Sea bean
entada gigas
Also known as: ["Ferreira bean","Jungle bean","Mangrove bean","Sea heart"]
Overview
A large, woody vine native to tropical regions, known for its massive, hard seeds that drift across oceans and wash ashore.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Entada |
| Botanical Name: | Entada gigas |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: tropical or subtropical garden, trellis, or large container
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"20–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate sandy or rocky soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering if applicable.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning unless correcting s
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to direct light to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors; indoors, ensure proximity to a bright window but not direct exposure.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; adjust light exposure gradually.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in low light.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes, avoid compacted soil, refresh topsoil annually.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C); thrives in stable conditions, sensitive to cold drafts.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain stable warmth year-round.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; reduce frequency in dormant periods; apply fertilizer to moist soil to avoid root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy stem, cut below a node, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (75–85°F), indirect light for cuttings; consistent warmth and moisture for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; sterile seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for stem cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seeds can take several months to germinate and establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome or plastic bag, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; remove crossing or inward-growing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to control size, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts; focus on maintaining shape and health.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy or active growth, make clean cuts, dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, avoid fertilizing for a month.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for mature plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Select new pot, prepare fresh soil, inspect roots, position plant correctly, water lightly, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the root ball, allow excess water to drain completely, water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, use a cactus or succulent mix as a base.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf drop, and increase susceptibility to root rot.
Solution: Move plant away from cold drafts, maintain consistent room temperature, use a space heater if necessary, avoid watering excessively in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and dehydration, especially if combined with low humidity.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity with misting or a humidifier, ensure adequate watering, avoid placing near heat sources.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, water before application, avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Entada gigas pose a mild toxic risk to cats if ingested. The toxic compounds can cause gastrointestinal irritation and discomfort, though severe reactions are rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Entada gigas can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested. The toxic compounds may lead to discomfort but are not typically life-threatening unless large quantities are consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Entada gigas contain toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress and other mild systemic effects upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive tract but may extend to mild systemic irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the seeds of Entada gigas edible?
A: No, the seeds are not typically consumed due to potential toxicity and lack of culinary use.
Q: How does Entada gigas propagate?
A: It propagates via seeds, which are dispersed by water and can germinate after washing ashore.
Q: Is Entada gigas suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is a large vine requiring significant space and is best suited for outdoor cultivation.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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