Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Gotu Kola

Centella asiatica

Its rounded leaves hold herbal quietude, a groundcover with gentle healing notes. Low-growing perennial herb; common name: gotu kola.

Prefers partial shade to full shade; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch delicate leaves
2–3/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Prefers partial shade to full shade; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch delicate leaves
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the root zone dry out completely
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Temperature Thrives in warm, humid conditions; temperatures below 10°C may cause leaf browning and stunted growth
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Round, kidney-shaped leaves with smooth margins, glossy green, 2–4 cm in diameter
  • Flower: Tiny, pale pink to white umbel flowers, clustered in axils of leaves
  • Stem: Slender, creeping stolons that root at nodes to spread horizontally
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Care Guide

Watering

Maintain consistent soil moisture; mist foliage regularly to boost ambient humidity

Fertilization

Diluted organic feed every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess nutrients can cause leaf yellowing and reduced growth

Banana peel tea:Soak 1 chopped banana peel in 1L of water for 24 hours; strain the liquid and use to drench the soil to support leaf health and growth
Pruning
  • Trim back overgrown stolons to maintain a compact, tidy growth habit
  • Remove yellowed or damaged leaves promptly to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
  • Thin dense patches of growth to prevent fungal development from trapped moisture
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no reported adverse effects in cats

Humans: No known toxic effects for humans; widely used in traditional herbal medicine

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to support cognitive function and skin healing

Usage: Medicinal herb, shaded garden groundcover, indoor container ornamental