How to Plant and Grow Patchouli

A shrubby tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, patchouli is best known for its fragrant essential oil that adds a rich, earthy component to soaps, lotions, and perfumes. This non-edible herb has also been used as a traditional medicine in China, Malaysia, and Japan. 

It might surprise you that patchouli is a member of the mint family. While it shares fast growth with other members of the mint family, it struggles in too much sunlight. In its native habitat, it grows as an understory plant. The egg-shaped leaves and stems are aromatic when crushed. The white flowers of patchouli have no particular scent.

Unless you live in Zone 10 or 11 and your yard offers the particular growing conditions that patchouli needs, it is best to grow in containers and overwinter it indoors.

Where to Plant Patchouli

Whether you plant patchouli in a location where it remains year-round or grow it in a container, give it a spot that is sheltered from the scorching sun and the soil is rich, moist, and acidic.

For outdoor planting, a location in a moist woodland setting or a bed that is shaded by taller plants is ideal.

How and When to Plant Patchouli

Plant nursery-grown patchouli in the spring after temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees F during the day and 60 degrees F at night. Dig a hole that roughly matches the size of the pot. Place the plant in the center of the hole, cover the roots with soil, then tamp down gently to remove air pockets. Water it thoroughly, then add a layer of mulch around the plant to retain moisture. Allow the topsoil to dry before providing supplemental water. 

Space plants 5 feet apart in either direction to allow for sufficient airflow.

Patchouli Care Tips

If the growing conditions are suitable, patchouli does not require much ongoing care.

Light

Outdoors, plant patchouli or place the pots in a location with dappled light. Avoid full sun exposure, especially during the hot afternoon hours.

Indoors, place the potted plant in a spot with bright indirect light near an east- or west-facing window.

Soil and Water

The plant needs rich, fertile, moist yet well-drained soil with a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.2.

During the active growing season, water the plant slowly and deeply when the top inch of soil is just starting to dry. Make sure, however, not to overwater it.

During the winter dormancy, reduce watering but don’t let the plant dry out completely.

Temperature and Humidity

Patchouli is a tropical, highly cold-sensitive plant that needs a warm, humid climate. It will struggle in hot and arid climates. 

The plant enters dormancy when daytime temperatures in the fall drop below 70 degrees F. At that point, bring container-grown plants inside and place them in a spot with bright indirect light. Move plants outside again in late spring or early summer when temperatures warm up again.

Fertilizer

Starting in the spring when the plant starts its active growing season, fertilize in-ground plants with fish emulsion every three months, following the label instructions. Feed potted plants with a houseplant fertilizer at diluted strength about once a month. Do not fertilize the plant during the winter.

Pruning

To encourage more compact foliage growth, pinch back any leggy stems above a set of leaves. Removing the flower buds as they appear also encourages more leaf growth.

Potting and Repotting Patchouli

Patchouli is a prime candidate for growing in a container. Choose an 8- to 12-inch-diameter pot with large drainage holes and fill it with lightweight potting mix and a few handfuls of compost. Keep in mind that container plants need frequent watering, especially in warm weather. 

Due to its rapid growth, the plant might need annual repotting to a larger container with fresh potting soil every spring when the root system has started to fill the container.

Pests and Problems

Starting in the second season, plants are susceptible to leaf blight, a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. If it progresses, it can lead to the entire leaf drying. Good air circulation and pruning out infected plant parts with sterilized pruning shears help to delay the spread of the disease. If the infection is severe, it is better to discard the plant and start fresh with a new one.

How to Propagate Patchouli

Patchouli is propagated from seeds indoors. In the early spring, plant the tiny seeds in a seed-starting tray or container filled with soilless potting mix. If the room temperature is below 70 degrees F, provide extra heat by placing the tray on a heating mat, as the seeds need warmth for germination. Patchouli typically germinates within three weeks. Once the seedlings emerge, place them in a warm spot with bright indirect light. If there is not sufficient natural light, place a grow light 3 to 4 feet away.

Water the seedlings regularly, they are exceptionally sensitive to dry soil. Keep the young plants in a growing environment that includes moderate-to-warm temperatures, moist but not soggy soil, and indirect light.

Thin the seedlings and leave only the strongest in each pot.

Gradually acclimate the plants to the outdoor conditions when daytime temperatures reach 70 degrees F. Start with a few hours and increase the time outside every day before leaving the plants outdoors for the duration of the summer.