Photo: Swarochi TathagathCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Six-Petal Wing-Pea Plant Care
Pterolobium hexapetalum (Roth) Santapau & Wagh
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pterolobium hexapetalum is known for its unique six-petaled flowers and slender, lance-shaped leaves. It's a favorite among plant enthusiasts for its delicate appearance and charming floral display.
Every 5–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Six-Petal Wing-Pea?
Water Six-Petal Wing-Pea every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. 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 Six-Petal Wing-Pea?
Six-Petal Wing-Pea (Pterolobium hexapetalum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Pterolobium genus. Six-Petal Wing-Pea is native to India, Sri Lankaheight: 10.5width: 6.2fertilizer: 2wateringMin: 5wateringMax: 7humidityMin: 50humidityMax: 70temperatureMin: 65temperatureMax: 80leafSize: 4.
Six-Petal Wing-Pea displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Six-Petal Wing-Pea produces small clusters of pink, white, or purple pea-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Six-Petal Wing-Pea?
Pterolobium hexapetalum requires watering every 5–7 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 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Six-Petal Wing-Pea Need?
Six-Petal Wing-Pea thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Six-Petal Wing-Pea Prefer?
Pterolobium hexapetalum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Six-Petal Wing-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 Six-Petal Wing-Pea?
Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Six-Petal Wing-Pea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Six-Petal Wing-Pea?
Feed Six-Petal Wing-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 Six-Petal Wing-Pea?
Repot every 2-3 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 Six-Petal Wing-Pea?
Six-Petal Wing-Pea can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Six-Petal Wing-Pea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Six-Petal Wing-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 Six-Petal Wing-Pea?
Six-Petal Wing-Pea is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, 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 Six-Petal Wing-Pea Need?
Six-Petal Wing-Pea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Six-Petal Wing-Pea is native to India, Sri Lankaheight: 10.5width: 6.2fertilizer: 2wateringMin: 5wateringMax: 7humidityMin: 50humidityMax: 70temperatureMin: 65temperatureMax: 80leafSize: 4. In cooler regions, grow Six-Petal Wing-Pea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Six-Petal Wing-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 Pterolobium genus — compare its care with other Pterolobium species on PlantoScan.
Pterolobium is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Six-Petal Wing-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: Pterolobium hexapetalum (Roth) Santapau & Wagh, family Fabaceae (first published in Bull. Bot. Surv. India 5: 108 (1964)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Six-Petal Wing-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.
- Photo: Swarochi Tathagath, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 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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