PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily supports robust foliage growth
Watering
Water when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperatures; protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval to lanceolate glossy green leaves with serrated margins and subtle purple undersides
- Flower: Dense terminal spikes of small white to pale purple tubular blooms
- Stem: Square, green to purplish stems with fine soft hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply 2-3 times weekly
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent bitter-tasting foliage
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Pinch back top growth every 2-3 weeks to encourage bushy, compact growth
- Remove spent flower spikes to prolong foliage production and maintain flavor intensity
- Trim yellowing or damaged leaves to improve airflow and overall plant health
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; no adverse effects from ingestion
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; safe for culinary consumption
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Associated with Thai culinary traditions and traditional medicinal uses in Southeast Asia
Usage: Culinary herb for curries, stir-fries, and herbal teas; ornamental border plant
