How to Grow Millingtonia Hortensis in India?

Millingtonia Hortensis, or the Indian Cork Tree, can be a fantastic addition to the garden for a year-round green appeal!

Millingtonia Hortensis is a tropical tree native to South and Southeast Asia. It does remarkably well in the Indian climate, which makes it a must-have in the garden! Let’s have a look at how to grow and maintain it.

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Millingtonia Hortensis Information

Millingtonia Hortensis is a large tropical tree that is native to India, Bangladesh, and other parts of South Asia. It is a member of the Bignoniaceae family and is also known as the Indian cork tree. This tree can reach heights of up to 60 feet and can live for more than 200 years.

The bark of the tree is thick, corky, and deeply furrowed, while the leaves are pinnate and have a leathery texture. The fragrant white flowers are long and tubular, and they bloom in the summer months. The fruit of the tree is round and contains a single seed.

Millingtonia Hortensis is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses, including fever, cold, and malaria. Additionally, it is used in the production of furniture, construction material, and fuelwood.

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How to Grow Millingtonia Hortenis?

Here are the steps to grow Millingtonia Hortensis from seeds:

• Collect the ripe capsules of Millingtonia Hortensis when they turn brown and split open. Extract the seeds from the capsules and soak them in water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat.
• Prepare a well-draining potting mix by mixing equal parts of sand, peat moss, and perlite. Fill small pots or seedling trays with the potting mix.
• Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep into the potting mix and cover lightly with the mixture. Water the potting mix until moist but not soggy.
• Place the pots or seedling trays in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Keep the potting mix moist but not waterlogged by watering when the top layer feels dry to the touch. The ideal temperature for germination is between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
• Once the Millingtonia Hortensis seedlings have grown to 3-4 inches and developed 2-3 sets of leaves, they can be transplanted to larger pots or directly into the ground in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
• Water the plants regularly, especially during the hot and dry seasons. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months to promote healthy growth. Prune the plants to maintain their shape and remove dead or damaged branches.

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Requirements for Growing Millingtonia Hortensis 

Sunlight

Millingtonia Hortensis grows best in full sun so ensure that the tree gets a minimum of 5-6 hours of sunlight every day. If you will plant it in shade, then it won’t achieve a good height and its spread will be also less. It won’t flower as much, too.

Soil

The tree grows best in moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should also be well-aerated, with good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Mulching around the tree can help maintain soil moisture and provide nutrients.

Water

Millingtonia Hortensis requires a lot of water to thrive. It should be watered regularly, about 2 to 3 times a week, making sure that the soil is evenly moist. In the summer, it should be watered more frequently, about 4 to 5 times a week.

It is important to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot, so it is best to water when the topsoil goes a little dry to the touch.

During periods of extreme heat, it is best to water the tree in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.

Temperature

The tree grows well in warm and humid climates with temperatures between 21-36 C. Millingtonia Hortensis can tolerate mild frost, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can damage the tree.

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Millingtonia Hortensis Care

Fertilizer

Millingtonia Hortensis benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 NPK fertilizer, once in 3 months when it is actively growing.

Pruning

Prune Millingtonia Hortensis to maintain its shape and size, and remove any dead or diseased branches. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts.

Avoid pruning during the flowering season, as this can reduce the number of flowers.

Pests and Diseases

Millingtonia Hortensis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. To control these pests, spray the tree with a neem oil solution or an insecticidal soap.

The tree is susceptible to root rot, which can occur if the soil is waterlogged. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering. Millingtonia Hortensis can also be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. To control these diseases, spray the tree with a fungicide and remove any infected leaves.

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Advantages of Millingtonia Hortensis

• It is a beautiful ornamental tree that produces large, fragrant white flowers. Millingtonia Hortensis is often used as a specimen plant in parks, gardens, and landscapes.
• The tree has a wide-spreading canopy that provides shade and shelter for people, animals, and other plants.
• Millingtonia Hortensis helps to purify the air by absorbing pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide.
• The tree has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as fever, cough, asthma, and skin infections.
• The tree’s flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which help pollinate other plants in the surrounding area.
• Millingtonia Hortensis is drought-tolerant and can survive periods of low water availability. This makes it a valuable tree for planting in areas with limited water resources.