How to Grow Pavonnia - Planting & Caring

By Sharon & Team   /   Shrubs Category   /   2023

Pavonnia, also known as "butterfly pea," is a beautiful and unique flowering plant that is native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The flowers of Pavonnia are typically a deep blue color, but can also be white, pink, or purple. These flowers are very popular in bouquets and floral arrangements. Pavonnia is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 6 feet in height. It is relatively easy to care for, and makes an excellent addition to any garden.

How to Grow Pavonnia - Planting & Caring

Growing Easiness

Is it easy to grow Pavonnia plant? Common Pavonnia has no serious disease or insect problems and is easy to grow. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils, but prefer well-drained, sandy loams with a slightly acid to neutral pH in full sun to part shade. Plants will tolerate some drought once established, but flower production will be reduced.

Plant Size

How big can it be? So, the average Pavonnia plant size is up to 1 m. This average size can, however, differ depending on the species and growing conditions of the plant. For example, some Pavonnia species can grow up to 2 m in height, while others may only reach 0.5 m in height.

Growth Rate

How fast is the growth? The reason for the rapid growth is the amount of sunlight that the plant is getting. The plant is able to convert the sunlight into energy which helps the plant to grow. The plant is also getting the right amount of water and nutrients from the soil. All these factors help the plant to grow rapidly.

Pavonnia Basic Knowledge

Plant Form Shrub
Family Malvaceae
Origin Tropical America, Africa, Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands, Brazil

Lifespan, Perennial or Annuals

How long is the lifespan? The reason I'm asking is because I need to know how long to keep the plant in my garden. Pavonnia plant generally has a lifespan of about 10 years. However, if the plant is well-cared for, it can live up to 15 years.

Ideal Temperature

What is the ideal temperature? Eventually, the optimum temperature for the growth of Pavonnia is 60.8 to 71.6 Fahrenheit. However, the plant can still survive if the temperature drops as low as 59 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity

What about the humidity? Common ly known as the peacock plant, Pavonia prefers high humidity levels in its environment – around 50%. If you cannot provide a naturally humid environment, you can improve humidity levels for your Pavonia by spraying it with soft water daily, or placing the plant on a pebble tray with wet pebbles. That said, the peacock plant is quite adaptable and can survive in drier air conditions if necessary.

Light Requirement

What amount of light this plant needed? The plant requires a bright light, but not a direct light. A south- or west-facing window is ideal. If the plant is in the shade, it will not bloom or the buds will fall off.

Soil Composition

What is good soil for Pavonnia? Although the plant is not too demanding on the soil, it is best to use well-drained, loose soil when growing it. If you are using purchased soil, make sure it is airy enough. If it is too dense, you can add sand or perlite to it. The soil should also be rich. If you are preparing the soil yourself, mix 1 part garden soil, 1 part coarse sand or perlite, and 1 part moist peat or humus (leaf mold), and add a little lime. Always use a pot with a hole.

Watering Time

How much I must water Pavonnia? While the plant is growing, water it every 3-4 days with lukewarm water. Make sure the soil has dried a bit before watering again. In winter, water the plant less often, but don't let the soil dry out completely. If the plant isn't getting enough water, its leaves will start to fade, but they'll go back to normal after you water the plant. If you don't water the plant enough, the leaves will eventually fall off.

Fertilizing and Nutritient

About fertilizer. known as the peacock plant, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Verbenaceae, native to tropical regions of South America. The genus includes about 60 species

Reproduction

How to reproduce Pavonnia? The plant can reproduce by seed or by stalk cuttings. To reproduce by seed, the seeds are soaked in water using stimulants. Then, the seeds are germinated in a wet napkin. Once small sprouts appear (usually 3 days later), they are planted in a mixture of sand and peat. The plant is then covered with a jar or film and placed in scattered light. The ideal temperature for germination is 66.2-75.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Germination usually occurs about 7 days later. To reproduce by stalk cuttings, semi-mature stalk cuttings with 3 nodes 7-10 cm long are taken in spring. These stalk cuttings are then rooted in water or wet sand, peat or perlite. The roots require a temperature of at least 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bloom

Why Pavonnia won't bloom? Since it blooms in the autumn-winter period, the flowers are purple-violet and surrounded by dark pink or raspberry bracts. There are blue stamens coming out of the bracts, which resemble tongues.

Transfer or Repotting

How much I must water Pavonnia? The young Pavonnia plants are transferred every spring to new pots. The old plants that have been in the pot for 3-4 years are also transferred to new pots. It is preferable to use pottery for these plants.

Caring The Pavonnia

How to care the plant? Eventually, Pavonnia will need some pruning and pricking in the spring - and this can be quite strong. However, after this the plant will bloom beautifully for two months. You'll know it's time to transplant Pavonnia when the roots start to grow from the bottom of the pot. If possible, try to do this in the summer so that the plant can stay outdoors.

Pests & Challenges

What is the challenge when caring Pavonnia plant? The plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests. The most common are mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies. Much less plant affected by aphids. If there is insufficient light, the plant begins to stretch, flowers are rare. In winter, if you over-water the plant at low temperatures, the roots can rot. When watering with hard, unstable water, the leaves of the plant may turn yellow.

Toxic & Poisonous Type

Are Pavonnia poisonous? The plant is not poisonous, it is safe to handle and can be used in flower arrangements.