How to Grow and Care for Moringa Trees

Fast-growing, deciduous moringa trees [1] are indigenous to Bangladesh and India. The drumstick tree, horseradish tree, and ben oil tree are other names for moringa trees that are frequently used. The ideal growing conditions for moringa trees are in the tropics, where they need six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day, slightly acidic to neutral soil, and temperatures between 77 and 95.

They are also known as the "miracle tree," and indigenous people have long valued them for their nutritive and therapeutic properties [2]. From the seeds to the foliage to the roots, every component of the tree is edible and provides minerals and antioxidants, much like spinach [3].

Moringa is a genus of plants that belongs to the family Moringaceae. It has 13 species that are native to Africa and Asia and have various uses as food, medicine and water purification. The different types of moringa plants can be classified by their trunk type as follows:

• Bottle (pachycaul) trees: These are moringa plants that have thick, water-storing trunks that help them survive in dry environments. They include M. drouhardii, M. hildebrandtii, M. ovalifolia and M. stenopetala. These species have small, white flowers and long, slender pods that contain edible seeds.

• Slender trees: These are moringa plants that have thin, straight trunks that can grow up to 12 meters tall. They include M. concanensis, M. oleifera and M. peregrina. These species have fragrant, white or cream flowers and long, triangular pods that are widely consumed as vegetables in many parts of the world. M. oleifera is the most widely cultivated and marketed species of moringa.

• Sarcorhizal trees: These are moringa plants that have swollen, tuber-like roots that store water and nutrients. They include M. arborea and M. ruspoliana. These species have white or yellow flowers and short, thick pods that contain oily seeds.

• Tuberous shrubs: These are moringa plants that have underground tubers that can sprout new stems after drought or fire. They include M. borziana, M. longituba, M. pygmaea and M. rivae. These species have white, pink or red flowers and short, curved pods that contain winged seeds.

• To make the most of the entire growth season, plant the tree in the spring.

• Prefers loamy, somewhat acidic soil that is well-drained.

• It can withstand both heat and drought if you give it full sun and damp but not soggy soil.

• Can develop in containers as long as the container has a minimum diameter of 30 inches.

• During the winter, bring moringa trees inside.

Temperature and Humidity

Although they can withstand harsh temperatures as high as 118 degrees Fahrenheit as long as they are in afternoon shade, moringa grows best in temperatures between 77 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Although they may endure a brief frost, these plants do not perform well in frigid climates. In USDA zones 10 and 11, moringa plants can be cultivated outdoors all year round, and they can be grown outdoors for a portion of the year in any area with warm summers.

Soil

The moringa tree is tolerant of a variety of soil types and, if necessary, may thrive in subpar soils. They do best, nevertheless, when grown in sandy, well-draining soils. Because the plants are susceptible to root rot, they won't thrive in highly compacted or very damp soil.

Water

The soil around moringa plants should always be damp but not soggy. Overwatering and "wet feet" are not tolerated by moringa plants. While mature moringa trees can withstand drought, immature plants require more regular rainfall to promote brisk development. When watering moringa plants, infrequent, heavy watering is preferable to regular, light watering.

Fertilizer

When planting, add compost to the soil to add the necessary nutrients. A sparing application of a general-purpose fertilizer aids in the growth of moringa plants. Moringa plants don't require routine fertilizing once they are established. However, they gain from routine dung or compost additions to their soils.

Light

The optimal environment for moringa trees is a bright, sunny site that receives direct sunlight for the majority of the day. If the plants do not receive enough light, their growth may be impeded.

Moringa plants can be easily grown from seeds. Because there is no dormancy period for moringa seeds, it is advisable to plant them right away when they are taken from the tree. For up to a year, fresh seeds maintain great germination rates. It is advisable to sow moringa seeds directly into the ground because the plant's extensive taproot makes transplanting them difficult.

How to plant seeds outdoors:

• To thoroughly loosen the soil, dig a hole that is approximately a foot deep and wide, and then backfill it with compost and dirt.

• Fill each hole with three to five seeds, spacing them two inches apart and a half inch deep. Add soil and water, then cover. Maintain a wet but not saturated soil.

• Thin the seedlings when they are 4–6 inches tall, preserving only the healthiest plant and getting rid of the others.

How to grow seeds indoors:

• To hasten germination, soak the seeds in water over night.

• Plant the seeds 1 inch deep in a deep container filled with seed-starting soil. Combine well with water and cover.

• Germination, which should take place in three to 14 days, is sped up by bottom heat.

How to transplant seedlings outdoors:

• Before moving the plant outside, it needs to harden off.

• Dig a hole that is just a little bit bigger than the seedling's rootball in a spot that receives lots of sunlight.

• Backfill the hole with a mixture of soil, sand, and compost after setting the seedling in the hole with the top of the rootball flush with the soil line.

• After planting, water the seedlings sparingly, taking care not to drown them.

Because of their deep taproot systems, immature plants can be kept in 6- to 7-inch pots, but as they mature, they should be transferred to larger containers. To provide a home for your moringa, use a 30-inch pot or bigger. Before the plant becomes root-bound, transplant it; otherwise, it would be difficult to get rid of.

Yellowing Leaves

With excessive watering, insufficient watering, or poor soil nitrogen levels, moringa leaves can become yellow. By sticking your finger about an inch deep, you may check the water level. If the plant is dry, water it from an inch down. When all the leaves begin to turn yellow, either nutrients or sunlight are probably deficient. Consider fertilizing the plant and relocating it to a more light-filled area.

Browning or Dying Branches and Leaves

A dying moringa is probably the result of poor soil drainage. The most frequent cause of moringa tree death is root rot. Make sure the plant is on soil that drains quickly. To enhance soil drainage, include compost, peat moss, perlite, or sand.

Poor Growth

Moringa trees grow quickly. There are a number of reasons why the growth of your moringa tree may have been inhibited, including inadequate sunlight, a lack of nutrients, or cold temperatures. These trees can withstand a brief period of cool weather, but they cannot withstand sustained cold. Bring the tree indoors if cold weather is forecast because it will cease developing in cold temperatures.

1. Can Moringa trees be grown in pots?

Yes, Moringa trees can be grown in pots, but they must be pruned regularly to maintain a manageable size. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage and use a well-draining potting mix.

2. How long does it take for a Moringa tree to produce leaves or seeds?

Moringa trees can start producing leaves within a few months of planting. Seed production typically begins within 6-8 months, depending on the growing conditions.

3. Can Moringa trees survive in cold climates?

Moringa trees are tropical plants and cannot survive in cold temperatures. They are best grown in USDA zones 9-11.

SOURCES

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Moringa Tree, Gift of Nature: a Review on Nutritional and Industrial Potential - National Institutes of Health

2. Anwar F, Latif S, Ashraf M, Gilani AH. Moringa oleifera: A Food Plant with Multiple Medicinal Uses. - National Center for Biotechnology Information.

3. Islam Z, Islam SMR, Hossen F, Mahtab-ul-Islam K, Hasan MdR, Karim R. Moringa oleifera is a prominent source of nutrients with potential health benefits. - Int J Food Sci. 2021;2021:6627265.