Phyla Scaberrima

Phyla Scaberrima Care

Phyla Dulcis

What is the plant

Phyla dulcis is a species of perennial herb that is native to southern Mexico, the Caribbean (Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico), Central America, Colombia, and Venezuela. It is known by several common names, including Aztec sweet herb, bushy lippia, honeyherb, hierba dulce, and tzopelic-xihuitl (Nahuatl). Its buds are also sold as dushi or dulce (sweet in Papiamento and Spanish respectively) buttons.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

-3°C - 10°C

Hardiness zone

9b - 10

Difficulty

Medium

Toxicity

Poisonous

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Basically, the Aztec sweet herb has a great tolerance in terms of water supply. It is best, however, if the soil is not permanently watered. Occasional dehydration does not harm the plant. Too frequent watering is often tolerated, but promotes the formation of diseases.
Pruning
If the Aztec sweet herb is used as a medicinal or kitchen herb, you only harvest the leaves and stems. For healing purposes, the herb can be dried. For the kitchen, however, only fresh leaves are to be used, as the sweetness is significantly lower when drying. The Aztec sweet herb does not tolerate frost fluctuations, requiring some measures for wintering. In the field, the plant should be covered with brushwood and bark. Pot or pot cultures can be wintered in the basement or in a warmed room. The plants tolerate only temperatures up to about 8 ° C (46° F).
Fertilizer
In terms of nutrient consumption, the Aztec sweet herb is very undemanding. If the herb grows outdoors,it is advisable to incorporate, every two seasons, a little of a not so strong organic or organomineral fertilizer in the soil. Even potted cultures should not be fertilized regularly. Before the flowering in July, a commercial herbal fertilizer can be used, which is sufficient in most cases.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Full sun to part shade.
Soil
An ideal soil would be made up of 45% minerals (sand, clay, silt), 5 % organic (plant and animal) material, 25% air and 25% water. The mineral portion would be loam (20 – 30% clay, 30 – 50% silt and 30 – 50% sand).
Temperature
Temperatures between 65 (18 °C) to 75 F (23 °C) and nighttime temperatures between 50 t(10°C) to 60 F (15 °C).