How to Grow Murraya Paniculata in India

Murraya Paniculata is a beautiful plant that you must have in your garden! It grows elegant white flowers with mesmerizing scent!

Murraya Paniculata, better known as the orange jasmine, is an evergreen shrub native to tropical Asia. With its fragrant white flowers and orange-yellow berries, this ornamental shrub has become a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike.

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Murraya Paniculata Information

Murraya paniculata, popular as orange jasmine or mock orange, is a tropical, evergreen shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is native to southern China, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and edible fruit.

The leaves of Murraya paniculata are glossy, dark green, and pinnate, with 3-9 leaflets that are lanceolate or oblong in shape. The leaves emit a strong, citrusy scent when crushed. The flowers of Murraya paniculata are small, white, or cream-colored and highly fragrant, with five petals and numerous stamens. They bloom in clusters from spring to summer and are attractive to bees and other pollinators.

The fruit of Murraya paniculata is a small, round berry that is green when immature and turns orange-red when ripe. It is edible but not commonly consumed due to its bitter taste.

Murraya paniculata can grow up to 3-6 meters (10-20 feet) tall and 2-3 meters (6-10 feet) wide but can also be pruned to maintain a smaller size. It can also be used as a hedge, screen, or specimen plant and is sometimes used in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties.

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How to Propagate Murraya Paniculata in India 

Seeds: Collect fresh seeds from the Murraya Paniculata fruit and soak them in water overnight before sowing them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and germination should occur within 2-3 weeks. However, it should be noted that seed propagation may not result in plants with identical traits as the parent plant. 

Cuttings: Take 6-8-inch-long semi-hardwood cuttings from the current year’s growth in spring or early summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and plant the cuttings in well-draining soil or a mixture of peat and sand. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. 

Air layering: Select a healthy branch and make a 1-inch cut in the bark. Apply rooting hormone to the cut and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss or a mixture of peat and sand. Wrap it with plastic and secure it with tape. Roots should form in 4-6 weeks, after which the branch can be cut and planted in well-draining soil. 

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Requirements to Grow Murraya Paniculata in India 

Sunlight

Murraya paniculata is a tropical plant that requires full sun to partial shade to grow well in India. It prefers to be in a location where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day, although it can tolerate some shade.

Providing some form of shade during the hottest parts of the day may be necessary for hot and dry regions, while ensuring that the plant is not exposed to heavy rainfall is important in areas that receive a lot of rain. 

Soil

Murraya Paniculata prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but the soil should be well-drained to prevent waterlogging and root rot. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.

If you are growing Murraya Paniculata in a pot, make sure that the pot has drainage holes with a well-draining potting mix that contains a combination of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. 

Water

Murraya Paniculata requires regular watering, especially during its growing season. The plant prefers well-drained soil, so make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Water the plant deeply once or twice a week when the topsoil feels slightly dry to the touch.. Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant goes into a dormant phase. 

Temperature and Humidity

Murraya Paniculata is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. The plant prefers temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F) during the day and around 15-20°C (59-68°F) at night.

Protect the plant from extreme heat and cold, as it can suffer from leaf scorch in hot and dry conditions or frost damage in cold weather.

In regions with extreme temperatures, it is best to plant Murraya Paniculata in a location that provides some shade during the hottest part of the day and some protection from cold winds. 

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Murraya Paniculata Care 

Fertilizer

Murraya Paniculata benefits from regular feeding during its growing season, which is typically from spring to fall. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 after diluting it to 1/2 of its strength once in 4-6 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause leaf burn and other issues. 

Pruning

Murraya Paniculata can be pruned to maintain its shape and size, promote branching, and remove dead or damaged branches. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Use sharp and clean pruning shears to make clean cuts. Remove no more than one-third of the plant’s total growth at a time to avoid stressing the plant. 

Pest and Diseases

Murraya Paniculata is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to some issues. Common pests include scale insects, aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.

Common diseases include fungal leaf spots and root rot, and powdery mildew.

Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control pests and fungicides to control diseases. Avoid overwatering and keep the foliage dry to prevent fungal diseases. 

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