PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; provide midday shade in extremely hot climates to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures between 20–30°C; cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, ovate to lanceolate bright green leaves with a distinct lime-like aroma
- Flower: Tiny white to pale purple tubular flowers arranged in dense terminal spikes
- Stem: Square, green, finely hairy stems characteristic of the mint family
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Fertilization
Feed with diluted organic fertilizer every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent bitter-tasting leaves
Banana peel fertilizer tea：Soak chopped banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:10 before applying to soil to support leaf growth and overall plant healthPruning
- Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushier, fuller growth
- Remove spent flower spikes to prolong foliage production for culinary use
- Trim yellow or damaged leaves to maintain plant health and airflow
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic; no adverse effects reported
Humans: Non-toxic; safe for culinary consumption and topical use
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Culinary herb for flavoring salads, teas, curries, and marinades; aromatic ornamental that attracts pollinators
