Photo: Forest & Kim StarrCC BY 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Ox Eye Bean Plant Care
Mucuna urens (Jacq.) DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Mucuna urens is a striking plant known for its large, glossy green leaves that can reach up to 3 feet in length. Originating from tropical regions of Asia and Africa, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its impressive foliage and unique growth habit.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Ox Eye Bean?
Water Ox Eye Bean every 7–14 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Ox Eye Bean Native To?
What Is the Ox Eye Bean?
Ox Eye Bean (Mucuna urens) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Mucuna genus. Ox Eye Bean is native to tropical Central and South America, and has been introduced into the Republic of the Congo. Ox Eye Bean is also known as Calabar Bean, Mucuna Bean, Mucuna urens.
Ox Eye Bean displays a climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Ox Eye Bean produces showy clusters of colorful pea-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ox Eye Bean?
Mucuna urens requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Ox Eye Bean Need?
Ox Eye Bean thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ox Eye Bean Prefer?
Mucuna urens grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Ox Eye Bean prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ox Eye Bean?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Ox Eye Bean to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ox Eye Bean?
Feed Ox Eye Bean 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 Ox Eye Bean?
Repot annually 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 Ox Eye Bean?
Ox Eye Bean can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to holton's velvet bean plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ox Eye Bean Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ox Eye Bean, 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 Ox Eye Bean?
Ox Eye Bean 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 Ox Eye Bean Need?
Ox Eye Bean grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Ox Eye Bean is native to tropical Central and South America, and has been introduced into the Republic of the Congo. In cooler regions, grow Ox Eye Bean as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Ox Eye Bean 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 Mucuna genus — compare its care with other Mucuna species on PlantoScan.
Mucuna is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Ox Eye Bean thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Mucuna Species
Other Mucuna species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Mucuna urens (Jacq.) DC., family Fabaceae — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ox Eye Bean, 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 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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