Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a plant in the genus Pogostemon, which belongs to the lip flower family.
The plant itself is a herb that grows up to 1 meter tall and bears small, pale flowers that are white and pink in color.
Patchouli originates from the tropical regions of Asia, but is now grown in several Asian countries as well as in West Africa.
In this article you can read about what patchouli can be used for and how it is grown.
Patchouli uses
Patchouli's strongly aromatic scent has been used in perfumes for centuries. In recent years, patchouli has also been used in insecticides and incense sticks, as well as in alternative medicine.
Oil
The oil of patchouli – patchouli oil – is mainly used for the above-mentioned purposes.
Fragrance
As mentioned above, patchouli's characteristic scent is what makes it so desirable. The scent is best described as musky but with a bit more sweetness and power. In addition, spicy, slightly grassy or herbaceous nuances can also be detected in the scent.
Growing patchouli
- Heat, light and humidity: Patchouli grows best in warm to tropical climates. It thrives in warm weather, but does not tolerate direct sunlight. Humidity should preferably not be too low.
- Soil conditions and fertilizer: The soil should be moist but well-drained. It should also be rich in organic materials (such as compost). pH value should be 5.5 – 6.0. Patchouli should be fertilized once a month – if the leaves start to wilt, fertilize only once every two months
- Soil cover: A 5-10 cm thick soil cover (e.g. leaves or compost) can be applied in spring to protect the plant from weeds and its roots from hot weather. A new layer can be applied in the fall to protect the roots from the winter cold
- Watering: If patchouli starts to wilt due to lack of water, it will recover quickly (after rain or when watered). In general, you should ensure that the soil does not dry out and it is also advisable to water abundantly immediately after sowing/planting. If the plant is to grow indoors, the leaves should be moisturized daily to avoid drying out
- Location: Patchouli should be placed in the shade and only exposed to direct sunlight. If you want several plants, they should be placed about ½ meter apart
- Flowers: Patchouli flowers produce seeds and are very fragrant. Patchouli flowers in the fall, but can be very difficult to get to bloom as it requires the right light conditions; it must be placed in complete darkness after sunset and must not be exposed to direct sunlight during the day. In addition, the soil must not dry out
- Propagation: Patchouli can be propagated by both seed propagation and cuttings