Jiaogulan is undoubtedly a pretty climbing plant. But the reason for their cultivation is different. The ingredients lying dormant in it are considered he althy and rejuvenating in a way that we hardly know from any other plant. It's good if it grows on your doorstep. We will explain the care of the new arrival from Asia below.
How do I care for Jiaogulan properly?
Caring for Jiaogulan includes a shady location with a trellis, moderate watering, natural fertilization and occasional pruning. In winter, outdoor plants should be covered with leaves or brushwood and container specimens should be kept frost-free.
Offer a good location with climbing support
At Jiaogulan, the right location is almost worth more than good care. You can choose whether you plant the plant out or cultivate it as a pure houseplant. Both are equally good. It is also possible to switch between outdoor and room stays.
Plant Jiaogulan outdoors in the shade of other plants, as it does not tolerate full sun well. If the immortality herb grows like crazy, you made the right choice. Growth stagnation, on the other hand, calls for a change of location.
In the house, a bathroom with a window would be the ideal location, because warmth and moisture are exactly what the plant likes. The fine, long tendrils can grow from a hanging basket. Otherwise, the plant needs a trellis right from the start, both indoors and outdoors.
Watering with sensitivity
Not too wet, not too dry, instead the substrate of potted specimens should always be slightly moist. Outdoors, the water balance can usually be regulated easily on its own. Even short-term drought is tolerated. Only water there if the soil is in danger of drying out too much.
Avoid synthetic fertilizers, fertilize naturally
The nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus are particularly necessary for vigorous growth. However, before you reach for a packet of artificial fertilizer at the store, be aware that the ingredients absorbed by the roots will end up in the leaves and consequently in the Jiaogulan tea. It is also easy to overdose with such fertilizer.
Compost, horn shavings or the finer horn meal are good and, above all, consistent sources of nutrients during the growing season. A small portion every three weeks should be enough for vital growth in the bed. Fertilize potted plants in the growth phase every two weeks with an organic liquid fertilizer (€13.00 on Amazon).
When the scissors can be used
Although the immortality herb grows lushly, there is no need for scissors to ensure its neat shape. But even this plant can't avoid letting it grow on its vines. Jiaogulan is hardy when planted out, but shoots above ground die in the cold. Only the rhizome of the plant overwinters.
- leave dead shoots on the plant
- they protect the rhizome from cold
- cut only in spring before new growth
- He althy shoots can be harvested all year round
- cuttings can be cut in spring
- The plant can be propagated with them
Tip
Cut an outdoor plant in autumn as long as the shoots have not withered. The leaves of the Jiaogulan are easy to dry. So you have the he althy herb available even in winter.
Support with wintering
A houseplant is not exposed to the threatening frost. There is therefore no need for action. It is better to move a potted specimen that is kept outdoors to a frost-free and, if possible, bright winter quarters for the winter. In a dark area, the plant should be cut back hand-high.
Planted immortality herb may be covered with leaves or brushwood despite its good winter hardiness. This increases the rhizome's chances of survival.
