Sacred Garlic Pear (Crateva religiosa) Rare Flowering Live Plant

The Sacred Garlic Pear plant, scientifically known as Crateva religiosa, is more than just a plant – it is a sacred symbol, a natural healer, and a stunning showstopper in any garden. Widely revered for its cultural and medicinal value, this plant is known by several names, including Neermathalam, Temple Plant, Spider Tree, Dalur, Cadat, and Sacred Garlic Pear. It is cherished for its spiritual significance, its distinct garlic-like aroma, and its ornamental spider-like flowers that add both beauty and character to any space.

Plant Type	Air Layered
Family	Capparaceae
Common Names	Dalur, Sacred Garlic Pear, Cadat, Marsh Dular, Kepayang Ayer, Temple Plant, Spider Tree, Neermathalam
Botanical Name	Crateva religiosa
Plant Size	Approximately 2 ft
First Bloom	3 months
Fragrance	Yes
Flower Colour	Yellow with creamy white
Ideal Temperature	15°C to 35°C
Sunlight	Full sun to partial shade
Flowering Frequency	Throughout the year
Maintenance Required	Moderate

🌸 What Makes It Special?

Sacred & Symbolic:

Commonly found near temples and holy places in India. The name ‘religiosa’ reflects its divine status.

Unique Fragrance:

The flowers, fruits, and even leaves release a distinct garlic-like aroma—a true rarity in the plant world!

Stunning Spider-Like Flowers:

Creamy white to pale yellow petals with long purple stamens that resemble spider legs—earning it the name Spider Tree.

Attracts Wildlife:

A favourite among butterflies, bees, and birds, especially the stunning Great Orange Tip butterfly.

Flowering Season:

Blooms throughout the year, making it a reliable source of beauty in your garden.

🏡  Perfect For

The Sacred Garlic Pear plant adds a divine and ornamental touch to a variety of spaces. Ideal for:

• Temple gardens and spiritual spaces

• Home gardens, balconies, and terrace setups

• Public parks and urban landscapes

🌺 Care Guide:

The Sacred Garlic Pear (Crateva religiosa) is easy to grow and thrives in India’s tropical climate, but following the right care routine will make sure your plant flourishes with vibrant blooms and strong growth. Here's everything you need to know:

☀️ Sunlight Requirements

The Sacred Garlic Pear plant thrives in bright light and grows best in full sunlight to partial shade.

It requires at least 5–6 hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy growth and abundant flowering.

If placed on terraces or balconies, ensure it receives sunlight during the morning or late afternoon, when the sun is gentler.

During extremely hot summer months, consider using a shade net during peak noon hours to prevent leaf scorch and protect the plant from intense heat.

💧 Watering 

Water the Sacred Garlic Pear plant when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.

Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, as it may lead to root rot.

Deep watering encourages strong root development, which supports the plant’s overall health and growth.

Increase watering frequency in summer to compensate for heat and evaporation, and reduce it during winter when the plant’s water needs are lower.

Always water in the early morning or evening to minimise evaporation and ensure better absorption by the roots.

🌡️ Temperature & Climate Tips

The Sacred Garlic Pear plant loves warm, tropical weather.

Optimal temperature: Between 20°C and 35°C.

In winter, keep the plant in conditions above 10°C to avoid stress.

Avoid frost and cold, damp areas, as the plant is sensitive to chilly, humid conditions.

🌱 Soil Requirements

The Sacred Garlic Pear plant thrives in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter.

Avoid sticky clay or overly acidic soils, as they can lead to poor drainage and root rot.

An ideal potting mix includes garden soil, compost or vermicompost, perlite, and a bit of cocopeat to maintain moisture balance.

Add a layer of dry leaves or mulch around the base of the plant to keep the soil cool and reduce moisture loss, especially during hot summer months.

🍃 Fertiliser 

Apply organic fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during growing season.

Use neem cake, vermicompost, or fish amino acid for steady growth.

For enhanced flowering, mix in a small amount of bone meal or Epsom salt once a month.

Reduce or stop fertilising during winter, as the plant naturally enters a resting phase.

Avoid chemical-heavy fertilisers – organic options are safer and promote long-term plant health and better blooms.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

Proper pruning keeps your Sacred Garlic Pear plant healthy and beautifully shaped.

Prune in early spring, just before new growth begins.

Remove any dry, weak, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light exposure.

Trim spent flowers regularly to encourage new buds and maintain a neat appearance.

Always use sharp, clean pruning tools to avoid introducing infections or diseases.

🪴 Pot or Ground – Grow It Your Way

The Sacred Garlic Pear plant can be grown both in pots and directly in the ground, depending on your space and preference.

• When grown in a pot, the plant can reach a height of 5 to 6 feet, making it perfect for balconies, terraces, or small gardens.

• When planted directly in the ground, it can grow up to 10 feet tall, developing into a beautiful ornamental tree.

Pot Size:

• For a young plant, start with a 12-inch pot or grow bag.

• As the plant matures, shift it to a larger 18 to 24-inch pot for healthier growth and better flowering.

🐛 Common Issues & Prevention

Pests:

Watch for aphids and thrips, especially during the growing season. Spray neem oil or a bio pest controller every 2–3 weeks as a preventive measure.

Yellow Leaves:

Usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the soil dries slightly between waterings and check pot drainage holes.

Fungal Spots:

Caused by excess humidity or wet leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid misting the foliage.

Wilting:

Could indicate root rot or pest infestation. Check the roots and soil conditions promptly.

Add a rare, spiritual, and fragrant touch to your garden with the Sacred Garlic Pear – Neermathalam. Loved for its unusual flowers, traditional uses, and spiritual charm, this ornamental tree with spider-like blooms is perfect for Indian homes and temple surroundings.

Note: There are quite a few processes and steps to be done by us to make sure the plants are shipped very safely. Hence please allow us 5-7 business days for processing and shipping your orders. Orders are usually shipped on Mondays and Tuesdays to ensure that the shipments are not held up during weekends.

Plants if damaged while transit will be replaced free of cost. We will need uncut unboxing video for processing the replacement