Arjuna Tree
terminalia arjuna
Also known as: ["Arjuna","White Marudni","Kokkay","Marudha"]
Overview
A large deciduous tree native to India, known for its medicinal properties, particularly in cardiovascular health.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Combretaceae |
| Genus: | Terminalia |
| Botanical Name: | Terminalia arjuna |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a spacious area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to moderate-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter. Can tolerate slightly sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and health needs.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates some shade but thrives in bright light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate plant for even light exposure; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify sunlight.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff; allow soil to dry partially between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.5).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; test pH periodically; amend as needed.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (20–35°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in tropical to subtropical climates.
Use a thermometer to monitor microclimate; group plants for mutual shade in heat; avoid placing near drafty windows in winter.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth
Avoid over-fertilizing; fertilize only during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Keep warm and moist.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (24–30°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment takes 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to shape the tree, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage airflow. Focus on structural improvement and health.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds or branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim rootbound roots; replace old soil with fresh mix; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply slowly to avoid runoff, and continue until water drains from the bottom. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during growing season; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture and improve structure.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold stress; wilting, scorching, or bud drop in heat stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback, especially below 10°C.
Solution: Provide frost protection (e.g., burlap wrap); move potted plants indoors; use mulch to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering if water and shade are inadequate.
Solution: Increase watering frequency; provide afternoon shade; use reflective mulch to reduce ground heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; follow dilution instructions; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring and midsummer. Dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used monthly during growing season.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicTerminalia arjuna is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicTerminalia arjuna is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicTerminalia arjuna is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has been used in traditional medicine for its cardiovascular benefits without significant toxicity reported.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the medicinal uses of Terminalia arjuna?
A: It is traditionally used for heart health, including treating conditions like angina and heart failure.
Q: Is Terminalia arjuna suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is a large tree and is best suited for outdoor landscapes.
Q: How does Terminalia arjuna adapt to drought conditions?
A: The tree is highly drought-tolerant and can thrive in arid environments with minimal water.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Combretaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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