Overview
Pigeon Pea Bonsai (Cajanus cajan) is a tropical leguminous shrub with compound leaves, flowers and seed pods. It is best suited to unusual tropical bonsai, quick development and educational displays. For UK growers, treat it as: Warm indoor or greenhouse in the UK.
Placement
strong light and warmth
Watering
water when the top layer dries; avoid cold wet soil
Feeding and fertilising
feed lightly; as a legume it can grow strongly in modest soil
Pruning and wiring
pinch regularly to control fast extension growth
Repotting
repot young plants annually while vigorous
Propagation
seed is straightforward in warmth
Pests, diseases and common issues
short natural lifespan compared with many bonsai, aphids, weak growth in cool low light