Image: AI generated
Scarlet runner bean Plant Care
Stizolobium cochinchinense (Lour.) Burkart
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its vibrant scarlet red flowers that resemble the shape of a parrot's beak. Originating from Southeast Asia, Stizolobium cochinchinense is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and eye-catching blooms that add a pop of color to any garden or indoor space.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Scarlet runner bean?
Water Scarlet runner bean every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Scarlet runner bean Native To?
- Algeria
- Angola
- Bangladesh
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Botswana
- Brunei
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Djibouti
- DR Congo
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- India
- Indonesia
- Kenya
- Laos
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Republic of the Congo
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- The Gambia
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Vietnam
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
What Is the Scarlet runner bean?
Scarlet runner bean (Stizolobium cochinchinense) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Stizolobium genus. Scarlet runner bean is native to Africa and tropical Asia and widely naturalized and cultivated. Scarlet runner bean is also known as Scarlet runner.
Scarlet runner bean displays a vining, climbing plant growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Scarlet runner bean produces showy clusters of colorful pea-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Scarlet runner bean?
Stizolobium cochinchinense requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Scarlet runner bean Need?
Scarlet runner bean thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Scarlet runner bean Prefer?
Stizolobium cochinchinense grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Scarlet runner bean prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Scarlet runner bean?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Scarlet runner bean to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Scarlet runner bean?
Feed Scarlet runner bean 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 Scarlet runner bean?
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 Scarlet runner bean?
Scarlet runner bean can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Scarlet runner bean Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Scarlet runner 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 Scarlet runner bean?
Scarlet runner bean 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 Scarlet runner bean Need?
Scarlet runner bean grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Scarlet runner bean is native to Africa and tropical Asia and widely naturalized and cultivated. In cooler regions, grow Scarlet runner bean as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Scarlet runner 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 Stizolobium genus (family Fabaceae) — search all Stizolobium species in the plant lookup.
Scarlet runner 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: Stizolobium cochinchinense (Lour.) Burkart, family Fabaceae (first published in Descr. Pl. Cult. 1: 503 (1959)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Scarlet runner 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.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- 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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