Basella alba aka Indian Spinach

Taxonomy

Genus Basella Family Basellaceae Order Caryophyllales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Basella alba, commonly referred to as Malabar Spinach, is a vigorous, climbing, tropical vine that is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and New Guinea. It is naturalized in many other areas such as China, tropical Africa, Brazil, Belize, Colombia, Philippines, the West Indies, Fiji, and French Polynesia. It can rapidly reach a 6-foot height, and in warmer climates up to 30 feet in length. A fast-growing tropical vine, it thrives in hot summer weather and a well-drained moisture-retentive soil rich in organic matter and a warm, sunny, sheltered position. Its leaves taste like spinach, making it an ideal leafy vegetable for cultivation, and it is a great source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. Small purple-white flowers may appear at the end of the summer, when daylight decreases to less than 12 hours per day.

Common names

Indian Spinach, Malabar Spinach

How to care for Indian Spinach

Difficulty

Indian Spinach requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Indian Spinach should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Indian Spinach loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Indian Spinach requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Indian Spinach will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Region of origin

Indian Spinach’s native range is A widely cultivated plant, its original range uncertain but was possibly Africa.

More info:
Wikipedia