Hi, I’m a horticultural consultant and a big fan of kitchen gardens. Malabar spinach (Basella) is a tropical vine known for its edible, succulent leaves and stems with several varieties that differ mainly in the colour of their stems and leaves. I grow a Basella alba (green-leaved) in a container at my house. Here’s how I successfully grow Malabar spinach in a pot:
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Choosing the Right Container to Grow Malabar Spinach in Pot
Size: I always pick a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide to give my Malabar spinach enough room to spread out. Since it’s a fast-growing vine, it needs space for its roots and to support its climbing habit.
Drainage: I make sure the pot has drainage holes. Malabar spinach doesn’t like sitting in water, so good drainage is key to keeping the roots healthy.
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Using the Right Soil for Malabar Spinach in Container
Well-Drained Mix: I use a high-quality potting mix that drains well. If I need to improve the drainage, I mix in a little perlite or coarse sand. This ensures the soil doesn’t stay too soggy.
pH Level: Malabar spinach prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0), so I keep that in mind when choosing my potting mix.
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Providing Support for your Malabar Spinach
Trellis or Stakes: Since Malabar spinach is a vine, I always add a trellis, bamboo stakes, or some other support in the pot at planting time. The vines grow long (up to 10 feet or more), so I make sure the support is tall enough to accommodate its growth. I like growing it vertically because it saves space and makes harvesting easier.
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Light Requirements of Malabar Spinach in Pot
Full Sun: Malabar spinach loves the sun, so I place my pot in a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. A sunny balcony, patio, or windowsill works great.
Partial Shade: If I live in a hotter climate, I give it some afternoon shade to protect it from the intense midday heat, but it still needs plenty of sun to thrive.
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Watering of Malabar Spinach in Container
Consistent Moisture: I make sure the soil stays consistently moist, but I avoid overwatering. I water my Malabar spinach whenever the top of the soil feels dry to the touch, but I never let it sit in standing water. It’s important to let the top of the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Avoid Waterlogging: I always check the saucer under the pot to make sure there’s no water pooling, as this can cause root rot.
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Fertilization of Malabar Spinach
Regular Feeding: Since Malabar spinach is a heavy feeder, I fertilize it once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. If I’m using organic methods, I add compost or fish emulsion every few weeks.
Organic Options: I also like using organic fertilizers like well-rotted manure because they release nutrients slowly, keeping the plant fed without overdoing it.
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Temperature
Warm Conditions: Malabar spinach thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 70°F (21°C) and 90°F (32°C). I make sure to keep it in a warm spot, especially during the cooler months.
Cold Sensitivity: If temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), I bring the pot indoors or move it to a warmer location. Malabar spinach won’t tolerate frost.
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Pruning and Harvesting of Malabar Spinach
Pruning for Bushier Growth: I like to pinch back the growing tips every now and then to encourage a fuller, bushier plant. It keeps the vines from becoming too leggy and helps me get more leaves.
Frequent Harvesting: I harvest the leaves regularly—usually as soon as they’re large enough to use in cooking. The more I pick, the more the plant produces, so I make sure to trim off the leaves often.
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Pests and Diseases
Watching for Pests: I keep an eye out for common pests like aphids or caterpillars. If I notice any, I wash them off with a hose or use insecticidal soap.
Disease Prevention: Malabar spinach is pretty disease-resistant, but I make sure the plant isn’t sitting in water for too long and that it has plenty of airflow. This helps prevent fungal issues and root rot.
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Winter Care of Malabar Spinach in Pot
Bringing It Inside: If I live in a cooler climate, I bring my potted Malabar spinach indoors when the weather turns cold. I place it near a sunny window or under a grow light. The plant might slow down in the winter, but it will survive until spring.
Temperature Protection: I also make sure the pot is raised off the ground, using bricks or a wooden platform, to protect the roots from the cold.
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Companion Plants for Malabar Spinach in Pot
Growing with Others: I’ve had good luck growing Malabar spinach alongside plants that like similar conditions, such as basil, chives, or tomatoes. I make sure there’s enough space for all of them to grow, though, as Malabar spinach can spread quite a bit.
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Propagation of Malabar Spinach
Starting from Seeds or Cuttings: I’ve propagated Malabar spinach by both seeds and cuttings. If I’m starting from seeds, I plant them directly in the pot after the weather warms up and keep the soil moist. I’ve also rooted stem cuttings in water, and once they develop roots, I transplant them into the pot.
The End,
With these tips, I’ve grown healthy, abundant Malabar spinach in my pot. It’s easy to care for, and I love using its nutritious, tender leaves in various dishes. Just ensure it gets enough light, space to climb and regular watering, and it will reward you with plenty of fresh s
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.