Tocantins River Pea Plant Care
Discolobium tocantinum Ducke
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant from South America boasts striking, metallic blue-green leaves that shimmer in the sunlight. Originating from the Tocantins region in Brazil, Discolobium tocantinum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and captivating foliage that adds a touch of exotic beauty to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Tocantins River Pea?
Water Tocantins River Pea every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Tocantins River Pea Native To?
What Is the Tocantins River Pea?
Tocantins River Pea (Discolobium tocantinum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Discolobium genus. Tocantins River Pea is native to North Brazil.
Tocantins River Pea displays a vining, climbing perennial growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Tocantins River Pea produces small clusters of pink, purple, or white pea-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tocantins River Pea?
Discolobium tocantinum 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 Tocantins River Pea Need?
Tocantins River Pea thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Tocantins River Pea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tocantins River Pea Prefer?
Discolobium tocantinum grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Tocantins River Pea prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tocantins River Pea?
Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Tocantins River Pea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tocantins River Pea?
Feed Tocantins River Pea every 2 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 2 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 Tocantins River Pea?
Repot every 1-2 years 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 Tocantins River Pea?
Tocantins River Pea can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to discolobium hirtum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tocantins River Pea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tocantins River Pea, 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 Tocantins River Pea?
Tocantins River Pea 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 Tocantins River Pea Need?
Tocantins River Pea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Tocantins River Pea is native to North Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Tocantins River Pea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Tocantins River Pea 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 Discolobium genus — compare its care with other Discolobium species on PlantoScan.
Discolobium is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Tocantins River Pea 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: Discolobium tocantinum Ducke, family Fabaceae (first published in Arch. Jard. Bot. Rio de Janeiro 3: 143 (1922)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tocantins River Pea, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 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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