How to Grow Orthosiphon aristatus? Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions
Orthosiphon aristatus (cat's whiskers) is a kidney-health medicinal herb that also has powerful therapeutic effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. When it comes to growing it, that is a technical skill in itself. So how should Orthosiphon aristatus be cultivated? Next, the editor will introduce the cultivation methods and precautions for Orthosiphon aristatus. Let's take a look!
To grow Orthosiphon aristatus well, you must understand the essential needs and conditions for plant growth. Below, the editor will introduce several aspects including light, humidity and temperature. Let's read on.
1. Temperature
The optimum temperature for the growth of Orthosiphon aristatus is 18-25 degrees. Below 18 degrees, rooting of the cuttings will be very difficult and very slow, but going above 25 degrees is also not good. If the temperature is too high, the cut end of the cuttings is prone to infection by pathogens; the higher the temperature, the greater the possibility of bacteria breeding. So you must control the appropriate growing temperature. When taking cuttings, be sure to take protective measures in low temperatures; you can use plastic film to cover and protect the cut part.
2. Humidity
After cutting, the air humidity must be maintained at 75%-85%. You can use misting to increase humidity, 1-3 times a day. In summer you can increase the number of sprays, because at high temperatures moisture evaporates faster. On rainy days, spray relatively less, or do not spray when it is wet enough.
3. Light
In the high-temperature period of summer, that is, when it is above 35 degrees, Orthosiphon aristatus must be moved to an environment with less harsh light, otherwise it will grow very slowly and enter a dormant state. Since the temperatures in spring, autumn and winter are not high, it can be grown in full sun. During care, try to place it in a place with bright light, such as a living room balcony or in front of a light-transmitting window, all of which are fine.
4. Fertilizer and Water
Although Orthosiphon aristatus is a medicinal herb, like other flowers and plants it also needs fertilizing, but you cannot fertilize randomly. You should choose the corresponding fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Watering should follow the principle of alternating dry and wet: when dry, let it dry out thoroughly; do not water when it is not dry; when you water, water thoroughly. After fertilizing, keep the leaves and flowers dry.
That is all the content about the cultivation methods and precautions for Orthosiphon aristatus. Growing medicinal herbs requires more attention and care than ordinary plants. One more point to note is that when transplanting, you must put a 2-3 cm thick layer of coarse substrate at the bottom of the pot as a drainage layer before placing the plant in. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please pay more attention to this site!