Patchouli
Pogostemon cablin
Patchouli is a bushy perennial herb with soft, fragrant leaves whose earthy, musky oil is prized in perfumes and incense. It enjoys warm, humid shade and grows easily from cuttings.
Photo: Valérie75 · CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Partial sun, Bright indirect light
Watering
Moderate
Keep the soil lightly moist; it wilts quickly when dry but recovers.
Soil
Rich, loose, well-drained soil; pH 6.0–7.0.
Temperature and humidity
15–35 °C · High humidity
Feeding
Feed monthly with compost tea or a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by stem cuttings
Pinch tips to keep it bushy.
The plant is not known to be toxic, but concentrated patchouli oil should be kept away from pets.
Top Cultivation Tips
Dry leaves in shade; the scent develops as they dry.
Cuttings root quickly in moist mix.
Protect from harsh afternoon sun.
Use dried leaves in sachets.
Common problems
Aphids
Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new shoots and buds, sucking sap and leaving sticky honeydew behind.
How to treat it →DiseaseRoot rot
Roots decay in waterlogged soil, so the plant wilts and yellows even though the soil is wet.
How to treat it →PestWhiteflies
Small white flying insects that gather under leaves, sucking sap, spreading viruses and leaving sticky honeydew.
How to treat it →
