Butterfly Pea

Butterfly pea loves water and should be watered freely during the warm months, and reduced in the winter months. During warm dry periods, water the vine widely and mulch it if you live in a very dry area. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and eventually to the plant’s death.

Butterfly pea needs at least partly shaded but ideally full sun for the best garden performance. If planted in full sun areas, be sure to provide enough water. Too much shade will reduce flowering.

Butterfly pea prefers tropical and subtropical climates and can withstand temperatures from 30°F (-1°C) to 110°F (43°C). Keep in mind that when temperatures get too high, it might not get enough water and shrivel.

Butterfly pea is not too fussy about humidity and will tolerate dry periods. It requires a minimum of 40-50% relative humidity.

Butterfly pea prefers moist, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Adding a slow-release fertilizer or small amounts of organic compost is highly recommended.

For optimum growth, fertilizing once or twice during the growing months (spring-summer) using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength would be ideal. Alternatively, slow-release fertilizer is also a viable option.

Butterfly pea is rarely bothered by pests or diseases. Spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies can occasionally appear and should be treated with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil. To prevent pests, check the plants regularly and remove damaged and weak foliage.

Butterfly Pea will need to be repotted every two years, in late winter or early spring. Choose a pot one or two sizes larger than the current pot and with plenty of drainage holes. Use a potting soil mix rich in organic matter or a combination of compost and regular potting soil.

Butterfly pea should be pruned once a year in the spring or summer. This includes removing dead flowers, diseased and weak flower stems, dead foliage, and any stems that are shooting out from the base of the vine. This will help improve blooming potential and keep the plant healthy and neat-looking.

Butterfly pea will benefit and thrive with a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips, compost, or straw. This will help retain moisture and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.

Butterfly pea is easy to propagate from cuttings. Take cuttings from mature vines, remove the lower pair of leaves, dip them in rooting hormone, and put them in a well-drained soil mix. Keep them warm and in semi-shade and mist twice a day. Rooting should take between one and two weeks.

Butterfly pea needs some support to grow up to its maximum potential. The best choice for this plant is a trellis, arbor, or fence. If adequate support is not available, you can guide the vine along the fence or wall.

Butterfly pea does not have a distinguished rest period. Always give it plenty of water and mulch during the winter months to protect its delicate roots.

No, Butterfly pea is not toxic to pets.