Also known as Alugbati (filipino Name) · Binahong · Buffalo Spinach
Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is a tropical vine with succulent leaves and stems, prized for its edible greens and heat tolerance.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Thrives in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but can tolerate partial shade, especially in very hot climates.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Prefers soil that is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting it dry out completely.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 20°C and 35°C. Sensitive to frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate Feeding
50% intensity
Benefits from regular feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer to support vigorous growth.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Malabar spinach thrives in consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather, to prevent the plant from bolting. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
In containers, water until it drains from the bottom.
Pruning is mainly for harvesting and encouraging bushier growth. Regularly pinch back the growing tips and harvest mature leaves and stems. This encourages the plant to produce more side shoots, increasing your yield.
Remove any flowering stalks to prolong leaf production.
Malabar spinach is easily propagated from stem cuttings or seeds. Cuttings, typically 15-20 cm long, can be rooted directly in moist soil or water.
Seeds can be sown directly into the garden after the last frost or started indoors a few weeks prior.
If grown in containers, repot Malabar spinach annually or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot at least 30-40 cm in diameter. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Repotting is best done in spring, just before the active growing season begins.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Malabar Spinach (Basella alba)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Basellaceae |
| Genus | Basella |
| Species | Basella alba |
Similar in genus Basella
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
