Laotian Butterfly Pea Plant Care
Paraglycine laotica (Gagnep.) F.J.Herm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's distinctive feature is its elongated, lance-shaped leaves with a unique silvery-green hue, originating from the lush forests of Laos. Plant collectors are drawn to Paraglycine laotica for its striking foliage that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any indoor jungle.
Every 3–7 days
Bright indirect to full sun
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Laotian Butterfly Pea?
Water Laotian Butterfly Pea every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Laotian Butterfly Pea?
Laotian Butterfly Pea (Paraglycine laotica) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Paraglycine genus. Laotian Butterfly Pea is native to Laos. Laotian Butterfly Pea is also known as Paraglycine Laosensis, Laos Butterfly Pea.
Laotian Butterfly Pea displays a vining, climbing plant growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Laotian Butterfly Pea produces small clusters of white, pink, or purple pea-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Laotian Butterfly Pea?
Paraglycine laotica requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Laotian Butterfly Pea Need?
Laotian Butterfly Pea thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Laotian Butterfly Pea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Laotian Butterfly Pea Prefer?
Paraglycine laotica grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Laotian Butterfly Pea prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Laotian Butterfly Pea?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Laotian Butterfly Pea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Laotian Butterfly Pea?
Feed Laotian Butterfly 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 Laotian Butterfly 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 Laotian Butterfly Pea?
Laotian Butterfly Pea can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.
Is the Laotian Butterfly Pea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Laotian Butterfly 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 Laotian Butterfly Pea?
Laotian Butterfly 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.
Keep exploring plants
Laotian Butterfly 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 Paraglycine genus — compare its care with other Paraglycine species on PlantoScan.
Paraglycine is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Laotian Butterfly 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: Paraglycine laotica (Gagnep.) F.J.Herm., family Fabaceae (first published in Techn. Bull. U.S.D.A. 1268: 67 (1962)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Laotian Butterfly 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.
- 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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