Soft thermopsis Plant Care

Thermopsis mollis (Michx.) A.Gray

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Thermopsis mollis is a species of flowering plant in the legume family known by the common names Allegheny Mountain goldenbanner, soft bush pea, and soft-haired thermopsis. It is native to the southeastern United States from southern Virginia to northern Georgia.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Soft thermopsis?

Water Soft thermopsis every 7–14 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 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Soft thermopsis Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Soft thermopsis?

Soft thermopsis (Thermopsis mollis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Thermopsis genus. Soft thermopsis is native to the southeastern United States from southern Virginia to northern Georgia.

Soft thermopsis displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Soft thermopsis produces showy clusters of yellow, pea-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Soft thermopsis?

Thermopsis mollis requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Soft thermopsis Need?

Soft thermopsis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Soft thermopsis Prefer?

Thermopsis mollis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Soft thermopsis prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Soft thermopsis?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Soft thermopsis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Soft thermopsis?

Feed Soft thermopsis 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 Soft thermopsis?

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 Soft thermopsis?

Soft thermopsis can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to california false lupine plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Soft thermopsis Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Soft thermopsis, 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 Soft thermopsis?

Soft thermopsis 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 Soft thermopsis Need?

Soft thermopsis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Soft thermopsis is native to the southeastern United States from southern Virginia to northern Georgia. In cooler regions, grow Soft thermopsis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Soft thermopsis 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 Thermopsis genus — compare its care with other Thermopsis species on PlantoScan.

Thermopsis is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.

Soft thermopsis 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: Thermopsis mollis (Michx.) A.Gray, family Fabaceae — World Flora Online record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Soft thermopsis, 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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