How to Plant Bush or Candle Plant
Bush or Candle Plant (Senna alata), also called Ringworm Bush, is a perennial shrub native to the tropics and commonly found in West Africa, including Nigeria.
It is easily recognised by its bright yellow, candle-like flower spikes that stand upright on the shrub, hence the name “Candle Plant.”
The plant grows between 2–4 meters tall with lush green compound leaves that fold at night.
Beyond its ornamental beauty, the Bush or Candle Plant is highly valued for its medicinal properties.
it is widely used in traditional medicine to treat skin infections such as ringworm, scabies, and fungal rashes, as well as constipation and other ailments.
Its rapid growth, resilience, and low maintenance make it suitable for both home gardens and small-scale herbal farms.
Description of the Plant
Growth Habit:
A robust and upright perennial shrub reaching 2–4 meters in height.
The plant has a strong vertical orientation with branching mostly from the upper stem, giving it a stately and columnar appearance in the landscape.
Stem:
Thick, succulent green to reddish stems, becoming woody and sturdy at the base as the plant matures.
Young shoots are soft and fleshy. When broken, stems may emit a mild sap.
Leaves:
Large, pinnate leaves are arranged alternately along the stem. Each leaf is 30–60 cm long with 8–14 pairs of opposite leaflets.
- Leaflets are oblong to elliptic, 4–15 cm long, and smooth-textured.
- Leaves sometimes fold or close slightly at night (a sensitivity trait seen in Fabaceae plants).
Flowers:
- The most distinctive feature: bright golden-yellow inflorescences that resemble upright candle flames.
- Flower spikes are 10–30 cm long, emerging from the upper branches.
- Rounded buds sit at the top while fully opened flowers remain below, creating the candle-like progression.
Fruit/Pods: - Straight, elongated pods measuring 10–20 cm long.
- They turn dark brown to black when mature.
- Each pod has prominent winged edges and contains multiple hard, angular seeds arranged in compartments.
- Pods are dry-dehiscent — they split open once fully dry to release seeds.
Root System:
An extensive fibrous root network, allowing the plant to:
- Anchor firmly in various soil types
- Resist wind throw
- Survive harsh tropical conditions
Roots often help it thrive along roadsides and farmlands.
Planting Season for Bush or Candle Plant in Nigeria
The best season to plant Bush or Candle Plant in Nigeria is during the early rainy season, typically between March and June, depending on the region.
This timing ensures that the seeds or young seedlings benefit from consistent rainfall, which is crucial for rapid establishment and healthy growth.
While the plant is hardy and can tolerate some dry conditions, it thrives best in well-drained soils with adequate moisture.
In irrigated farms, planting can be done year-round, but rain-fed farming remains the most cost-effective method for most smallholder farmers.
Planting the Bush or Candle Plant
Step 1: Choose a Location
Select a location with full sunlight, as the Bush or Candle Plant thrives in bright, open areas.
The site should have fertile, well-drained soil with good aeration.
Sandy-loamy or loamy soils are best suited for its cultivation.
Avoid waterlogged or clay-heavy areas, as they can cause root rot.
It is advisable to plant near homesteads or along farm boundaries since the plant also serves ornamental and medicinal purposes.
Step 2: Land Clearing and Preparation
Clear the land by removing weeds, shrubs, and debris.
Till or plough the soil to loosen it for easy root penetration.
If the soil is poor, apply organic compost or well-rotted manure during land preparation.
Raised beds may be prepared in areas prone to flooding.
For large-scale planting, rows should be marked to allow proper spacing and easy management.
Step 3: Means of Propagation
Bush or Candle Plant can be propagated either through seeds or stem cuttings, though seeds are the most common method in Nigeria.
Seeds are relatively easy to obtain from mature pods and are more reliable in terms of germination and establishment.
Stem cuttings, however, are useful when quick vegetative growth is desired, though they require careful handling and consistent moisture to root effectively.
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Step 4: How to Plant Bush or Candle Plant from Seed
- Collect mature seeds from dried pods and dry them in the sun for a few days.
- Before sowing, scarify or soak the seeds in warm water overnight to break dormancy and improve germination.
- Plant the seeds directly into prepared soil or nursery bags, placing them 2–3 cm deep.
- If using nursery beds, transplant the seedlings after 4–6 weeks when they have at least 4–5 true leaves.
- On the field, maintain a spacing of about 1 meter between plants and 1.5 meters between rows to allow free growth and ease of maintenance.
Step 5: Watering
Watering is essential during the first few weeks of establishment, especially if rainfall is irregular.
The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Once the plant is well established, it becomes relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering.
In dry-season cultivation, supplementary irrigation is necessary to sustain growth and flowering.
Step 6: Apply Manure
Although the plant can grow in moderately fertile soils, the application of organic manure significantly improves its growth and medicinal value.
Apply compost, poultry droppings, or cow dung at the base of the plants during planting and at intervals of 6–8 weeks.
Avoid excessive use of chemical fertilisers, as organic manure tends to be more beneficial and sustainable for herbal crops.
Mulching around the base also helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Maturity and Harvest
Bush or Candle Plant matures within 6–8 months after planting, though it continues to grow as a perennial shrub.
The leaves and seeds are the main parts harvested for medicinal purposes.
Leaves can be plucked once the plant is well established, usually after 4–5 months, while pods containing seeds mature later in the season.
Harvesting should be done carefully to avoid damaging the plant.
Leaves are best harvested in the morning when their medicinal potency is believed to be strongest.
The flowers can also be harvested for ornamental or medicinal use.
With proper care, a single plant can remain productive for 2–3 years.
Pests and Diseases
Although relatively hardy, Bush or Candle Plant can still be affected by some pests and diseases:
- Leaf miners and caterpillars that feed on the leaves.
- Aphids and whiteflies that suck plant sap, weakening growth.
- Fungal diseases such as leaf spot and root rot occur in poorly drained soils.
- Pod borers that attack seed pods and reduce seed viability.
Pest and Disease Control
To manage pests and diseases effectively:
- Practice crop rotation and avoid planting in the same spot continuously.
- Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil or ash solution to repel insects.
- Handpick caterpillars and other visible pests in small farms.
- Ensure proper spacing and pruning to reduce overcrowding and improve air circulation, which minimises fungal infections.
- Apply organic fungicides or prepare plant-based extracts (e.g., garlic or pepper sprays) to control fungal attacks.
- Remove and burn heavily infested plants to prevent the spread of diseases.
Bush or Candle Plant is a highly beneficial plant in Nigeria, valued for its medicinal, ornamental, and environmental uses.
Its cultivation is simple and requires little capital, making it an ideal choice for small-scale farmers, herbal practitioners, and households.
By planting at the right season, preparing the land properly, ensuring adequate care through watering, manure application, and pest control, farmers can successfully grow and harvest this versatile plant.
In addition to providing a steady source of traditional medicine, cultivating Bush or Candle Plant contributes to biodiversity, soil improvement, and sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.
Hope this article was helpful.
