Discover the secrets of the Neem Tree

Azadirachta indica tree

Image - inner path

The neem tree is an extraordinary plant that has interesting medicinal and insecticidal properties. In addition, it is a very interesting garden tree, since it provides a pleasant shade. But, what is it like and what care does this magnificent plant require?

Time to find out. Discover with us all the secrets of the neem tree and don't wait any longer to enjoy this beautiful plant.

Origin and characteristics of the neem tree

The fruits of the neem tree are small

Image - Wikimedia / Kevinsooryan

Our protagonist is an evergreen tree whose scientific name is Azadirachta indicates, and which is much better known by the common names nim, neem margosa or Indian lilac. Native to India and Burma, has a rapid growth rate reaching 20 meters in height, being able to exceed 30. The crown is wide, up to 20m in diameter. the leaves are very reminiscent of the Melia sourach: they are pinnate, with the leaflets up to 5cm and less than 0,5cm wide.

The flowers are white and fragrant, and are grouped in branched inflorescences. Once they are pollinated, the fruit begins to ripen, which is an olive-like drupe measuring 14 to 28mm in length and 10 to 15mm in width. The seeds measure 1cm, and are brown in color.

How do you take care of yourself?

If you want to have one or more copies, here is how to take care of it:

Location

The neem tree is a plant that it has to be outside whenever possible, in full sun. But this will change if frosts occur in winter, since in these conditions it will be necessary to protect it preferably in a heated greenhouse, or at least in an interior patio or in a bright room without drafts until temperatures improve.

Even if only weak and punctual frosts are registered, wrapping it in an anti-frost fabric and putting padding on it to protect its roots can be more than enough for it to survive.

Land

View of neem tree leaves

Image - Wikimedia / Tux the penguin

  • Garden: it is not demanding, but it must have good drainage and be rich in organic matter.
  • Flower pot: fill with quality universal substrate (for sale here).

Irrigation

Irrigation must be frecuente. It will depend on the climate and the location, but in general it will be necessary to water every 2-3 days in summer, and every 4-5 days the rest of the year. It is important that, every time it is watered, the soil remains very moist but without overdoing it; that is to say, it is not necessary to get to the point of waterlogging, but neither is it necessary to leave a dry part.

For this reason, you have to add water until you see that the soil is wet, or until it comes out through the drainage holes if you have it in a pot. Avoid wetting the leaves so they don't burn.

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During the warm months it is advisable to pay it regularly with Organic fertilizers, such as vermicompost or manure. It must be borne in mind that a correctly fertilized plant will have a strong immune system, capable of fighting against microorganisms that cause diseases.

Planting or transplanting time

En spring, or after the dry season if you live in an area with a tropical climate.

Multiplication

The neem tree multiplies by seeds in spring (or after the dry season 🙂), following this step by step:

  1. First, put the seeds in a glass of water and keep them there for 24 hours. In this way, you will be able to know which are the viable ones (they will be the ones that sink), and which ones are not.
  2. After that time, fill a seedbed (it can be a flowerpot, a seedling tray, milk containers, ... or anything else that is waterproof and that has or can have holes for drainage) with soil for seedlings (for sale here), universal substrate or, compost mixed with 30% perlite (for sale here).
  3. Then, water and place the seeds on the surface of the substrate, ensuring that they are separated from each other. In fact, if the pot for example measures about 13cm, the ideal is not to put more than two seeds since they are plants that germinate well and grow fast.
  4. Next, sprinkle sulfur or spray with fungicide to prevent fungus.
  5. Finally, place the seedbed outside, in semi-shade.

Keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, they will germinate in about 15 to 20 days.

Rusticity

Due to its origin, can't stand cold or frost. It is only grown outdoors all year round in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

What is neem used for?

Dried Neem Tree Leaves

Ornamental

It is a very decorative plant and quite easy to care for, which provides a very nice shade. Also, like other trees with a wide and / or dense crown, it serves as a refuge for birds and some insects, which is a perfect excuse to give more life to the garden.

Medicinal

Its medicinal properties are without a doubt what makes it such a popular plant. It's known that is effective against scabies, lice, nematodes and worms that affect human beings.

Neem tree properties

From the neem tree practically everything is used:

  • Leaves and seed oil: they have antiseptic, antherminic and antiparasitic properties.
  • Cortex: it is stimulating, vermifuge, astringent and febrifuge.
  • Fruit: it serves as a purgative, but in high doses it is toxic.

Uses in gardening

  • As a biocide: it is mixed with urea, and helps to eliminate termites, nematodes, most common pests (Red spider, aphids, etc.) as well as, it also serves to fertilize the soil a little. You can even buy the product already made, from here.
  • Against desertification: When you have the garden in a place at risk of desertification, it is advisable to plant a neem tree to prevent it.

Did you find it interesting?


15 comments, leave yours

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  1.   MARGARET MALM MORGAN said

    I would like to know if it is evergreen or deciduous and if you think it is good for sidewalks

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Margie or Hello Margarite.
      It is evergreen. Its roots are not invasive, but the crown is very wide and can be annoying.
      A greeting.

  2.   Ana said

    Hello, I live in a small house, and I have little patio ... should I plant one? grow huge and cause foundation problems? They gave it to me and I still liked it very much ... it is very small it is in a pot

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Ana.
      I do not recommend putting it on the ground, as it can cause problems.
      However, you can have it in a large pot and prune it.
      A greeting.

  3.   Jorge Pérez said

    Hello Ana I have several Neem trees about 12 cm high with 15 to 20 leaves in pots with organic substrate but they are turning yellow so I ask for your help to prevent them from dying.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Jorge.
      Well, I don't know if you got the wrong name. I answer you, the blog coordinator.
      Most likely they are being attacked by fungi. At that age they are very vulnerable.
      To avoid this, you must sprinkle copper or sulfur on the surface of the earth and water.
      do it once every 15-20 days, when you see that there is no longer a trace of copper or sulfur.
      A greeting.

  4.   Thomas Andrade said

    Good morning, first of all I would like to congratulate you on your blog. It is quite complete and is very friendly.
    I personally love gardening too, but I'm just a newbie to trees. I decided to plant a Neem (Azadirachta indica) as my grandmother recommended it to me. I have put a lot of effort into planting it (average 1.20m), fertilize the soil, remove the rocks, ensure its drainage and even place a pipe so that the water reaches its roots. It has grown a lot since then (2.50m approx). Always very green and continues to sprout. What he does not understand is, because it does not support itself, its trunk (which looks more like a stem) does not have the strength to support it, so I put a "tutor" on it. If there is anything I can do to help you widen your torso or stiffen up, I would be very grateful.

    All the best

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Tomas.
      Thanks for your words 🙂

      Some trees often take a few of their lives to get a trunk thick enough to support them. However, you can help yours by fertilizing it with organic fertilizers, such as guano or herbivorous animal manure. You pour around the trunk and water; like this once a month.

      A greeting.

  5.   Didina Ursu said

    Hi Ana, I bought two neem trees, about a meter high. I want to put it in a pot to cover the ceiling with a pergola and another on the ground. Is a pot with a diameter of 60 cm enough? Thanks.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Didina.
      Well, I don't know if you got the wrong name. 🙂
      I tell you: you can have a neem tree for a few years in that pot, but if you have the possibility of putting it in the ground, it will grow better.
      A greeting.

  6.   daniel said

    Hi, I have 1 2-meter-tall nen tree, but I can't have it there. I want to transplant it to another place. I can do it with a backhoe. is the root very deep? What do you recommend

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Daniel.
      With two meters it will be easy to remove it by making four trenches around the trunk about 50cm deep, and with the help of a strip (it is like a shovel, but straight).
      A greeting.

  7.   Maria Rosa said

    Hello, I just bought some Neem tree seedlings, one of them I want to take when it grows to Mar del Plata, I would like to know if it is able to adapt to that climate, thank you for answering

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Maria Rosa.
      The neem tree wants warm climates, without frost. If the temperature in your area does not drop below 0 degrees, it will be fine 😉
      Greetings.

  8.   Gaby mtz said

    Hello
    I would like to know if the roots are problematic, I have one planted in my front garden for about 6 years and I love it and I have not had problems, but my neighbor asks me to remove it because he says that it is very close to my front fence (a just under 1 meter) and that the roots will affect it
    is this likely to happen?