Indian pennywort
Centella asiatica · Apiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant indian pennywort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, light green
- Flowering
- Summer to autumn, small pale pink or white flowers
- Adult size
- 10–15 cm tall, spreading up to 60 cm
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender (afraid of severe winters)
- Origin
- Humid tropical regions of Southeast Asia
- Soil type
- Moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter
Care
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist, without allowing water to stagnate. Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer). Reduce slightly in winter, but never let the substrate dry out completely.
Light
Prefer bright indirect light or semi-shaded exposure. Avoid direct, scorching sun, which can dry out the foliage and slow growth.
Soil
Use a rich mixture containing peat, potting soil and perlite to ensure good water retention while avoiding root suffocation. A neutral to slightly acidic pH is ideal.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced diluted fertilizer every 15 to 20 days during the growing season (spring-summer). Reduce or stop fertilizing in autumn and winter.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch back stems regularly to encourage compact, bushy growth. Remove damaged or diseased leaves or stems to maintain a nice shape.
Diseases and pests
Watch for spider mites and scale insects, favored by dry air. Excess stagnant humidity can lead to root rot or mold; ensure good ventilation.
Did you know?
Centella asiatica has been revered for millennia in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine under the name "Gotu Kola," where it is renowned for promoting longevity and mental clarity. Also used in modern cosmetics for its skin-supporting properties, this moisture-loving marsh herb from Southeast Asia has become a star of contemporary phytotherapy.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.