Malabar spikenard Plant Care

Malabar spikenard (Aralia malabarica) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Aralia genus. Malabar spikenard is native to the Western Ghats of southern India. Malabar spikenard is also known as Indian Angelica Tree.

Malabar spikenard displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Malabar spikenard produces small clusters of white or pale yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Malabar spikenard every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Malabar spikenard thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Malabar spikenard in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Aralia malabarica tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Malabar spikenard prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Malabar spikenard to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Malabar spikenard every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to low light and well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Malabar spikenard is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Malabar spikenard can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Malabar spikenard while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Malabar spikenard is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Malabar spikenard can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese angelica tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Malabar spikenard is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Malabar spikenard grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Malabar spikenard is native to the Western Ghats of southern India. In cooler regions, grow Malabar spikenard as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.