Phasey Bean Plant Care
Macroptilium lathyroides (L.) Urb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Macroptilium lathyroides is a species of plant in the legume family (Fabaceae) commonly known as the phasey bean. It is the type species of genus Macroptilium.
Full sun to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Phasey Bean?
Phasey Bean grows best in full sun to partial shade.
Where Is the Phasey Bean Native To?
What Is the Phasey Bean?
Phasey Bean (Macroptilium lathyroides) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Macroptilium genus. Phasey Bean is native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Central and South America, and naturalized throughout the tropics. Phasey Bean is also known as Dwarf Phasey Bean, Wild Bush Bean.
Phasey Bean displays a spreading herbaceous plant growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Phasey Bean produces small clusters of purple, pink, or white pea-like flowers.
What Light Does the Phasey Bean Need?
Phasey Bean thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Phasey Bean?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Phasey Bean to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Phasey Bean?
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 Phasey Bean?
Phasey Bean can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to siratro plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Phasey Bean Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Phasey 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 Phasey Bean?
Phasey Bean is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, 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
Phasey 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 Macroptilium genus — compare its care with other Macroptilium species on PlantoScan.
Macroptilium is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Phasey Bean 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: Macroptilium lathyroides (L.) Urb., family Fabaceae (first published in Symb. Antill. 9: 457 (1928)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Phasey 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.
- 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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