A Detailed Guide to the Benefits and Uses of Melilotus and Its Everyday Care

Today we introduce a legume plant with a full measure of literary flair, and it is said that in ancient China it was used to be pressed between book pages, with a distinctive fragrance: Melilotus (sweet clover). In related plant lore, because Melilotus is very rich in nectar and pollen, it is often used by me as a green fertilizer on farms.

Melilotus stands upright in appearance, its flowering stems hung with small yellow flowers; when the flowers first open the inflorescence is dense, and after the flowers open it gradually becomes looser, with as many as 30-70 small flowers growing on an inflorescence. After flower lovers buy it and bring it home, they can place it on a windowsill or balcony with plenty of sunlight; when it drifts in with the wind, those strings of flowers sway freely, and on closer look they are very beautiful.

For home care, it needs a fairly high amount of light, and it is best to provide at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. For watering, just keep the soil slightly moist, but do not let the soil stay wet for long periods during the non-growing season, as this easily kills the plant; as for soil, Melilotus basically does fine as long as the soil is loose, breathable and well-draining. It is suggested that you can use a general-purpose succulent soil or a homemade soil mix suitable for succulents.

In terms of temperature and humidity requirements, it is not particularly demanding; as long as it is not a cold place, it can live well. In winter, flower lovers should move it indoors, or wrap it in a black plastic bag to reduce the chance of damage. Fertilizing is indispensable when growing flowers and plants; during the growing season of Melilotus, you can apply a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month to promote healthy plant growth. No fertilizing is needed in the non-growing season. In addition, besides being used for ornamental purposes, Melilotus is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a whole-plant medicine; it has the effects of clearing chronic heat, killing stickiness, detoxifying and reducing inflammation, and can treat conditions including insect and snake bites, sore throat and swelling, chronic heat syndrome, and spleen diseases. Through the above care measures, you can help Melilotus grow healthily at home. Remember to regularly observe the plant's growth condition and adjust the care method as needed.