Indian Mulberry

morus indica

Also known as: ["Indian Mulberry","Chakka","Nuvalli"]

Family: Moraceae Genus: Morus Category: Fruits

Overview

A deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent, known for its edible fruits and leaves used in sericulture.

Benefits & Perks

["edible fruits","medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Genus: Morus
Botanical Name: Morus indica

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Fruits
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in temperate climates, or large indoor pot with ample light
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Collectors & Enthusiasts Edible Gardeners Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required unless in very dry indoor conditions
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and fruit production.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun to avoid scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during peak heat; monitor for sunburn signs.

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; adjust based on season and growth stage.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good aeration; avoid compacted soil; maintain consistent moisture.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate warmth.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain moderate warmth for best growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; avoid fertilizing dry soil; flush soil occasionally to prevent buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or hardwood cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cutting.
  2. Apply hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain moisture.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Late winter or early spring before active growth begins.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity, and partial shade.

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts to open canopy; heading cuts to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Shape plant, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage fruiting branches.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches).

Checklist

Sterilize tools; remove dead/diseased wood; shape plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Use fresh well-draining soil; trim roots if crowded; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; essential for young, fast-growing plants.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water precisely to the root zone.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, wilting, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback; prolonged cold can damage roots.

Solution: Move to a sheltered location; provide frost protection; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced fruit yield; may drop leaves to conserve water.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; use diluted fertilizer; water before and after application.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Morus indica may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Morus indica can be caused by water stress, root damage, or disease, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Morus indica are typically caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Morus indica is often due to overwatering or fungal infections, causing decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats are susceptible to mild toxicity from Morus indica if they consume large quantities of unripe fruits or leaves, which contain hydrogen cyanide that can impair oxygen transport in the body.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting drooling tremors rapid breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
unripe fruits leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Prevent cats from accessing unripe fruits and leaves; seek veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Dogs may experience mild toxicity if they ingest large amounts of unripe fruits or leaves of Morus indica due to the presence of hydrogen cyanide, which can disrupt cellular respiration.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
unripe fruits leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Keep pets away from unripe fruits and leaves; monitor for symptoms if ingestion occurs.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Morus indica, commonly known as Indian mulberry, contains small amounts of hydrogen cyanide in unripe fruits and leaves. Consumption in large quantities can lead to mild toxicity due to cyanide poisoning, affecting the respiratory and nervous systems.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting dizziness weakness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
unripe fruits leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Consume ripe fruits only and avoid excessive intake of leaves or unripe fruits.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are the fruits of Morus indica edible?

A: Yes, the fruits are edible and commonly consumed.

Q: Is Morus indica suitable for growing in containers?

A: It can be grown in large containers but prefers open ground for optimal growth.

Q: Does Morus indica attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and fruits.

Quick Reference
Family: Moraceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during growi
Suitable For: ["beginners","collectors/enthusiasts","edible gardeners","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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