The method of growing Fish Mint from cuttings is sought after by many due to the health benefits of this herb. Moreover, Fish Mint is also commonly used as a medicinal plant at home. For more details on how to grow this herb, please refer to the following article from My Garden!
1. Some Information You Should Know About Fish Mint
Before delving into the details of how to grow Fish Mint (Houttuynia cordata) from cuttings, let’s take a look at some general information about this herb.
Fish Mint is a perennial herb that typically grows to a height of about 20 to 40 cm. The rhizome of Fish Mint grows underground. The plant has pale yellow flowers and dark green, heart-shaped leaves that grow alternately. When crushed, the leaves emit a slightly fishy odor.
In the past, Fish Mint grew wild, but later it was cultivated in gardens for both food and medicinal purposes to help improve health conditions. According to traditional knowledge, Fish Mint has several notable uses, including:
- Acne treatment: Fish Mint contains antibiotics and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective for treating acne. The method involves picking the leaves, washing them, mashing them with a pinch of salt, and applying the mixture to the affected skin.
- Diabetes management: The herb contains ethanol compounds, so those who consume Fish Mint juice continuously for three weeks may significantly reduce their fasting blood glucose levels.
- Weight control: Obese individuals should drink Fish Mint juice to reduce excess fat.
- Relief from painful urination: Regular consumption of Fish Mint can help alleviate painful urination while detoxifying the body.
- Fever reduction: For young children with fevers due to weather changes, it is advisable to use Fish Mint juice instead of Western medications containing antibiotics.
2. Detailed Guide on How to Grow Fish Mint from Cuttings at Home
Fish Mint can be grown from seeds or cuttings. However, many people prefer the cutting method because it is easy to implement, highly effective, and allows for the use of cuttings after purchasing the herb. To grow this herb, follow these three steps:
2.1. How to grow fish mint from branches
- Remove the leaves and young tips from the Fish Mint . Keep the sturdy stems for planting.
- Before planting, use a knife to cut just above the first node (about 3 mm from the node) because the roots will grow from this first node. Additionally, you only need to leave 2-3 nodes on the stem; if it is too long, trim it down.
- Prepare some construction sand and add water to moisten it (using this type of sand increases the success rate of rooting). Place the moistened sand into a pot for rooting, and spray water evenly to level the sand surface.
- Insert the prepared Fish Mint stem into the sand at a depth of 1.5 to 2 cm to ensure the stem stands upright. After that, mist it again to help the sand hold the stem firmly.
2.2. How to Prepare Soil for Fish Mint Cuttings
- You can use soil from your garden or purchase clean soil.
- Mix the soil with well-rotted organic fertilizer (such as cow manure, chicken manure, or worm castings) in a 1:1 ratio.
- If you have charred rice husks, add a little to make the soil light and fluffy.
- Before planting, make sure to mist the soil to keep it moist.
2.3. Instructions for Planting Fish Mint from Cuttings
- After 1 week of rooting, choose the cuttings that have developed roots and prepare to plant them.
- Dig a small hole about 1.5 to 2 cm deep, place the rooted cutting in, and cover it with soil. (After planting, mist the entire plant to keep it moist.)
- Water once a day (in the morning and evening). If the weather is very sunny, water twice a day. If it rains, there’s no need to water.
- Fish Mint prefers shade, so if planted in a sunny area, it’s best to create a shade cover to protect it from harsh sunlight. Adding fish emulsion once a week will help the plant grow faster.
The above is a detailed guide on how to grow Fish Mint from cuttings, which is very easy to care for. You should take advantage of the cuttings after purchasing to grow them at home. Wishing you success with this medicinal plant in your garden!
Comments
Post a Comment