Kalam Plant Care

Kalam (Mitragyna parvifolia) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Mitragyna genus. Kalam is native to India and Sri Lanka. Kalam is also known as Kadamba, Burmese Kadamba, Yellowwood.

Kalam displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Kalam produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Kalam 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.

Kalam thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Mitragyna parvifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Kalam prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Kalam to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Kalam every 6 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 partial shade to full sun and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Kalam is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Kalam can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Kalam 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.

Kalam is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Kalam can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to none plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Kalam is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Kalam grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Kalam is native to India and Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Kalam as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.