Photo: Forest & Kim StarrCC BY 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Molokai Jackbean Plant Care
Canavalia molokaiensis Degener & al.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Canavalia molokaiensis, commonly known as the Molokaʻi Jack-bean or puakauhi, is a rare species flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae, that is endemic to the island of Molokaʻi in Hawaii. This and other Hawaiian Canavalia are known there as ʻāwikiwiki.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Molokai Jackbean?
Water Molokai Jackbean every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Molokai Jackbean Native To?
What Is the Molokai Jackbean?
Molokai Jackbean (Canavalia molokaiensis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Canavalia genus. Molokai Jackbean is native to the island of Molokaʻi in Hawaii. Molokai Jackbean is also known as Canavalia galeata var. molokaiensis, Canavalia peninsularis, Canavalia stenophylla.
Molokai Jackbean displays a vining, climbing growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Molokai Jackbean produces showy clusters of purple, pink, or white pea-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Molokai Jackbean?
Canavalia molokaiensis 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 Molokai Jackbean Need?
Molokai Jackbean thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Molokai Jackbean Prefer?
Canavalia molokaiensis grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Molokai Jackbean prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Molokai Jackbean?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Molokai Jackbean to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Molokai Jackbean?
Feed Molokai Jackbean every 4 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 4 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 Molokai Jackbean?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Molokai Jackbean?
Molokai Jackbean can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to napali jackbean plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Molokai Jackbean Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Molokai Jackbean, 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 Molokai Jackbean?
Molokai Jackbean is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Molokai Jackbean Need?
Molokai Jackbean grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Molokai Jackbean is native to the island of Molokaʻi in Hawaii. In cooler regions, grow Molokai Jackbean as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Molokai Jackbean 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 Canavalia genus — compare its care with other Canavalia species on PlantoScan.
Canavalia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Molokai Jackbean 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: Canavalia molokaiensis Degener & al., family Fabaceae — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Molokai Jackbean, 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: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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