Khejri Plant Care

Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Prosopis genus. Khejri is native to arid portions of Western Asia and the Indian subcontinent, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iran, India, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Khejri is also known as Jand, Prosopis cineraria, Indian Mesquite.

Khejri displays a large spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Khejri produces small yellow-green flowers in elongated clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Khejri every 14–21 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.

Khejri thrives in full sun.

Prosopis cineraria tolerates temperatures of 50–95°F. Khejri prefers humidity levels of 10–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Khejri to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Khejri every 8 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 and well-draining sandy soil mix with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Khejri is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 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.

Khejri can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 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 Khejri 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.

Khejri is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Khejri can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chilean mesquite plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Khejri is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, pod gall midges. 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.

Khejri grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Khejri is native to arid portions of Western Asia and the Indian subcontinent, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iran, India, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. In cooler regions, grow Khejri as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.