Kangkung (Water Spinach)
Ipomoea aquatica
Very fast-growing leafy green; tolerant of heat and humidity; easy for beginners.
🌞 Light & Temperature
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Temperature: 24–34°C
🪴 Pot & Soil
Pot: Shallow wide tubs or 15–25 L pots; can grow in moist soil or semi-hydro.
Soil Mix: Moist rich medium: compost + coco coir 1:1; pH 6.0–7.0
💧 Watering
Schedule: Keep consistently moist; water daily in dry heat
Amount: Maintain damp medium; do not allow to dry out completely
Can grow in trays with water reservoir; ensure no stagnant foul water
🧪 Fertilizing
Type: Nitrogen-rich leafy green fertilizer or liquid organic
Frequency: Weekly light feed
Dosage: Half-strength liquid feed weekly; small compost top-up biweekly
🥕 Harvest
Start: 20–30 days from sowing
Duration: Cut-and-come-again for several weeks
Harvest Indicators: Stems 25–35 cm long with tender leaves
Tips: Cut 5–10 cm above nodes to encourage regrowth
🌱 Propagation
Direct sow seeds or stem cuttings
🐛 Pests & Diseases
- Leaf miners: Remove affected leaves; encourage beneficial insects
- Snails: Use barriers or hand-pick; keep area tidy
🌦️ Seasonal Notes (Malaysia)
Grows rapidly in rainy season; ensure clean water and avoid flood contamination.
📝 Planting Notes
Harvest frequently to keep tender.
💡 Extra Care Tips
- Safe for partial shade
- Great for beginner hydro buckets
Note
Schedules are guidelines—adjust for your microclimate, pot size, and weather. During heavy monsoon rain, reduce watering and improve drainage.