I’m a big fan of Kitchen gardens and have a Malabar spinach in a pot at my house and assure you that growing Malabar spinach indoors can be a rewarding experience if you can provide it with the right conditions. While this plant thrives in tropical climates, it can adapt well to indoor environments with a little extra attention.
Here’s how I grow Malabar spinach indoors successfully:
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Choosing the Right Pot for your Malabar Spinach Indoors
Size: I always pick a 12-inch (30 cm) or larger pot to give my Malabar spinach enough room to grow. This size helps the plant spread out and ensures there’s plenty of space for the roots to develop. A larger pot also helps with water retention, which is important for keeping the plant hydrated.
Drainage: I make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom and causing root rot. To catch any excess water, I use a saucer under the pot.
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Providing Support for your Malabar Spinach
Trellis or Stakes: Since Malabar spinach is a climbing vine, I always add some support, like a small trellis or bamboo stakes, right from the beginning. As the plant grows, I gently guide the vines upwards. It helps keep the plant organized and ensures it has enough room to spread out.
Vertical Space: Growing vertically is a great way to save space indoors. The vine grows long, so I make sure to provide enough height for it to climb and spread.
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Light Requirements of Malabar Spinach Indoors
Full Sun: Malabar spinach needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day, so I place it in a spot where it can get plenty of sun, like a south-facing window. This ensures the plant has the energy it needs to grow.
Grow Lights: In case the sunlight isn’t enough (like in the winter), I use a grow light. I’ve found that a full-spectrum LED grow light works well and provides the right kind of light for Malabar spinach. I place it about 6-12 inches above the plant.
Rotate Regularly: I also rotate the pot regularly so all sides of the plant get equal exposure to light, preventing it from becoming lopsided.
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The Best Home Temperature for Growing Malabar Spinach
Warm Conditions: Malabar spinach thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 70°F (21°C) and 90°F (32°C). I try to keep my indoor space on the warmer side, especially in the winter months.
Avoid Cold Drafts: I make sure to avoid placing it near cold drafts, air conditioners, or heaters, as sudden temperature changes can stress the plant and slow its growth.
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Best Watering Manner for Growing Malabar Spinach Indoors
Consistent Moisture: Malabar spinach likes to be moist but not soggy, so I water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. I make sure the soil doesn’t stay too wet by ensuring the pot has good drainage.
Humidity: Indoor air can get dry, especially in winter, so I often mist the leaves lightly with water or place a humidifier nearby. I’ve also found that placing the pot on a tray of pebbles and water helps maintain a bit of extra humidity around the plant.
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My DIY Soil for Planting a Malabar Spinach in a Pot
Well-Draining Mix: I use a well-draining potting mix for Malabar spinach. It needs a mix that retains moisture but still allows excess water to escape. Sometimes, I add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
pH: The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0), and I keep that in mind when choosing the mix. If I’m unsure, I test the soil’s pH to make sure it’s in the right range.
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Fertilization of Malabar Spinach Indoors
Regular Feeding: Since Malabar spinach grows quickly, I fertilize it once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. I usually look for one with a 10-10-10 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Organic Options: I also like to use organic fertilizers, like fish emulsion or compost, because they provide a steady, slow release of nutrients that my plant appreciates.
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How Do I Prune and Harvest My Malabar Spinach Indoors?
Pinch Back Growing Tips: To encourage my Malabar spinach to grow fuller, I pinch back the growing tips every once in a while. This helps prevent the plant from getting too leggy and promotes more leaves.
Frequent Harvesting: I regularly harvest the leaves when they’re young and tender. Harvesting encourages the plant to keep growing and producing new leaves. Plus, it gives me fresh, nutritious greens for cooking!
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Pests and Diseases of Malabar Spinach Indoors
Check for Pests: While Malabar spinach is pretty hardy, I still keep an eye out for pests like aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs. If I spot any, I usually wash them off with water or use a mild insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
Root Rot Prevention: Overwatering is the biggest risk for root rot, especially indoors where moisture can be harder to control. I always let the top inch of the soil dry out before watering again, and I make sure the pot has good drainage.
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Tips about Pollination
Self-Pollinating: The great thing about Malabar spinach is that it’s self-pollinating, so I don’t need another plant for pollination. However, if I want to grow seeds, I gently shake the plant or use a small paintbrush to transfer pollen between flowers.
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Winter Care of Malabar Spinach Indoors
Low Light: In winter, the growth slows down because there’s less light. To help, I use grow lights to supplement the natural sunlight, and I make sure the plant stays in a warm spot.
Indoor Placement: I also bring the plant indoors if it’s been outside during the warmer months since it can’t handle frost.
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Companion Plants for Malabar Spinach Indoors
Indoor Companions: I’ve found that Malabar spinach grows well alongside other indoor plants that enjoy similar light and humidity conditions. I’ve successfully kept it next to basil, parsley, and chives, as they all share similar needs.
Can I Propagate my Malabar Spinach Indoors?
Starting from Cuttings: To propagate my Malabar spinach, I take stem cuttings and root them in water. After a couple of weeks, when roots appear, I transplant the cutting into a new pot with fresh soil.
The End,
By following these tips, I’ve been able to grow Malabar spinach indoors year-round. With the right amount of light, warmth, and care, I enjoy fresh, nutritious leaves for cooking whenever I need them. It’s a bit more attention than outdoor gardening, but having this tasty, healthy green growing indoors is worth it!
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.