sword bean

canavalia gladiata

Also known as: ["sword bean","guandu"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Canavalia Category: Shrubs

Overview

A vigorous, climbing legume with large, sword-shaped pods and showy flowers, native to tropical regions.

Benefits & Perks

["fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Canavalia
Botanical Name: Canavalia gladiata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in warm, sheltered area
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°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 for fertility.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months during growing season; light pruning can be done as needed year-round.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown, but avoid heavy pruning during dormancy.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, indirect sunlight for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates; adjust exposure seasonally to prevent scorching.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate the plant to intense sunlight to avoid leaf burn; provide shade during peak afternoon sun in hot regions; monitor for signs of stress when moving indoors/outdoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with brown tips, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct sun; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the plant sit in water, and adjust frequency based on season and weather.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.

Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; top-dress with compost annually.

Temperature

Thrives in warm conditions, 65–85°F (18–29°C); prefers stable temperatures and dislikes frost; growth slows below 60°F (15°C).

Avoid placing near drafty windows; use a humidifier in dry, warm conditions; monitor temperature fluctuations.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; adjust frequency based on plant growth.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy stem cutting with at least 2 nodes.
  2. Apply rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in moist propagation medium.
  4. Maintain humidity and warmth.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light and consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for added aeration.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to speed up root development.

Timeline

Roots typically develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or bud; remove leggy stems to promote fuller growth.

Pruning Plan

Prune to control size, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts; focus on shaping during active growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/diseased parts; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for younger plants to support growth.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without wetting foliage; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow leaves to dry before nightfall.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the soil directly and avoid splashing leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days during growing season (spring/summer); reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter when growth slows.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot if soil remains wet.

Solution: Move to a warmer location, protect from drafts, and reduce watering to prevent cold-induced root issues.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering if not accompanied by adequate water.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently to combat heat stress.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter applications.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Canavalia gladiata may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be a response to environmental stressors like waterlogging or poor drainage.

Wilting in Canavalia gladiata is often a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root damage from pests or pathogens, which can impair water uptake.

Leaf spots on Canavalia gladiata may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Canavalia gladiata when exposed to excessive moisture or soil-borne pathogens, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats are sensitive to the lectins and antinutritional compounds in raw Canavalia gladiata, which can lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation. Cooking eliminates these compounds, making the plant parts safe for cats.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds pods
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten raw

Prevent cats from accessing raw Canavalia gladiata and only offer cooked plant parts if appropriate for their diet.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Dogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest raw parts of Canavalia gladiata due to the presence of lectins and other antinutritional compounds. Cooking renders the plant parts safe for dogs.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds pods
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten raw

Keep raw Canavalia gladiata out of reach of dogs and ensure any plant parts given to them are fully cooked.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Canavalia gladiata contains lectins and other antinutritional compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if consumed raw. Proper cooking neutralizes these compounds, making the plant parts safe for consumption.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds pods
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten raw

Always cook Canavalia gladiata thoroughly before consumption to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the sword bean edible?

A: The seeds and pods of Canavalia gladiata are toxic if consumed raw and require extensive preparation to remove toxins.

Q: How does this plant grow?

A: It is a vigorous climber that requires support and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil.

Q: Does it attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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