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PlantSnap
Plant Care
Bitter melon
(Momordica charantia)
Also Known As
Bitter melon, Bitter gourd, Karela, Ampalaya, Fo-ti
About This Plant
Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its edible fruit. The fruit is green and oblong with a warty surface and a bitter taste.
Plant Care Instructions
Outdoor Size Range
6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 meters)
Light Requirements
Bitter melon requires full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. It can tolerate partial shade but may not produce as much fruit.
Humidity Needs
Bitter melon prefers moderate to high humidity levels between 60-80%. Use a humidifier or place a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity levels.
Fertilizing Schedule
Fertilize bitter melon with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Use a fertilizer with a higher potassium content to promote fruiting.
Pruning Guidelines
Prune bitter melon regularly to control its size and shape. Pinch off the growing tips to encourage branching and remove any dead or damaged leaves.
Common Pests and Diseases
Common pests that affect bitter melon include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Diseases such as powdery mildew and bacterial wilt can also affect the plant.
Indoor Size Range
6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Watering Schedule
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season.
Temperature Range
Bitter melon thrives in warm temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C). It cannot tolerate frost and should be protected from temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Growing Season
Bitter melon is a warm-season crop that grows best in the summer months. It can be grown year-round in tropical regions.
Growing Difficulty Level
Bitter melon can be moderately difficult to grow as it has specific temperature, humidity, and light requirements. However, with proper care, it can produce a bountiful harvest.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Bitter melon is not frost-tolerant and can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Did You Know?
Bitter melon is not only used for its fruit, but also for its medicinal properties. It is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments including diabetes, infections, and even cancer.
