Indian Beech Plant Care

Indian Beech (Pongamia pinnata) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Pongamia genus. Indian Beech is native to eastern and tropical Asia, Australia, and the Pacific islands. Indian Beech is also known as Pongam tree, Karanja, Nargi.

Indian Beech displays a medium-sized tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 25 ft. Indian Beech produces small white to pink fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Indian Beech 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.

Indian Beech thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Pongamia pinnata tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Indian Beech prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil mix with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Indian Beech to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Indian Beech 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil mix with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Indian Beech is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Indian Beech can spread to about 25 ft (7.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 25 ft (7.6 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 Indian Beech 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.

Indian Beech 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.

Indian Beech can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Indian Beech is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, scale insects. 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.

Indian Beech grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Indian Beech is native to eastern and tropical Asia, Australia, and the Pacific islands. In cooler regions, grow Indian Beech as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.