Murraya hedges are relatively easy to maintain. However, they do need fertiliser if you want to ensure a fuller and more robust plant.
Low maintenance does not mean no maintenance. Murraya paniculata could benefit from fertilisers with complete macro and micronutrients.
Some murraya hedges may suffer from poor nutrition if the soil is not rich enough.
Sometimes not fertilising your murraya hedge may result in the yellowing of its flowers and overall unhealthy plant. See our guide on Common Murraya Hedge Problems and How to Fix Them.
Where to buy Murraya Paniculata
If you are looking to buy Murraya Paniculata plants, we suggest you buy your Murraya Paniculata Plants here.
What Fertilisers are Good for Murraya Hedges
Most regular fertilisers will benefit your murraya hedge, provided that it is applied properly and at the right timing.
Before we go on to which fertiliser is best for your murraya hedge, here are some of the kinds of fertilisers that are okay to use.
NPK fertilisers
NPK fertilisers are one of the most common. These fertilisers contain the plant macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
An NPK fertiliser usually has these nutrients in a 1:1:1 ratio. You may see some that indicate 10:10:10 or double, which is 20:20:20.
Some NPK fertilisers contain more nitrogen and are in the ratio of 20:5:5. This type of nitrogen-rich fertilisers is not recommended for murraya hedges. We will discuss more of this below.
There are many more variants of the NPK fertilisers mixed with other nutrients to promote vegetative growth, fast root growth, or more flowering and fruiting.
Organic and Humus-rich fertilisers
Organic fertilisers rich in humus have a more complex mix of macro and micronutrients and minerals.
This type of fertiliser ideally contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, magnesium, copper, and boron.
Fortified Synthetic fertilisers
Just like organic fertilisers, fortified synthetic fertilisers contain macro and micronutrients that your murraya hedge would need.
A lot of these fertilisers are formulated for the promotion of the growth of your plant, such as plant vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, polysaccharides. These are combined with macro and microelements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, manganese, boron, molybdenum, calcium, cobalt, and nickel.
What Do Studies Say About Fertilisers on Murraya Paniculata?
On Stem and Leaf Growth
A study published in 2019 by the University of Bucharest in Romania looked at the effects of various fertilisation regime on the growth of murraya and bioactive its bioactive compounds.
In this study, they found that a nitrogen-rich fertiliser produced faster-growing murraya in terms of height and number of branches. However, when it comes to a bushier foliage growth, the organic and humus-rich fertiliser had the best results.
Earlier in this article, we mentioned that high nitrogen is not recommended because too much of it will encourage faster growth, but not necessarily a more vibrant and vigorous-looking murraya hedge. You may have a taller murraya hedge, but they may not produce enough leaves.
On Nutrient Content
If you also have the intention of using your murraya hedge for therapeutic purposes, you may be interested in this study, which was published in the Journal of Tropical Crop Science about the leaf nutrient content in murraya fertilised with chicken manure.
Murraya has been known not just for its value in gardens and landscapes. Your murraya hedge contains metabolites that have been used in pharmacology as antioxidants, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and could lower blood cholesterol.
Please consult with your doctor before using murraya to treat any illness.
This study found that applying 3.1 kg per plant of chicken manure will produce maximum fresh leaf weight after four (4) months from application. 6.5 kg of chicken manure per plant is needed if you plan to dry your murraya leaves before use.
On Both Plant Growth and Nutrient Content
If you want a bigger and bushier murraya hedge, as well as reap its therapeutic benefits for your plant, this study found an answer: guano and rice-hull ash.
This study, published in 2015 by the Journal of Tropical Crop Science found that applying rice-hull ash on murraya increased its height AND number of leaves.
Meanwhile, they found that guano resulted in more verdant, deeper colour in the leaves of mature orange jessamine.
Which Fertiliser is the BEST for Murraya Hedges
The best fertiliser for your murraya hedge is the one that meets your expected results.
For the Maintenance of Your Murraya Hedge
If you are only after the maintenance of your already healthy murraya hedge, an NPK fertiliser may be the best choice for you. Afterall, over-fertilising is just as bad as or even worse than not fertilising.
To Resolve More Serious Nutrient Deficiencies in Your Murraya Hedge
You may need to use a more nutrient-rich fertiliser if your murraya hedge has been nutrient-deficient for a while and shows signs of weakness such as yellowing of the leaves, unhealthy look, or at the brink of death.
You can choose from organic or synthetic fertilisers that meet the needs of your murraya hedge.
When to Apply Fertiliser on Your Murraya Hedge
For maintenance, you can apply the appropriate organic fertiliser on your murraya hedge once a year in spring.
If you need to bring your murraya hedge back from nutrient deficiencies, fertilise them every 20 days starting in spring until early autumn.
Make sure to follow the instructions to reduce the risk of over fertilising. Take note that too much fertiliser will cause as much, if not more damage, than under fertilising.
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