Morus alba aka White Mulberry

Taxonomy

Morus alba, or the White Mulberry, is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub or tree native to China and India, growing 20 to 35 metres tall with a cylindrical, straight bole. It is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit and for medicinal uses, or for its attractive appearance, and the tree is valued for its silkworm feed and the quickly released pollen. The White Mulberry is beloved as a houseplant, needing regular watering and long-lasting, direct lighting to thrive. It prefers well-draining soil, and supplemental organic fertilizer will help it to grow in its peak season. However, it is important to note that White Mulberry is not edible and must be kept out of reach of children, cats, and dogs.

Common names

White Mulberry, Russian Mulberry

How to care for White Mulberry

Difficulty

White Mulberry is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

White Mulberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

White Mulberry 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

To ensure optimal growth, the White Mulberry prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for White Mulberry to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

White Mulberry is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Region of origin

White Mulberry’s native range is E. Asia - central and northern China.


More info:
Wikipedia