Want to grow something stunning, edible, and good for your health? Bunga Telang, or Butterfly Pea, is Malaysia’s most Insta-worthy flower — and it’s surprisingly easy to grow and brew into a vibrant blue tea. Let’s get planting!
🪻 Why Bunga Telang Deserves a Spot in Your Garden
- Gorgeous indigo-blue blooms that stand out
- Super easy to grow (even in pots)
- Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids
- Can be used to make blue tea, natural food coloring, and even hair rinses
🌱 How to Grow Butterfly Pea (Malaysia Style)
1. Pick the Right Spot
- Needs 6–8 hours of full sun
- Great in containers, balcony pots, or trailing along fences
- Loves well-draining, slightly acidic soil
2. Start from Seeds or Cuttings
- Seeds are cheap and easy to germinate — soak overnight before planting
- Plant 1–2cm deep, spaced at least 30cm apart if using garden beds
- Water daily until they sprout
3. Give It Something to Climb
- Bunga Telang is a climber! Use:
- Trellises
- Fences
- Netting
- Balcony railing
4. Water & Feed
- Water every 1–2 days in Malaysia’s hot climate
- Use organic compost or balanced NPK fertilizer every 2–3 weeks
5. Harvest the Flowers
- Pick flowers daily once they bloom
- Use fresh or dry them in a shaded, airy spot
- The more you pick, the more the plant blooms!
🍵 How to Make Bunga Telang (Blue Pea) Tea
Ingredients:
- 5–10 bunga telang flowers (fresh or dried)
- 1 cup hot water (not boiling)
- Optional: A few drops of lime or lemon juice (turns the tea purple!)
Instructions:
- Steep flowers in hot water for 5–7 minutes
- Watch the water turn a brilliant blue
- Add a squeeze of citrus and watch the color shift to purple!
- Sweeten with honey or drink it plain
Pro Tip: Add pandan leaf or ginger slices for an aromatic twist!
🧠Bonus Uses for Butterfly Pea
- Natural food coloring (rice, kuih, drinks)
- Hair conditioner (traditionally used to boost scalp health)
- Ice cubes for fancy drinks
- Blue lattes and moon milk (yes, that’s a thing!)
⚠️ Warning
While butterfly pea tea is generally safe, some people may experience slight nausea if taken on an empty stomach in large amounts. Always start small — especially if pregnant or on medication.
đź›’ Where to Get Bunga Telang Seeds in Malaysia
- Shopee, Lazada
- Local garden centers
- Ask friendly neighbours (once you start growing, you’ll have seeds to share too!)
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planting for health, beauty, or your TikTok feed, butterfly pea is a magical addition to any Malaysian garden. It’s low-maintenance, fast-growing, and brings serious herbal energy to your home.
So… ready to get brewing?