Plant Care American Senna

American Senna

About American Senna

American Senna is a super rare houseplant 🌿 that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light ☀️ and should be less than 1 foot from a window.

American Senna likes soil that is well draining.

American Senna belongs to the Senna genus, and is native to North America.

⚠️ American Senna is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. These plants are not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

Taxonomy

Senna marilandica
Senna
Fabaceae
Fabales

Also known as

Maryland wild senna

How to care for American Senna

💦 Water

How often to water your American Senna

Water needs for American Senna
0.5 cups
every 9

American Senna 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 American Senna in your home

Light needs and placement for plant American Senna: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

American Senna love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

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

American Senna does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of American Senna in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize American Senna

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for American Senna: 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 American Senna after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
⭐ Difficulty Level

American Senna is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!


💦 Water Needs

American Senna 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.


☀️ Sunlight Needs

American Senna 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 🏡.


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

American Senna is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. American Senna is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.


🪴 Soil

American Senna 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!


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

American Senna grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.


🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
American Senna can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 4a-9b. Find your local hardiness zone here.


🍂 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 American Senna, 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 American Senna

American Senna


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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