African Yam Bean Plant Care

African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis schweinfurthii) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Sphenostylis genus. African Yam Bean is native to Nigeria.

African Yam Bean displays a vining, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. African Yam Bean produces showy clusters of red, orange, or yellow pea-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Yam Bean every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

African Yam Bean thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sphenostylis schweinfurthii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. African Yam Bean prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for African Yam Bean to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Yam Bean every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Yam Bean is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

African Yam Bean can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune African Yam Bean while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

African Yam Bean is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African Yam Bean can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african yam bean plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African Yam 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.

African Yam Bean grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. African Yam Bean is native to Nigeria. In cooler regions, grow African Yam Bean as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.