Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree native to the southern foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India. Moringa is cultivated for its highly nutritious leaves as well as its oil-rich seeds. The leaves of the moringa tree are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried and powdered. The oil from moringa seeds is used in cooking and cosmetics. It is also used as a natural lubricant and as a fuel for lamps.
How to care:
Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 20 feet in height. It is drought-resistant and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. Moringa can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
To harvest the leaves, cut branches from the tree and strip the leaves off. The leaves can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried and powdered. To harvest the seeds, wait until the pods turn brown and then split them open to remove the seeds. The seeds can be used to make oil or can be roasted and eaten.
Water requirment:
Plant is a drought-resistant tree, however, it will produce more leaves if given sufficient water. Water the tree deeply and regularly during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Type of soil:
Plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, however, it prefers well-drained, sandy loam soils.
Fertilizer:
Plant is a fast-growing tree and will benefit from regular applications of fertilizer. Apply a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 once a month during the growing season.
Propagation
Plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
To propagate from seed, sow the seeds in a well-drained seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist but not wet and place the seedlings in a warm, sunny location. Once the seedlings have germinated, thin them so that only the strongest seedling remains.
To propagate from cuttings, take 6-8 inch cuttings from the tips of young branches. Strip the leaves off of the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and keep the soil moist but not wet. Place the cuttings in a warm, sunny location and wait for them to root. Once the cuttings have rooted, transplant them into individual pots.
Pest and disease:
Plant is relatively pest and disease free. However, the tree can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Landscape use:
Moringa oleifera is an attractive tree that can be used in a variety of landscape settings. It is often used as a hedge or screen. Moringa can also be planted as a specimen tree or in a group.