How to Grow Lemon Balm? A Detailed Guide to Lemon Balm Cultivation Methods
The scientific name of "xidu cao" (detox grass) is lemon balm or curly mint. The name "xidu cao" is an affectionate nickname people have given it, because its ability to absorb toxic gases is among the best in the plant kingdom. There are not many things to pay attention to when growing lemon balm, and combined with its dual value of detoxification and medicinal use, it is very well suited for growing at home.
I. Habits of Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a fairly useful plant. In fact, its scientific name is not "xidu cao"; the scientific name of lemon balm is "lemon balm or curly mint." Lemon balm's growth habits are also rather special: it can tolerate heat, cold, shade, drought, waterlogging, pruning, and various other conditions. Precisely because lemon balm has such good tolerance, its survival ability is also very strong. Even in the relatively cold weather of winter, lemon balm can still grow well.
II. The "Detoxifying" Effect of Lemon Balm
1. Lemon balm's removal rate for formaldehyde is 92.4% in 3 hours and 98.5% in 72 hours, so lemon balm has a very good absorption effect on formaldehyde;
2. Lemon balm's removal rate for total organic volatile compounds (benzene, toluene, xylene) is 13.6% in 3 hours and 84.8% in 72 hours, so lemon balm has an obvious absorption effect on gas mixtures of total organic volatile compounds (benzene, toluene, xylene);
3. Lemon balm's removal rate for carbon monoxide is 20.1% in 3 hours and 71.3% in 72 hours, so lemon balm has a certain absorption effect on carbon monoxide;
4. Moreover, lemon balm grows well in environments containing toxic and harmful substances.
III. The Medicinal Value of Lemon Balm
Besides being able to effectively absorb formaldehyde, lemon balm also has a fairly good absorption effect on other organic volatile compounds such as benzene, toluene, and xylene. In addition, lemon balm also has certain medicinal value. Because lemon balm has a relatively refreshing and sweet taste, it is suitable for drinking when one has a cold and during sweaty summers. It can increase appetite and promote digestion, and is suitable both before and after meals, which shows that lemon balm's medicinal effects are quite good. Lemon balm has a fresh fragrance like lemon, and also has a very good effect in relieving pains such as headaches and abdominal pain. Lemon balm can also help regulate respiratory system diseases, stabilize emotions, and assist in the treatment of bronchitis and digestive system diseases, which shows that lemon balm's medicinal effects are also quite good.
IV. Lemon Balm Cultivation Methods
1. Sunlight: Lemon balm likes bright light. If the room has good lighting, lemon balm can be placed in a spot with sunlight, and normal indoor ventilation is sufficient; if the room's lighting is not very good, such as in a bathroom or kitchen, then after placing lemon balm in the room for 72 hours, move it to a place with ample sunlight for 72 hours, or simply put it back afterward. When the weather is not cold, it can also be placed outside the house to absorb light and exchange air.
2. Temperature: Lemon balm has low requirements for temperature when being grown. In winter it can tolerate low temperatures below 0°C, but in summer growth is restricted by high temperatures above 30°C. The most suitable growth temperature is between 10~20°C.
3. Watering: Just water it with clean water or rice-washing water every 3-5 days. If the branches and leaves wilt due to lack of water, replenish the water immediately and it will soon recover. For supplemental nutrient solution, an ordinary commonly used plant nutrient solution can be used.
4. Pruning: Lemon balm grows very quickly. It is recommended to prune it once a week. Just cut off above the new leaves growing on the higher nodes. If black-edged leaves or old leaves at the base appear, there is no need to worry; just pull them off.
5. Pests: Lemon balm can release volatile oils with bactericidal effects and can absorb harmful gases, so pest problems basically do not occur. It is enough to simply maintain the water, light, temperature, and other conditions needed for lemon balm's growth.
After reading this introduction to lemon balm, do you also praise this little anti-drug expert of the plant world? If you also want to use plants to purify harmful components in the indoor air, then choosing lemon balm is definitely a good option.