Red Bean Plant Care

Red Bean (Dysoxylum mollissimum subsp. molle) belongs to the Meliaceae family within the Dysoxylum genus. Red Bean is native to Sulawesi, the Maluku Islands, New Guinea, and the Bismarck Archipelago. Red Bean is also known as Red Bean Tree, Mollimum Dysoxylum.

Red Bean displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Red Bean produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Red Bean every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Red Bean thrives in partial to full sun.

Dysoxylum mollissimum subsp. molle tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Red Bean prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Red Bean every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

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

Choose a spot with partial to full sun and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Red Bean is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Red Bean can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Red Bean while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Red Bean is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Red Bean can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dysoxylum gaudichaudianum plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Red Bean is susceptible to scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Red Bean grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Red Bean is native to Sulawesi, the Maluku Islands, New Guinea, and the Bismarck Archipelago. In cooler regions, grow Red Bean as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.