Vigna Caracalla

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Vigna Caracalla is a perennial plant that belongs to the legume family. Sometimes this plant is also known as the grape snail, which is explained by the translation of the name from the Portuguese language. In addition, the plant can be found under the following names: corkscrew flower and snail grapes. This is a very unusual plant, it is climbing, it can reach up to seven meters in length, its flowers are of an extremely original shape, which just makes them look like either a corkscrew or a snail.

Under natural conditions, this plant can be found in South and Central America. In warm climates, this plant remains perennial, but at moderate temperatures, Vigna Caracalla can be an annual.

Description of Vigna Caracalla

The development of this plant is very fast, even in one summer, the plant can completely braid an entire hedge in your garden. It is not recommended to tie up the shoots of the plant, because it will independently cling to the support through the antennae. The leaves of the plant are painted in dark green tones, while all leaves have a pointed tip.

This plant is especially valuable for its very attractive flowers. The flowers of Vigna Caracalla are wavy, twist into a kind of tight corkscrew, and the petals of the plant have an amazing color: white-purple, yellowish-cream, pink or purple with veins. On one brush of the plant, you can see fully open flowers and buds. It is worth noting that in addition to its decorative properties, this plant also has an amazing aroma. The flowering of the plant begins around mid-summer and continues until late autumn.

Care and cultivation of Vigna Caracalla

If you grow this plant on the balcony, then you will need to cut off its shoots and antennae in a timely manner. As soon as the stems of the plant have grown to the required length, then they should be pinched, which will be an excellent stimulation of the further flowering of the plant. It is also important to create a reliable support for the plant, even a mesh can act in this capacity. It is important to place the plants in such a way so that later it does not need to be moved, otherwise you can damage the especially fragile shoots of Vigna Caracalla.

This plant is very light-loving, therefore intense lighting is required. If the plant is located in the shade, then its flowering will be extremely insignificant.

As for the temperature regime, Vigna Caracalla is able to withstand even a cold snap of up to three degrees Celsius, however, stronger frosts will destroy the ground part of the plant, nevertheless, young shoots will appear later.

During the summer period, abundant watering is necessary, but the soil should not remain excessively wet. In winter, the plant practically does not develop, so watering should be significantly reduced.

During the period of intensive development of the plant, it will be necessary to feed it a couple of times a month with both mineral and organic fertilizers. As for nitrogen fertilizers, they should be applied only during the very beginning of the growing season.

This plant is quite large, so the pot will need an impressive size. As far as the soil is concerned, it must be nutritious and very well drained.

Reproduction of Vigna Caracalla occurs both through seeds and cuttings, and with the help of branches. Before planting, the seeds will need to be soaked for about a day in warm water. The seeds are then planted two centimeters deep and left in a warm place.

As for pests, this plant can be attacked by a spider mite.