PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright partial sun; tolerate full sun in cool climates, provide afternoon shade in hot tropical regions to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the root zone to dry out completely
Temperature
Thrives in 18–25°C; tolerate light frosts down to 5°C, protect from hard freezes below 0°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small ovate to lanceolate leaves with serrated margins; bright green, slightly fuzzy texture, with intense citrus-mint aroma when crushed
- Flower: Tiny pale purple to white whorled flowers arranged in dense terminal spikes
- Stem: Square, creeping stems that root at nodes to form continuous, low-growing mats
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; water when the top 1 cm of soil feels dry
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy growth and reduced aroma intensity
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush thoroughly rinsed eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 teaspoon per container every 2 months to boost soil calcium and improve drainagePruning
- Pinch back growing tips every 2–3 weeks to encourage bushier, more compact growth
- Trim spent flower spikes immediately after blooming to redirect energy to leaf production
- Remove yellowing or damaged leaves regularly to maintain plant health and airflow
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; may cause mild stomach upset if ingested in excessive amounts
Humans: No known toxic effects; large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Valued in Thai cuisine for its intense, citrus-forward mint flavor, often used in curries, salads, and herbal beverages
Usage: Culinary herb; aromatic ornamental for natural pest repellent in gardens; dried leaves for herbal teas
