Why Is My Tamarind Tree Losing Leaves?

The typical life expectancy of a tamarind tree is two hundred years. Because there is no fencing around the area, it becomes a gathering spot for people from the neighboring towns, who then leave behind empty liquor bottles and food packages. 

All around the trees, invasive weeds such as lantana shrubs and other wild plants with thorns have taken root.

The tamarind plant produces pinnate leaves, each of which has the distinct ability to fold inward overnight. Even though the tree is believed to remain evergreen, there is a possibility that it will temporarily lose its leaves if the climate changes.

Plants have the potential to decay if they become waterlogged in cold temperatures. If the plants do not receive enough water or the air is too dry, the leaves will turn yellow and eventually fall off. 

The tamarind’s sluggish development and failure to flower could be the result of an insufficient supply of nutrients, light, or cold.

Do Tamarind Trees Lose Their Leaves?

Tamarind is the fruit of the Tamarindus indica tree, an evergreen member of the pea family (Fabaceae) that is endemic to tropical Africa. 

It is commonly cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries for the purpose of producing its edible fruit, the pulp of which is utilized in a wide variety of applications, including beverages, meals, and traditional remedies.

It’s possible for plants to decay if they get waterlogged in the cold. When there is not enough water or the air is too dry, the leaves turn a yellowish color and eventually fall off. It’s possible that a lack of nutrients, light, or cold is to blame for tamarind’s sluggish growth and absence of flowering.

How Do You Take Care Of A Tamarind Plant?

The tamarind tree thrives best in humid subtropical and tropical climates that are also dry and windy. Even in a temperature that is warm and temperate, it is able to adapt, but in that environment, it will not be very productive. 

Young plants are unable to endure temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas mature plants can withstand temperatures up to that point only. The location with the most sunlight is ideal for planting.

Planting

Start by deciding where to plant your tamarind tree in a location with full to partial sun (4–8 hours of sunlight each day) and well-drained soil. If you live in a colder region, plant your tamarind in a pot to keep indoors during the winter because it will need some protection from the cold when it is young.

To plant a tree, dig a hole big enough to fit the root ball. Then, backfill the hole with water and soil to help the roots settle. Mulch the surrounding soil as well, being careful not to touch the trunk. This keeps moisture intact.

If you’re container-planting your tamarind, choose a pot that is roughly twice as large as the tree’s shipping container, fill it with organic planting mix, and then set your tree inside. 

Place outside in a sunny spot or inside in front of a window that gets plenty of sunlight. Additionally, check that your pot has good drainage.

Watering

To keep Tamarinds healthy, water them once a week throughout their growing season and less frequently in the cooler months. 

Only water should be used to re-wet soil that has become dry; if you aren’t sure when this has occurred, simply stick your index finger into the moist soil a couple of inches to determine its moisture levels.

Fertilizing

For the first 3-5 years of growth, use an 8-3-9 slow-release fertilizer in the spring. After applying fertilizer, make sure to thoroughly hydrate the soil as directed.

Pruning

Use shears to cut back Tamarind trees in the late winter. Pick off 3–5 sturdy, evenly spaced branches during the first two years for use as scaffolding (or cutting upwards at a 45-degree angle). 

Remove all further branches almost to the main stem.  Then, once a year, prune away any diseased or otherwise unhealthy limbs.

Why Is My Tamarind Tree Only Growing Leaves And Not In Height?

The tamarind tree, scientifically known as Tamarindus, is native to tropical regions. It is a member of the bean and pea family. In nature, a tree can grow to a height of 25 meters, but when kept inside, its maximum height typically does not go beyond 100 centimeters. 

This particular plant is one of the ones that grow quite slowly. The leaf plates are pair-pinnate, and each plate has anywhere from ten to thirty individual, very thin leaves.