Abrus precatorius
TAXONOMY
FamilyFabaceae
GenusAbrus
Zone10
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Abrus precatorius, commonly known as Rosary Pea or Jequirity, is a climbing shrub native to tropical regions. It is well-known for its bright red seeds with a black spot, which are often used in jewelry. The plant thrives in seasonally dry tropical climates and is a member of the Fabaceae family.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Orobus Americanus
Rosary Pea
Zaga Latifolia
Zaga Parvifolia
Abrus abrus
Abrus maculatus
Abrus pauciflorus
Abrus precatorius subsp. precatorius
Abrus precatorius var. novo-guineensis
Abrus tunguensis
Glycine abrus
OVERVIEW
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
GDD2,700
Dormancy2 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Abrus precatorius requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It prefers moderate temperatures and moderate humidity levels. Water the plant when the soil is almost completely dry, and ensure it has good air circulation.Harvest
Abrus precatorius, commonly known as rosary pea, is typically harvested for its seeds, which are collected once the pods have matured and dried on the plant. The seeds are bright red with a black spot and should be handled with care due to their toxic nature. Harvesting usually occurs in the dry season when the pods naturally split open. It is important to wear gloves and avoid ingesting any part of the plant during the harvest process.Soil
The plant prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but thrives best in soil that is not too rich in nutrients. Ensure the soil dries out almost completely between waterings to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant during the growing season to support its development. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the plant.Repotting
Repot Abrus precatorius when it outgrows its current container, typically every 1-2 years. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Handle the roots carefully to avoid damage.Propagation
Propagate the plant through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be scarified before planting to improve germination rates. Cuttings can be taken during the growing season and rooted in a well-draining soil mix.Pruning
Prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches and trim back excessive growth to keep the plant manageable.Toxicity
Abrus precatorius is highly toxic, especially its seeds, which contain abrin. Ingestion of even a single seed can be fatal to humans and pets. Handle the plant with care and keep it out of reach of children and animals.Additional
Due to its toxicity, it is crucial to handle Abrus precatorius with care. Always wear gloves when handling the plant, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties in traditional medicine, but it should only be used under professional guidance.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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