Here’s a detailed description of the Butterfly Wing Plant, a name that may refer to a few different plants depending on region, but most commonly refers to:

🌺 Butterfly Wing Plant Description

(Typically refers to Christia obcordata)

🪴 General Overview:

Common Name: Butterfly Wing Plant, Swallowtail Plant, Red Butterfly Wing

Scientific Name: Christia obcordata

Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)

Type: Herbaceous perennial (often grown as an annual in cooler climates)

Native Region: Southeast Asia (e.g., Philippines, Japan, Indonesia)

🌱 Plant Characteristics:

Growth Habit:

Small, bushy plant with an upright or slightly spreading form

Grows about 30–60 cm (1–2 feet) tall

Often grown for ornamental foliage

Leaves:

Main feature of the plant — shaped like butterfly wings

Triangular or heart-shaped (obcordate), resembling a butterfly in flight

Striped patterns in shades of green, burgundy, and maroon, often with lighter veins or contrasting colors

Moves slightly in response to light (nyctinasty)

Stems:

Thin and upright

Often reddish or green in color

🌸 Flowers:

Appearance:

Tiny and inconspicuous

Usually pinkish or pale purple

Bloom rarely and are not the plant's main attraction

🌞 Growing Conditions:

Light:

Bright, indirect sunlight

Can tolerate some morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon rays

Indoors: place near a sunny window

Soil:

Well-draining, fertile soil (rich in organic matter)

pH: slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Watering:

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy

Let the top inch dry slightly between waterings

Humidity:

Prefers high humidity — mist regularly or use a humidity tray indoors

Ideal for tropical or greenhouse environments

Temperature:

Prefers 18–28°C (64–82°F)

Sensitive to cold — not frost-tolerant

✅ Special Features & Benefits:

Grown primarily for its striking, butterfly-shaped foliage

Excellent for containers, houseplants, or shaded garden beds

Adds tropical flair to indoor or patio plant collections

Non-toxic to humans and pets (based on current data)

⚠️ Care Notes:

May drop leaves or go dormant if exposed to cold or low light

Can be propagated from cuttings or division

Rare in nurseries — considered a collector’s plant