Amarillo Pinto Peanut

arachis pintoi

Also known as: ["Pinto Peanut","Amarillo Peanut"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Arachis Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A low-growing, perennial legume native to South America, valued for its nitrogen-fixing ability and groundcover properties.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","nitrogen fixing"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Arachis
Botanical Name: Arachis pintoi

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: ground cover in tropical or subtropical gardens, or in raised beds
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) 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.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for sunburn.

Watering

every 7–10 days during dry periods, less frequently in rainy seasons

Water thoroughly until drainage occurs; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, 6.0–7.0.

Avoid waterlogged soil; amend with organic matter; test pH periodically.

Temperature

Thrives in warm conditions, 70–85°F (21–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but prefers stable warmth.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; adjust care for seasonal changes.

Fertilizing

every 3–4 months with balanced slow-release fertilizer

Fertilize lightly in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; incorporate organic matter into soil.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of runners.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Transplant when rooted.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or trim stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or damaged stems.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out root bound plants; ensure proper drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for growth and nitrogen fixation.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

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

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to reduce evaporation; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing waste.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or aged manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves (cold stress), wilting or leaf drop (heat stress), stunted growth.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, reduces nitrogen fixation, and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback.

Solution: Provide frost protection, mulch to insulate roots, and reduce watering in cool periods.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, growth may slow, and flowering can be reduced in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat, increase watering, and ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid high nitrogen; follow package instructions.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas to prevent excessive foliage growth.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Arachis pintoi may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be a symptom of water stress, disease, or pest infestation, affecting overall plant health.

Wilting in Arachis pintoi can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, or from root damage caused by pests or diseases, leading to reduced water uptake and potential plant death.

Leaf spots on Arachis pintoi may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency, premature leaf drop, and potential spread of the pathogen to other plants.

Rotting in Arachis pintoi, particularly root or stem rot, is often caused by fungal pathogens in waterlogged soils, leading to decay of plant tissues, reduced nutrient uptake, and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Arachis pintoi is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested or handled by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are necessary for cats interacting with Arachis pintoi.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Arachis pintoi is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested or handled by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are necessary for dogs interacting with Arachis pintoi.
Humans
Non-toxic

Arachis pintoi is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption and handling.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are necessary for human interaction with Arachis pintoi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Arachis pintoi suitable for groundcover?

A: Yes, it is an excellent groundcover due to its low-growing habit and spreading nature.

Q: Does this plant require frequent watering?

A: No, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established.

Q: Can Arachis pintoi be grown in partial shade?

A: Yes, it tolerates partial shade and can thrive in such conditions.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during dry p
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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