| Some plants have a day/night rhythm (nictinastic response) One of these is Chukrasia tabularis. A commercial selection has been named ‘Sleeping Beauty’. Each evening the small tree folds up its leaves while in the leaves slowly unfurled again. The plant uses its thickened stem to store reserves of water against periods of drought, which means that the plant is fairly resistant to low water stress. It has a short growing season in its natural habitat. Cut or broken branches will easily grow back and this makes pruning very effective. The plant needs a well-lit spot avoiding direct sunlight. The soil should be kept moderately moist but never wet. Applying a fertilizer one a month will ensure that the plant lasts for years. Chukrasia tabularis ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is available from the Dutch auction markets in 15, 20, 30 or 40 cm pots and is grown to a height of 15 to 50 cm according to pot size (vbn code 24978). www.flowercouncil.org |
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