist , but not soggy . Check the soil wet by pushing your finger into the dirt about an in . If the soil feels dry , it is prison term to irrigate your telegraphy plant . minify your watering of the telegraph plant when it is dormant , in the winter . The telegraphy plant is susceptible to root putrefaction if the soil is too moist while it is in quiescency .
Fertilize your telegraphy plant with smooth fish photographic emulsion follow the directions on the packet .
Tip
The telegraph plant life is one of the few plants that actually likes some Lucius Clay in its produce dirt , particularly if you are grow it outdoors . mingle some clay dirt into the arena before engraft . For container telegraph plants , a handful of clay mixed into the potting soil seems to benefit the plant .
Warning
Your telegraph plant will lose its leaves in the fall as it run into quiescency . It is not an evergreen plant .
