Insulin Plant, Costus igneus

Description

Common Name	Fiery costus, Spiral flag, Insulin plant
Maximum Reachable Height	Up to 2 feet
Flower Colour	Orange
Bloom Time	Summer
Difficulty Level	Easy to grow

Planting and care

 

Refer our beginners garden guide for detailed procedures and meanings of words related to gardening.

 

Sunlight

At least five to six hours of morning sunlight a day is ideal.

SoilThe soil should be well-drained and rich in organic content for growing the Hibiscus plant.

WateringWater the plant when the topsoil (1-2 inches) in the pot feels dry to touch.

Do not overwater the plant.

Water thoroughly in the summer and reduce watering in the winter and rainy seasons.

Application of FertilizerDuring the main growing season (August-December) feed the plant with organic fertilizer once a month.

Loosen the topsoil without disturbing the roots of the plant so it can uptake the nutrients and moisture easily.

Plant ProtectionRemove dead, infected, or damaged plant parts and discard them away from the plants.

For any insect attack or disease, you can use Neem oil, Eucalyptus oil, or Citrus oil spray for primary treatment.

 

DontsDo not overwater the plant.

Insulin Plant care

Initial care for 1-2 weeks after receiving plant at your location:

Check the moisture in the soil before watering it.

Poke your finger into the soil, if dry then apply water.

Keep the plant in indirect bright light.

Do not re-pot for min. 2 weeks after receiving it.

 

Key requirements to keep the plant healthy:

Sunlight	Bright/Indirect Bright Sunlight.
Watering	Water the plant when the topsoil (1-2 inches) in the pot feels dry to touch. Do not overwater the plant. Water thoroughly in the summer and reduce watering in the winter and rainy seasons.
Soil	Well draining and nutrient-rich soil.
Temperature	18 to 29 degrees C
Fertilizer	Apply any organic fertilizer

Insulin Plant special feature

One of the best medicinal plants.

Insulin Plant uses

Ornamental Use:

• It is widely grown in gardens as an ornamental plant

Medicinal Use:

• A plant has the therapeutic potential of the leaves in diabetes
• The leaves of the Insulin Plant contain corosolic acid which helps to generate insulin thereby treating diabetes
• Note: The following information is general guidelines, be sure to ask your healthcare provider for guidelines
• It has been proven to possess various pharmacological activities like hypolipidemic, diuretic, antioxidant, anti-microbial