Jelly Tree

moringa drouhardii

Also known as: ["Jelly Tree","Moringa of Drouhard"]

Family: Moringaceae Genus: Moringa Category: Trees

Overview

A large, deciduous tree native to Madagascar, known for its thick, succulent-like trunk and edible leaves and pods.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","medicinal use","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Brassicales
Family: Moringaceae
Genus: Moringa
Botanical Name: Moringa drouhardii

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in arid or semi-arid regions, or as a potted plant in a sunny location
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with added organic matter; cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed for shaping or rejuvenation.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates intense heat and bright light; adjust to avoid scorching in extreme conditions.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade; protect from harsh midday sun in very hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Place in brightest window possible; rotate plant weekly for even light exposure; use shade cloth if outdoors in extreme heat.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries out between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

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

Use a mix designed for succulents; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature

Thrives in hot climates (25–40°C); tolerates temperatures down to 10°C but prefers warmth; avoid prolonged exposure to cold.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during growing season with balanced fertilizer

Fertilize only during active growth; use a balanced formula; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 10–15 cm stem cutting.
  2. Apply rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in moist propagation medium.
  4. Maintain humidity and warmth.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (24–30°C), humid, and bright but indirect light; protect from direct sun.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rate.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation medium, humidity dome or plastic bag, warm environment.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective pruning of branches to shape the plant; remove crossing or weak growth.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased growth; focus on structural improvement.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; make clean cuts just above nodes; remove dead or diseased wood.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the root zone, avoiding wetting the leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 3–4 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and airy.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or scorching in excessive heat; stunted growth in temperature extremes.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf drop; prolonged cold may lead to root damage or death.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide insulation with mulch or frost cloth; reduce watering in cold periods.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or dehydration; may lead to reduced vigor or flowering.

Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation; mist foliage in extreme heat.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize in spring/summer only; avoid contact with roots; flush soil periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Moringa drouhardii may indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen, iron, or magnesium, or could be a response to environmental stress such as waterlogging or excessive sunlight.

Wilting in Moringa drouhardii is often a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root damage that impairs water uptake, though it can also result from pest infestations or disease.

Leaf spots on Moringa drouhardii may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop if the infection is severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Moringa drouhardii is commonly associated with overwatering or poor drainage, leading to fungal infections that compromise the plant's structural integrity and nutrient transport.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Moringa drouhardii is not considered toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested in small quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Monitor your cat if they consume large amounts, but it is not expected to cause toxicity.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Moringa drouhardii is not considered toxic to dogs. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested in small quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Monitor your dog if they consume large amounts, but it is not expected to cause toxicity.
Humans
Non-toxic

Moringa drouhardii is not considered toxic to humans. It is often utilized for its nutritional and medicinal properties, particularly in traditional medicine.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

While generally safe, consult a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Moringa drouhardii edible?

A: Yes, its leaves and pods are edible and highly nutritious.

Q: How much water does Moringa drouhardii need?

A: It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established.

Q: Does Moringa drouhardii attract wildlife?

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

Quick Reference
Family: Moringaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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