Plant Care California False Indigo

California False Indigo

About California False Indigo

False Indigo is a deciduous native shrub in the Fabaceae (bean) family. It is typically found growing in moist open woodlands, roadsides, canyons, floodplains, gravel bars, stream and pond banks, and along swamp edges. Plant in the full sun to partial shade moist to dry soil. It spreads easily by seeds and suckers.

Taxonomy

Amorpha californica
Amorpha
Fabaceae
Fabales

Also known as

Desert false indigo and Bastard indigobush

How to care for California False Indigo

💦 Water

How often to water your California False Indigo

Water needs for California False Indigo
0.5 cups
every 9

California False Indigo needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for California False Indigo in your home

Light needs and placement for plant California False Indigo: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

California False Indigo love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

California False Indigo does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of California False Indigo in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize California False Indigo

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for California False Indigo: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your California False Indigo after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
⭐ Difficulty Level

California False Indigo is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!

Benefits of Growing California False Indigo →

Common California False Indigo Problems →


💦 Water Needs

California False Indigo prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

California False Indigo Water Frequency →

California False Indigo Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

California False Indigo requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

California False Indigo Light Requirements →

California False Indigo Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

California False Indigo is not known to cause harm to humans or pets. Regardless, if you, a family member, a cat, or dog has ingested any plant material, please consult a doctor or a veterinarian.

California False Indigo Toxicity to Cats →

California False Indigo Toxicity to Dogs →

California False Indigo Toxicity to Humans →


🪴 Soil

California False Indigo does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for California False Indigo →

When and How to Successfully Repot California False Indigo →


💩 Fertilizer

California False Indigo should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize California False Indigo →


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

California False Indigo grows along the ground and sends out shoots which will spread across the soil.

How and When to Prune California False Indigo →


🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
California False Indigo can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 7a-10b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

California False Indigo Temperature Tolerance →


🌱 Propagation
🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in California False Indigo, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for California False Indigo

California False Indigo


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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