Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a fragrant herb known for its distinctive musky-sweet scent, widely used in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicine.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Bright, indirect light

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist

Soil

Well-drained

Temperature

Warm temperatures

Habitat

Indoor, Outdoor

Fertilizer

Moderate feeding

Care Requirements

Light

Bright, indirect light

Prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Avoid direct, intense sun which can scorch leaves.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist

Allow top inch to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in cooler months.

Soil

Well-drained

Temperature

Warm temperatures

Thrives in temperatures between 18-25°C. Protect from frost and drafts.

Habitat

Indoor, Outdoor

Fertilizer

Moderate feeding

Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growing season. Dilute to half strength.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Foliage

Plant Place Type

Pot, Garden

Plant Environment

Indoor, Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Height

0.3 - 1.5 m

Spread

0.3 - 1.0 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Simple

Optimal Sunlight Lux

60000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AugPeak fruit · Sep

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · FebPeak fruit · Mar

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Mentha cablin Blanco

Pogostemon battakianus Ridl.

Pogostemon comosus Miq.

Pogostemon hortensis Backer ex K.Heyne

Pogostemon javanicus Backer ex Adelb.

Pogostemon mollis Hassk.

Pogostemon nepetoides Stapf

Pogostemon patchouly Pellet.-Saut.

Pogostemon tomentosus Hassk.

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderLamiales
familyLamiaceae
genusPogostemon
speciesPogostemon cablin

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

Rating: 0/5

Edible

None

Additional Care Tips

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage in pots.

Prune patchouli regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming leggy. Pinch back the tips of stems to promote branching. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves promptly to maintain plant health and vigor.

Patchouli is easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy stems, remove lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant in moist potting mix and keep in a warm, humid environment until roots form.

Repot patchouli every 1-2 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one with adequate drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally containing organic matter.

FAQs

What are the ideal growing conditions for patchouli?

Pogostemon cablin thrives in warm, humid environments with partial shade. It prefers well-draining, fertile soil and consistent moisture.

How is patchouli oil extracted?

Patchouli essential oil is typically extracted from the dried leaves and stems through steam distillation.

Can patchouli be grown indoors?

Yes, patchouli can be successfully grown indoors as a houseplant, provided it receives adequate light, humidity, and consistent watering.

What is the scent profile of patchouli?

Patchouli has a strong, earthy, musky-sweet, and slightly woody aroma. Its scent is often described as complex and grounding.

Are there any medicinal uses for patchouli?

In traditional medicine, patchouli has been used for its purported anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antispasmodic properties, although scientific evidence for these uses may vary.

Care Requirements

Light

Bright, indirect light

Prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Avoid direct, intense sun which can scorch leaves.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist

Allow top inch to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in cooler months.

Soil

Well-drained

Temperature

Warm temperatures

Thrives in temperatures between 18-25°C. Protect from frost and drafts.

Habitat

Indoor, Outdoor

Fertilizer

Moderate feeding

Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growing season. Dilute to half strength.

Additional Care Tips

FAQs