Callisia fragrans, or the Basket Plant, is a popular herbaceous plant commonly grown indoors for medicinal purposes. It is endemic to Mexico and can be found in the West Indies region and southern areas of the United States.
Callisia fragrans is a liana-like herbaceous plant. It has two types of shoots: upright and fleshy, ranging in length from 30 to 80 in (80 cm to 2 m), linear leaves up to 10 in (25 cm) long, and horizontal, with poorly developed leaves. The flowers of the Basket Plant are small and aromatic. They are collected in hanging inflorescences. However, flowering occurs infrequently at home.
Unlike many tropical plants, Callisia fragrans can stand drought for quite extended periods of time. Water the plant when about 75% of the soil is dry. Use settled tepid water. Don’t let the roots soak in mud, empty the saucer after you finish watering.
It is necessary to diffuse the light for the plant to develop normally. The leaves should have a proper bright green color with a purple tint on the underside of the leaf plate. The plant's leaves take on a deep purple hue when kept in direct sunshine.
The soil should be loose and neutral. A mixture of self-prepared forest soil, humus, and river sand may work great. In this case, disinfection is required. Heat the components separately at the temperature of 160ËšF (70ËšC) in the oven and cool it down before mixing.
It is not necessary to fertilize Callisia fragrans. If it is taking too long to develop, apply a light concentration of a complex fertilizer to the substrate. Potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen should all be present in the feed.
Prune your Callisia fragrans when you feel it’s starting to get too big. To do so, cut the stem above the leaf nod with clean shears. You can also cut off the weak stems and flowers that are about to fade.
You can use seeds or cuttings, layering, or mustache pieces to propagate the Basket Plant. It is best to reproduce Callisia fragrans in March or April if you want to choose the vegetative option. You can do it at any time if necessary, though.
During the growing season, Callisia fragrans should be kept at a temperature of 77-82°F (25-27°C). In the winter, provide your plant with a temperature of 55-60°F (12-15°C). The Basket Plant requires a steady supply of fresh air and dislikes drafts.
The pot for your Callisia fragrans needs to be 5-6 in (12-15 cm) wide, preferably ceramic, and always with drainage holes. Before planting, fill the container with a drainage layer. You may want to hang the plant in a basket to let its stems and flowers spread beautifully.
