How to Grow Madhumalti (Rangoon Creeper): What are its Health Benefits & How to Take Care

Madhumalti, also known as Madhulata in Hindi, is famous for its fragrant red, pink, and white flowers. This flower's name derives from the perception that its aroma is sweet, like honey.

In the scientific community, it is known as Combretum indicum and in common English, it is called Rangoon Creeper or honeysuckle.

The Madhumalti plant produces delicate and fragrant flowers and is a hardy plant that loves the sun but also enjoys some shade. 

You cannot even guess the strangest trait of this plant!

Well, Madhumalti can change colors. At dusk, when this flower opens, it is white. It turns pink on the second day and crimson on the third, luring hawkmoths, day-flying bees, and birds.

If you are keen to add some color, and welcome bees and birds in your vicinity, you can bring a madhumalti plant. It is one of the easiest plants to grow at home. Our blog will guide you through that process.

In this blog, we will learn about the following:

• Facts about the Madhumalti plant
• Benefits of Madhumalti Plants
• How to Grow a Madhumalti Plant at home
• How to Take Care of the Madhumalti plant

So, let’s get started. 

Facts about the Madhumalti Plant

1. Many exciting and lesser-known facts about this Madhumalti plant are worth exploring. Read about some of those unknown facts about Madhumalti plants: -
2. Madhumalti is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is mentioned in the Charaka Samhita and the Susruta Samhita for its medicinal uses.
3. In Hindu culture, Madhumalti Bel is associated with the Hindu god Vishnu. Planting Madhumalti in gardens or temples is believed to bring good luck and prosperity according to Vastu.
4. The Madhumalti flower is known for its unique petals arranged in clusters. The flowers have a distinct structure, with four petals and a central disk surrounded by stamens.
5. The essential oil extracted from the Madhumalti plant is used in perfumes and aromatherapy products. This oil has calming effects on minds and bodies.
6. Madhumalti ki Bel is used in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions, including inflammation, digestive disorders, and skin conditions. 
7. Madhumalti also has a high nutritional value. The leaves of the plant are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to the diet.

Benefits of Madhumalti Plant

Madhumalti is a popular plant in Indian culture and is widely grown in many parts of the world. Read below to learn about various Madhumalti plant benefits: -

Aesthetic appeal

Madhumalti adds a pop of color and fragrance to any outdoor garden or indoor space, making it a great addition to any home.

Air Purification

Madhumalti is known to purify the air, removing harmful pollutants and toxins. It helps create a clean and healthy environment and effectively reduces indoor air pollution.

Stress Relief

Reducing stress and anxiety can improve overall well-being and quality of life. The sweet fragrance of Madhumalti is known to have a calming and soothing effect on the mind, making it an ideal plant to grow in a home or workspace.

Medicinal Properties

Madhumalti has a long history of use in traditional medicine and has been used to treat various health conditions. It is known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, making it an effective natural remedy for multiple ailments.

Low Maintenance

Madhumalti is a hardy plant that requires very little maintenance, making it an ideal choice for those new to gardening or with limited time to devote to Madhumalti plant care. It can be grown in various conditions and does not require much attention.

Attracts Beneficial Insects

Madhumalti attracts beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, to the garden. These insects are essential for pollinating other plants and helping maintain a healthy and diverse ecosystem in the garden.

Easy to Propagate

Madhumalti is a fast-growing plant that can be easily propagated from cuttings, making it an excellent choice for those looking to expand their home garden without spending much money.

How to Grow a Madhumalti Plant at home

Madhumalti is a beautiful flowering plant that can add a touch of color to any garden. It is also easy to grow and maintain, making it a popular choice for gardeners. Read below to learn how to grow Madhumalti from stem cuttings.

Materials Needed:

• Madhumalti cuttings
• Potting soil
• Plant pot or container
• Water
• Rooting hormone powder
• Plastic bag
• Scissors

Step 1: Selecting Cuttings

The first step in growing Madhumalti from cuttings is to select healthy and vigorous cuttings. Look for 4 to 5 inches long stems with at least 2-3 leaves. Choose cuttings that have not yet flowered and have no signs of damage or disease.

Step 2: Preparing Cuttings

Once you have selected your cuttings, it's time to prepare them for planting. Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut the bottom of the stem at a 45-degree angle, just below a leaf node. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth.

Step 3: Potting the Cuttings

Fill a plant pot with potting soil and make a hole in the center. Insert the cutting into the hole and press the soil firmly around it. Water the soil thoroughly to settle it around the cutting and remove any air pockets.

Step 4: Creating a Mini-Greenhouse

Cover the pot or container with a plastic bag and secure it with a rubber band. This setting will help maintain a high humidity level, which is essential for root development.

Step 5: Monitoring Progress

Check on your Madhumalti cuttings every few days and ensure that the soil is moist but not soggy. You can also open the plastic bag for a few hours daily to allow fresh air to circulate. Within 4-5 weeks, you should start to see new growth and roots forming.

Step 6: Transplanting

Once your Madhumalti cuttings have formed a healthy root system, you can transplant them into larger pots or the ground. Water the soil thoroughly after transplanting and place the plant in a sunny location.

How to Take Care of the Madhumalti Plant

Soil

The Madhumalti plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. If the soil in your area is heavy clay, it may be necessary to amend it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.

Sunlight

Madhumalti plants thrive in full sun or partial shade. Ensure 6 hours of direct sunlight daily with some afternoon shade if your area receives scorching sunlight.

Location

When planting in the ground, it is essential to choose a location that provides the plant with enough space to grow to its full potential.

Temperature

They prefer a warm, tropical climate with average temperatures between 21°C and 29°C.

Fertilizer

Madhumalti plants benefit from regular fertilizer applications, particularly during the growing season. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied every 3-4 months is ideal. Alternatively, you can use a water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season

Water

During hot weather, it may be necessary to water the plant once or twice a week. In cooler weather, watering once every 10-14 days is sufficient. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering.

Pruning

Pruning encourages new growth. Regular pruning also helps to keep the plant within bounds and prevent it from becoming leggy. So, prune the plant back to just above a set of leaves after it has finished flowering.

Mulching

A layer of organic mulch, such as leaves, straw, or wood chips, should be applied around the base of the plant to a depth of 2-3 inches to conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Conclusion:

By providing the Madhumalti plant with the right growing conditions, you can enjoy its beautiful flowers and sweet fragrance for many years. With proper care, this hardy and versatile shrub will thrive in your garden and provide you with years of enjoyment. So what are you waiting for? Get going with gardening. 

FAQs Related to Rangoon Creeper

1. When is the best time to grow Madhumalti?

Madhumalti plants will grow well anytime after the monsoon starts in mid-late March or early June and August and October. It is the best time to start the Madhumalti plant because there is little to no chill.

2. What is the bloom time of the Madhumalti Flower?

The Madhumalti flowering season lasts from February to May and from August to November.

3. What should I do if the Madhumalti plant is moldy?

The moldy Madhumalti plant will die because the fungus will come out in the rain. Try to save the Madhumalti plant by spraying distilled water and natural plant products.

4. What should I do if the Madhumalti plant is waterlogged?

You should dig out the Madhumalti plant and water it again. Don't use water on the root of the Madhumalti plant because it could lead to the plant drowning in the water.