Tamarind

Family. Legumes.

Origin. East Africa.

What does look like? In its natural environment, tamarind is a very large and spreading tree up to 25 m high. The crown is lush and dense. The leaves are complex, alternately arranged, and consist of several pairs of oblong-oval, green leaves. During the flowering period, the plant forms red buds, collected in inflorescences - brushes on the tops of the branches. The flowers are yellowish, with red streaks on the petals. After flowering, the tree bears fruit with beans collected in long and often curved green pods. As the seeds ripen, the pods dry out and turn brown.

Height. Tamarind grows slowly at home; in indoor cultivation, its height is regulated by pruning.

Home care 

To maintain a compact shape, side shoots can be shortened to 20 - 40 cm in length in mid-summer. 

Propagation

Tamarinds are propagated by cuttings or seeds. The germination period is only a few days, but plants grown from seeds will require a long period of development before flowering. For this reason, gardeners prefer bushes obtained by cuttings or grafting - they bloom at the age of 4-5 years.

Flowering time 

Spring.

Transplantation 

Every spring, as they grow, into larger pots. Large tub plants require annual replacement of the top layer of soil with fresh one. 

Soil 

Tamarind adapts well to most types of soil. It can grow in fairly poor soils, but prefers fertile, moist, well-drained substrates with a slightly acidic pH. 

Temperature

Normal room temperature is suitable throughout the year. If the temperature drops, the tree may lose its leaves.

Lighting

Bright lighting promotes abundant flowering and plants look stronger and healthier. 

Fertilizer

 Feed 2 times a month  during the growing season with fertilizers low in nitrogen and high in potassium and phosphorus. In autumn and winter, the frequency of fertilizing can be reduced to once a month or stopped completely until spring.

Spraying 

Mist the plants periodically or place them on a tray of damp pebbles.

Watering

Needs plenty of water during growth - keep soil evenly moist. During the winter dormant period, watering is reduced. 

Diseases and pests 

Excessive nitrogen content in fertilizing causes tamarind to abundantly grow green mass to the detriment of flowering. Leaf spots, viral diseases. Insects - pests - aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects.

Purpose

Tamarind is very attractive due to its delicate foliage and can be grown as an indoor bonsai. 

Note

The fruits of the tree are edible.

Varieties:

Tamarindus indica