Hairy joint vetch Plant Care
Sinodolichos lagopus (Dunn) Verdc.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Sinodolichos lagopus, also known as hairy joint vetch, is a unique plant with hairy stems and green trifoliate leaves that resemble clover. Originating from East Asia, this plant is popular among plant enthusiasts for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, improving overall soil health.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hairy joint vetch?
Water Hairy joint vetch 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 Hairy joint vetch?
Hairy joint vetch (Sinodolichos lagopus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Sinodolichos genus. Hairy joint vetch is native to East Asia.
Hairy joint vetch displays a vining, climbing growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Hairy joint vetch produces showy clusters of purple pea-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hairy joint vetch?
Sinodolichos lagopus 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 Hairy joint vetch Need?
Hairy joint vetch thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hairy joint vetch Prefer?
Sinodolichos lagopus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Hairy joint vetch prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hairy joint vetch?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Hairy joint vetch to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hairy joint vetch?
Feed Hairy joint vetch 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 Hairy joint vetch?
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 Hairy joint vetch?
Hairy joint vetch can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Hairy joint vetch Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hairy joint vetch, 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 Hairy joint vetch?
Hairy joint vetch 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 Hairy joint vetch Need?
Hairy joint vetch grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Hairy joint vetch is native to East Asia. In cooler regions, grow Hairy joint vetch as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Hairy joint vetch 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 Sinodolichos genus — compare its care with other Sinodolichos species on PlantoScan.
Sinodolichos is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Hairy joint vetch 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: Sinodolichos lagopus (Dunn) Verdc., family Fabaceae (first published in Kew Bull. 24: 398 (1970)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hairy joint vetch, 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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