Tropical Kudzu Plant Care
Neustanthus phaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Neustanthus is a monotypic genus of flowering plants belonging to the pea family Fabaceae and its tribe Phaseoleae. The only species is Neustanthus phaseoloides, called tropical kudzu.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tropical Kudzu?
Water Tropical Kudzu 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 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Tropical Kudzu?
Tropical Kudzu (Neustanthus phaseoloides) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Neustanthus genus. Tropical Kudzu is also known as Pueraria phaseoloides, Pueraria javanica, Kudzu vine.
Tropical Kudzu displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Tropical Kudzu produces showy clusters of red, orange, or yellow pea-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tropical Kudzu?
Neustanthus phaseoloides 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 Tropical Kudzu Need?
Tropical Kudzu thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tropical Kudzu Prefer?
Neustanthus phaseoloides grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Tropical Kudzu prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tropical Kudzu?
Rich, well-draining loamy soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Tropical Kudzu to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tropical Kudzu?
Feed Tropical Kudzu every 6 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 6 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 Tropical Kudzu?
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 Tropical Kudzu?
Tropical Kudzu can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Tropical Kudzu Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tropical Kudzu, 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 Tropical Kudzu?
Tropical Kudzu is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. 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 Tropical Kudzu Need?
Tropical Kudzu grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Tropical Kudzu as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Tropical Kudzu 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 Neustanthus genus — compare its care with other Neustanthus species on PlantoScan.
Neustanthus is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Tropical Kudzu 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: Neustanthus phaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth., family Fabaceae (first published in Pl. Jungh. : 235 (1852)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tropical Kudzu, 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 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.
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