PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; prefers dappled light in hot summer climates to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; thrives in cool temperate conditions; protect from extreme heat above 28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnate compound leaves with 2–4 pairs of oval, bright green leaflets and branched tendrils for climbing
- Flower: Fragrant pink to pale purple pea-like blooms in racemes of 2–6 flowers
- Stem: Slender, green trailing stems that anchor to supports via tendrils
- Tuber: Small, starchy underground tubers that are edible when fully cooked
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist; apply mulch to reduce water evaporation
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in late autumn to prepare plants for dormancy
Composted banana peel tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage prolonged flowering throughout summer
- Trim overgrown or tangled stems in late summer to maintain a tidy growth habit
- Cut back foliage to ground level in late autumn after plants enter dormancy
- Remove any diseased or yellowing leaves promptly to prevent spread of pathogens
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-aligned: Ingestion of foliage or seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal upset
Humans: Raw seeds contain a neurotoxic amino acid; large ingestion may cause neurological symptoms; cooked tubers are safe in small quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden vine; cooked tubers are edible in small, controlled quantities
