Anil de pasto(Indigofera suffruticosa)

Anil de pasto (Indigofera suffruticosa)

Also known as: West indian indigo, Indigo plant, Ceylon indigo, Shrubby indigo

Anil de pasto (Indigofera suffruticosa) is a shrub that originates from tropical regions of both South and North America. It commonly grows in arid, disturbed environments such as roadsides and vacant fields.

Attributes of Anil de pasto

Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb, Shrub
Plant Height
80 cm to 1.5 m
Spread
1.5 m
Leaf Color
Green Blue
Flower Size
2 cm to 3 cm
Flower Color
Red

ForwardPlant - Identify plants with a snap

Identify and diagnose plants, get toxicity alerts, and explore safety guides for all types of fungi.

Try for Free

Images of Anil de pasto

Anil de pasto(Indigofera suffruticosa)
Anil de pasto(Indigofera suffruticosa)
Anil de pasto(Indigofera suffruticosa)
Anil de pasto(Indigofera suffruticosa)

Quickly Identify Anil de pasto

1
Indigofera suffruticosa can be identified by its pinnate leaves with 7-13 leaflets, small pink to purple flowers that grow in clusters, and seed pods that turn brown as they mature. The plant is typically a small shrub.

Scientific Classification of Anil de pasto

Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Fabales
Family
Legume
Genus
Indigofera
Species
Anil de pasto

Planting and Growing of Anil de pasto

Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 3 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
6-10 hours
Ideal Temperature
70-86℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Ceramic

water icon How to Water Anil de pasto?

Indigofera suffruticosa prefers to be adequately moistened but not waterlogged. When watering, the soil should be evenly wet to about five centimeters deep. This ensures the roots have ample water without drowning them. Always check the topsoil; if it’s dry to touch at this depth, it’s time to water. Make sure excess water drains out to prevent root rot.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Anil de pasto?
What should I do if my Anil de pasto is not getting enough water?
What are the symptoms of an overwatered Anil de pasto?
How to save an overwatered Anil de pasto?

sunlight icon What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Anil de pasto?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun
Duration of light: 6-8 hours per day
Indigofera suffruticosa benefits from a light range that includes partial to full sun. Ideal light exposure encourages vigorous growth, maintains vibrant foliage and maximizes its flowering potential throughout the growing season.
What type of sun is best for Indigofera suffruticosa?
How to achieve the ideal lighting for Indigofera suffruticosa?
What are the benefits of ideal lighting for Indigofera suffruticosa?
More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques

temperature icon What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Anil de pasto?

Ideal Temperature: 70 ~ 86℉
The ideal temperature range for Indigofera suffruticosa is between 70°F and 86°F. This range provides a warm environment that promotes healthy growth and vibrant foliage. When temperatures are maintained within this ideal range, the plant can maximize its photosynthesis process while minimizing stress. Warm conditions similar to its native tropical habitats are key to encouraging constant growth and flowering.

soil icon What Soil is Best for Anil de pasto?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy soil, Sandy loam
Soil PH: 6 ~ 7.5
Indigofera suffruticosa thrives in well-draining soil. Proper drainage prevents root rot and ensures the plant receives adequate oxygen. This is particularly beneficial in avoiding water-logged conditions, which can severely affect health. The plant flourishes in nutrient-rich soil, which supports vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Adequate nutrients allow it to develop a robust root system, making it resilient to environmental stress. A loose, crumbly soil texture is ideal for Indigofera suffruticosa. It promotes easy root penetration and nutrient absorption, which are crucial for overall plant health and quick establishment in a new location.

fertilize icon How to Fertilize Anil de pasto?

Fertilizer type: Balanced
For Indigofera suffruticosa, it's important to use fertilizers sparingly. When using liquid fertilizers, dilute them to half the recommended strength to prevent root burn. About 10 ml per liter of water is ideal, applied evenly across the soil surface, ensuring not to splash onto leaves.

prune icon How to Prune Anil de pasto?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Before you start pruning your Indigofera suffruticosa, ensure you have sharp, clean pruning shears. This will make the cuts cleaner and reduce the risk of disease. Start by sanitizing your tools with a solution of alcohol and water to ensure no pathogens are transferred to the plant. Begin by identifying any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These should be removed first to prevent the spread of disease throughout the plant. Cut back these branches to their base or to healthy parts, making clean cuts at a slight angle. Next, focus on shaping the plant by trimming back the outer edges. Aim to maintain a natural shape that encourages growth and light penetration. Make cuts just above a leaf node to stimulate new growth in the desired direction, ensuring an even and balanced appearance. More About Pruning Techniques

propagate icon How to Propagate Anil de pasto plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer
1
Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat, enhancing germination rates. Plant them about 1/4 inch deep in seed trays filled with potting soil.
2
Select a healthy and young shoot from the parent plant. Use pruning shears to cut the stem just below a node, ensuring the cutting is about 4-6 inches long.
3
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to encourage faster root development. Insert the cutting into a pot filled with moistened potting soil and keep it under indirect sunlight.
More About Propagating Techniques

repot icon How to Repot Anil de pasto plant?

Repotting frequency: Every two to three years
1
Indigofera suffruticosa needs repotting when you notice roots coming out of the drainage holes, signaling it's outgrown its current container. Other signs include slow growth and water quickly passing through the pot. Opt to repot during the warm months for optimal plant recovery.
2
Select a new pot that is one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one. It should have sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The ideal pot allows the plant to grow unrestrained while maintaining healthy aeration for the roots, promoting vibrant growth.
3
For Indigofera suffruticosa, choose a well-draining loamy soil mix. This ensures that water doesn't accumulate around the roots, as the plant is prone to root rot. The soil should retain some moisture while providing sufficient nutrients and aeration for sustained growth.

ForwardPlant - Identify plants with a snap

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Try for Free

Toxicity

Ingestion

Identify toxic plants for your safety

Learn which plants are harmful to you and your pets, and make informed choices for a safer home!

Try for Free
WARNING
The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.