
Photo: Forest & Kim StarrCC BY 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
"feuillei" Plant Care
Inga feuilleei DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Inga feuilleei (named after Louis Feuillée), commonly known as pacay or ice-cream bean tree, is a tree in the family Fabaceae native to Andean valleys of northwestern South America. Pacay trees, as is the case with other trees in genus Inga, produce pods that contain an edible white pulp and have nitrogen-fixing roots.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for "feuillei"?
Plant "feuillei" in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the "feuillei" Native To?
What Is the "feuillei"?
"feuillei" (Inga feuilleei) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Inga genus. "feuillei" is native to Andean valleys of northwestern South America. "feuillei" is also known as Inga feuilleei.
"feuillei" displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. "feuillei" produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a "feuillei"?
Water a young or newly planted "feuillei" 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the "feuillei" Need?
"feuillei" thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the "feuillei" Prefer?
Inga feuilleei tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. "feuillei" prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a "feuillei"?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for "feuillei" to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a "feuillei"?
Feed "feuillei" 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a "feuillei"?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
"feuillei" is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a "feuillei"?
"feuillei" can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 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.
How Do You Prune a "feuillei"?
Prune "feuillei" 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.
How Do You Care for a "feuillei" in Winter?
"feuillei" 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.
How Do You Propagate a "feuillei"?
"feuillei" can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white inga plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the "feuillei" Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list "feuillei", 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 "feuillei"?
"feuillei" is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf miners. 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 "feuillei" Need?
"feuillei" grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. "feuillei" is native to Andean valleys of northwestern South America. In cooler regions, grow "feuillei" as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
"feuillei" 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 Inga genus — compare its care with other Inga species on PlantoScan.
Inga is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
"feuillei" thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Inga Species
Other Inga species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Inga feuilleei DC., family Fabaceae — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list "feuillei", 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 13a, 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.
