Barbieria pinnata (Barbieria pinnata)

Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist

Barbieria pinnata Plant Care

Barbieria pinnata (Pers.) Baill.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant features striking, elongated leaves with prominent serrated edges. Hailing from the tropical regions of South America, Barbieria pinnata is sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage that adds a tropical flair to any indoor space.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs🍃Climbers & Vines
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Barbieria pinnata?

Water Barbieria pinnata every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Barbieria pinnata Native To?

Native range43 countries

What Is the Barbieria pinnata?

Barbieria pinnata (Barbieria pinnata) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Barbieria genus. Barbieria pinnata is native to the tropical Americas, from southern Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean to northern South America.

Barbieria pinnata displays a vining, trailing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Barbieria pinnata produces small, delicate flowers in shades of pink and white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Barbieria pinnata?

Barbieria pinnata requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Barbieria pinnata Need?

Barbieria pinnata thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Barbieria pinnata in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Barbieria pinnata Prefer?

Barbieria pinnata grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Barbieria pinnata prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Barbieria pinnata?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Barbieria pinnata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Barbieria pinnata?

Feed Barbieria pinnata every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Barbieria pinnata?

Repot annually in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Barbieria pinnata?

Barbieria pinnata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

Is the Barbieria pinnata Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Barbieria pinnata, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Barbieria pinnata?

Barbieria pinnata is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Barbieria pinnata Need?

Barbieria pinnata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Barbieria pinnata is native to the tropical Americas, from southern Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean to northern South America. In cooler regions, grow Barbieria pinnata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Barbieria pinnata is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Barbieria genus — compare its care with other Barbieria species on PlantoScan.

Barbieria is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.

Barbieria pinnata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Barbieria pinnata (Pers.) Baill., family Fabaceae (first published in Hist. Pl. 2: 263 (1870)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Barbieria pinnata, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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