How to grow a Vietnamese Balm plant easily

Introduction

Vietnamese balm or Vietnamese Lemon Balm, (scientific name: Dracaena Hangqinensis) is a perennial herb that is native to Vietnam. In the US, the plant goes by the name Crested Late Summer Mint. It has long been used in traditional Vietnamese medicine for its healing properties. The plant grows to a height of about 2-3 feet and has dark green leaves. The flowers are small and white, and they grow in clusters.

Vietnamese balm is relatively easy to grow and does not require any special care. It can be grown in both pots and in the ground. The plant prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it. Vietnamese balm can be propagated by seed or by division. It is best to sow the seeds in a greenhouse or indoors in late winter or early spring.

The plants can be transplanted outdoors after the last frost date. Divide the clumps of Vietnamese balm in spring or fall. Plant the divisions about 18 inches apart in well-drained soil. Water regularly until the plants are established.

Benefits of Vietnamese Balm plant

Vietnamese balm is an attractive addition to any garden, and it can also be used fresh or dried in cooking. The leaves can be used to flavor soups, salads, and stir-fries. The essential oil extracted from the plant is used as in antibecterial, antipyretic, antiviral and diuretic substances.

The plant has many other medicinal uses. It is used in treating common cold, fevers, headaches, diarrhea, etc. In traditional Chinese medicine, the plant extracts are used for curing stomach problems and to induce sweating.

Essentials

Soil composition

Vietnamese Balm ( also known as lemongrass) is a tropical plant that is native to Vietnam. Vietnamese Balm prefers a warm, humid climate and well-drained soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If you are growing Vietnamese Balm in a pot, use a potting mix that is specifically designed for tropical plants.

Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Vietnamese Balm can be propagated from seed or division. To grow from seed, sow the seeds in a sterile potting mix and keep them moist. Seedlings will emerge in 10-14 days. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots.

Vietnamese Balm can be used fresh or dried. The leaves can be used in soups, curries, or stir-fries. The dried leaves can be used to make teas or infusions.

Watering

Vietnamese Balm can be grown indoors or outdoors. If you are growing the plant indoors, place it in a pot that has drainage holes and water it regularly, making sure that the soil stays moist but not soggy. If you are growing Vietnamese Balm outdoors, choose a spot in your garden that gets full sun.

The plant does not like to be wet, so make sure that the area drains well. Water the plant regularly, making sure that the soil stays moist but not soggy.

Flowering

When growing this plant, it’s important to provide full sun and well-drained soil. It’s also important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. You can grow Vietnamese Balm from seed or from cuttings. If you’re growing from seed, plant the seeds in late spring or early summer.

If you’re growing from cuttings, take the cuttings in late summer or early fall. Once the plant is established, it starts to bloom in mid to late summer. The blooms are white or lavender in color and have a lemony scent. Vietnamese Balm is an annual plant, so it will only live for one growing season. However, it self-seeds readily, so you can expect it to come back year after year.

Fruiting or growing seeds

The plants should be kept moist and fertilized regularly. When the weather warms in late spring, the plants can be moved outdoors. They grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Flowering typically occurs in mid to late summer, and the fruits will mature soon after. Harvest the fruits when they are brown and dry. The seeds can be used fresh or dried for cooking or medicinal purposes.

Propagation

The division is the quickest way to propagate Vietnamese Balm. Use a sharp knife to divide the rootball into smaller pieces, making sure each piece has at least one shoot. Transplant the divisions into individual pots filled with fresh potting mix.

Vietnamese balm is relatively easy to grow and can be propagated from stem cuttings or seeds. To grow Vietnamese balm from stem cuttings, simply take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy plant and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cutting in the rooting hormone and plant in a moist potting mix.

Place the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and within 6-8 weeks roots should form and new growth will appear. Once the roots are established, you can transplant your Vietnamese balm into the garden or into larger pots.

Vietnamese balm can also be grown from seed, although it may take a bit longer to germinate. Sow seed in mid-spring, barely covering with soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pots in a warm location out of direct sunlight. It can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks for Vietnamese balm seed to germinate. Once seedlings appear, thin down the plants heavily.

Pests and diseases

Pests and diseases are not a big problem for Vietnamese Balm. Watch for aphids and whiteflies and control them with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed. Powdery mildew can occur in humid weather but it is not usually harmful to the plant.

If you grow Vietnamese Balm indoors, watch for mealybugs and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with periodic spraying of the plant with water or with an insecticide such as horticultural oil.

Irritation to pets

Because of its strong aroma, Vietnamese Balm can be irritating to pets such as dogs and cats. If you have pets, it is important to keep them away from the plant to avoid any potential health problems. Vietnamese Balm is otherwise safe for humans and can be enjoyed without any negative side effects.