Flowering a Patchouli Plant
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: Tammy
Posted on: August 06, 2006

I have a question regarding a patchouli plant and I’m hoping that you can help me. I’ve had this plant for two years. It is growing in a pot in the house. As of yet, it has not flowered. What are the growing requirements for this plant so that it will grow larger and still be very healthy?

Patchouli likes somewhat shadier conditions than most herbs. If the internodes (the stem between successive sets of leaves) get longer and thinner, then you are giving it too much shade. Try to increase the light intensity slowly until the plant seems a bit stressed by too much light. This will often induce flowering. If it does not, you can also use a fertilizing trick to induce maturity and with it flowering. For one month fertilize the plant with a hydroponic fertilizer that has the middle number as the biggest number, such as 5-20-5. Then switch to one that has the last number the highest such as 6-10-26. This will often work like a charm.

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