Matchbox bean (Entada phaseoloides)

Also known as: Sea bean, Nickerbean

The Matchbox bean (Entada phaseoloides), a tropical legume, is known for its unique properties and uses. Here’s a brief overview:

**Characteristics**:
1. **Seed Pods**: Extremely large, reaching up to 1.8 meters in length.
2. **Seeds**: Each pod contains 10-20 large, buoyant seeds.
3. **Saponins**: The plant is rich in saponins, which can create a natural soapy lather when mixed with water.

**Uses**:
1. **Natural Soap**: Due to its high saponin content, it can be used as a natural soap.
2. **Seed Dispersal**: The buoyant seeds are often carried by ocean currents, aiding in their wide dispersal.
3. **Traditional Uses**: In some cultures, parts of the plant are used in traditional treatments and various practical applications.

This plant is notable both for its impressive seed pods and its ability to serve as a natural soap, making it valuable in various cultural contexts.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Matchbox bean

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Vine

Plant Height

30 m

Spread

2 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Green Red

Images of Matchbox bean

Quickly Identify Matchbox bean

Look for long, woody seed pods that can grow up to 1.5 meters long. The seeds are large, glossy, and brown, often used in traditional crafts.

Scientific Classification of Matchbox bean

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fabales

Family

Legume

Genus

Entada

Species

Matchbox bean

Planting and Growing of Matchbox bean

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

75-86℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Matchbox bean?

Entada phaseoloides requires a consistent watering amount of about 500 milliliters per session, ensuring that the soil is thoroughly moistened but not waterlogged. This aids in maintaining optimal soil moisture without causing root rot, while effectively allowing the water to reach deep into the soil, ensuring all roots are adequately nourished.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Matchbox bean? ›

What should I do if my Matchbox bean is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Matchbox bean? ›

How to save an overwatered Matchbox bean? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Matchbox bean?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full sun

Duration of light: 4-6 hours daily

Entada phaseoloides performs best in partial to full sun. The ideal lighting encourages lush growth, vibrant foliage, and prolific flowering if applicable. Optimal light fosters maximum photosynthesizing potential.

How much sunlight does Entada phaseoloides need? ›

Why is this sunlight exposure important? ›

What can you do to achieve ideal lighting conditions? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Matchbox bean?

Ideal Temperature: 75 ~ 86℉

The ideal temperature range of 75°F to 86°F supports optimal growth and health for Entada phaseoloides. It ensures the plant can photosynthesize efficiently and maintain metabolic processes without stress, promoting vibrant foliage and flowering.

What Soil is Best for Matchbox bean?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Entada phaseoloides prefers soil with good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Good drainage ensures that the plant roots do not suffocate and rot, promoting healthier growth. Rich in organic matter, loamy soils provide essential nutrients, fostering robust development and vibrant foliage in Entada phaseoloides. While drainage is crucial, Entada phaseoloides also thrives with some moisture retention to support sustained hydration during dry spells.

How to Fertilize Matchbox bean?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Entada phaseoloides thrives with a balanced fertilizer application. Use a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. Ensure the fertilizer is diluted to half its strength for young plants or newly potted specimens to avoid root burn.

How to Prune Matchbox bean?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by inspecting the plant for dead, damaged, or diseased stems and remove these right at the base. Next, identify shoots that appear too long or awkward and trim them back to a lower node to maintain a pleasing form. Regularly cutting back any tangled or crossing vines can prevent disease and encourage a more organized growth pattern. Always use sharp, clean pruning tools to make clean cuts and reduce the risk of infection. Entada phaseoloides thrives as a climbing vine. Pruning should also involve guiding the vine’s growth by trimming excess shoots that do not contribute to its overall direction. This will help promote vertical growth and enable the vine to establish itself in a balanced manner, whether you are training it on a trellis or allowing it to cascade gently. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Matchbox bean plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late spring, Early summer

Collect mature seeds from healthy Entada phaseoloides plants. Clean the seeds and, if necessary, scarify them to break dormancy, which aids in germination.

Plant the prepared seeds in a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the seeds are placed at an appropriate depth, roughly 1-2 times the diameter of the seed.

Select healthy, disease-free stems for cuttings. Cut a section of stem with at least three nodes and remove any lower leaves to prevent rot.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Matchbox bean plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repot Entada phaseoloides when you observe that roots are growing out of the drainage holes or the plant appears to be root-bound. Best to repot during its active growth in spring or early summer to minimize stress.

Select a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one. This reduces root stress and allows the plant to acclimate easily to new conditions. Ensure the pot has sufficient drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Choose a rich, well-draining potting mix. A mix that includes peat, perlite, and organic matter will retain moisture while preventing root rot. It's essential for the healthy growth of Entada phaseoloides.

Toxicity

Ingestion

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.