Butterfly pea (Centrosema molle)
Care, watering, light and tips for Butterfly pea on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Butterfly pea
Centrosema molle, also known as Soft Butterfly Pea, is a climbing or trailing legume from the Fabaceae family, valued for its rapid growth and attractive purple flowers. Its trifoliate, soft-to-the-touch leaves make it an excellent choice for ground cover in warm climates or for enriching nitrogen in depleted soils. It is ideal for tropical or subtropical gardens seeking a low-maintenance plant with both ornamental and ecological value.
Native range
Tropical Central and South America
Care tips
It prefers full to partial sunlight and well-drained soils, although it is adaptable to a variety of conditions. Watering should be regular during establishment, but once mature, it tolerates periods of drought. A slightly acidic to neutral substrate is ideal. A common mistake to avoid is over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as, being a legume, it fixes its own atmospheric nitrogen.
How to save a dying Butterfly pea
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or whitish leaves, flower or pod drop, stunted growth. Could be nutrient deficiency or poor soil.
- First aid
- Repot into well-drained, compost-enriched soil. Ensure good sun exposure and regular, non-waterlogged irrigation.
- What kills it
- Heavy clay or waterlogged soils. Also lack of direct sun or nutrients. Does not tolerate frost.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't rotted and main stem is firm. Responds well to changed conditions.