lucky bean
Castanospermum australe
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Hardiness Zone:
10
Flowers:
Orange, Yellow Flowers In Autumn
Sun:
Full sun, Part sun/part shade
Soil:
Well-drained
Fruits:
Fruits Ready In
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,tan
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
watering
Lucky Bean plants should be watered regularly and deeply. This species has a moderate water requirement and prefers even moisture in the soil. During the warmer months, it will need to be watered more frequently than in the cooler months. Water every 2-3 days in spring and summer, or when the top layer of soil feels slightly dry. During autumn and winter, water once a week or so, when the top of the soil appears dry. Remember to water the soil and not the foliage.
sunlight
Lucky bean (Castanospermum australe) should be exposed to partial sunlight for 4-6 hours each day. The type of medium light is best for this species, with direct sunlight only needed in Northern areas that experience cooler temperatures for parts of the year. During the heat of the day, especially summer days, lucky bean should be in partial shade in order to protect it from sunburn. Always keep an eye on the light intensity, and make adjustments if needed.
pruning
Lucky bean (Castanospermum australe) is best pruned in the spring. Depending on the size of the tree, it may require light annual pruning or more intensive pruning every 2 to 3 years. For light annual pruning, try to remove dead, broken, weak, diseased branches, as well as any thick twigs that may be obscuring the overall shape of the tree. For more intensive pruning, consider removing branches that develop in an unnatural angle or have crossed over 1 another, and branches that appear too weak to withstand high winds. In either case, be careful not to remove too much at once, or you may damage the tree.
