Spiny Gourd Plant Care
Momordica dioica Roxb. ex Willd.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Momordica dioica, commonly known as spiny gourd or spine gourd or teasle gourd and also known as bristly balsam pear, is a species of flowering plant in the Cucurbitaceae/gourd family. It is propagated by underground tubers.
Full sun
At a glance
How do you care for Spiny Gourd?
Spiny Gourd grows best in full sun.
What Is the Spiny Gourd?
Spiny Gourd (Momordica dioica) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family within the Momordica genus. Spiny Gourd is also known as Indian Gourd, Teasel Gourd, Kakrol.
Spiny Gourd displays a vining annual growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Spiny Gourd produces yellow, bell-shaped flowers.
What Light Does the Spiny Gourd Need?
Spiny Gourd thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spiny Gourd?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Spiny Gourd to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Spiny Gourd?
Repot annually in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Spiny Gourd?
Spiny Gourd can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Spiny Gourd Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spiny Gourd, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Spiny Gourd?
Spiny Gourd is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Spiny Gourd is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Momordica genus — compare its care with other Momordica species on PlantoScan.
Momordica is part of the Cucurbitaceae plant family — browse all Cucurbitaceae genera and species.
Spiny Gourd thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Momordica dioica Roxb. ex Willd., family Cucurbitaceae (first published in Sp. Pl., ed. 4 , 4: 605 (1805)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spiny Gourd, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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