How to plant Withania somnifera
A comprehensive introduction to the aspects of Withania somnifera, including how to plant it. Let's take a closer look together.
Speaking of how to plant Withania somnifera, it is necessary to understand that Withania somnifera is also known as desert geranium, scented geranium, belonging to the Geraniaceae family, Geranium genus, a perennial succulent semi-woody plant, with the scientific name Pelargonium alternans.
Withania somnifera is a winter type, with compact cluster-like semi-woody stems, the bark of old plants is dark brown, while new branches are grayish-green, smooth, and old stems twist and branch extensively. The leaves are covered with short pubescence, and small pinnate compound leaves grow at the tip of the stem. In autumn, it blooms white or pink flowers with a night fragrance, usually with up to four flowers per inflorescence.
Withania somnifera grows relatively slowly and is relatively difficult to propagate. It sheds leaves and enters dormancy in summer, can safely spend the summer in scattered light, and is very drought-resistant.
During the growing season, Withania somnifera requires sufficient sunlight, a cool and dry environment, slightly shade-tolerant, afraid of waterlogging, and dislikes hot and humid conditions. It has the habit of growing in cool seasons and entering dormancy in high summer temperatures. From September to the following June is the peak growing season for the plant (different environments may have different growing periods). Plants growing in sufficient sunlight have a compact growth habit with a low risk of etiolation, and the leaves are arranged beautifully and compactly. Withania somnifera grows slowly.
During the growing season, the soil should be kept slightly moist, avoiding waterlogging. Withania somnifera can withstand temperatures as low as -4 degrees Celsius when the potting soil is dry, which is the indoor temperature, not outdoors. During the entire winter, it requires minimal watering, although it is in the growing season, it should start to reduce watering below 5 degrees. Try to maintain temperatures above 0 degrees, as very low temperatures can easily freeze and kill the growing points. Old plants are very frost-resistant and will grow normally in winter if the temperature is suitable, without entering dormancy.
When the temperature exceeds 30℃ in summer, the plant's growth basically stops. At this time, watering should be reduced to prevent root and stem rot due to overly moist potting soil. Improve ventilation, provide appropriate shading, and avoid direct sunlight. This is the basic care throughout the summer. It is worth noting that in summer, it is not completely stopped watering, but only a small amount of water is given, pouring water only at the edge of the pot, about twice a month, between 7-9 pm when the sun has already set, which will not have a significant impact on the plant's roots. Avoid long-term rain to prevent stem rot. Water should be given gradually when new leaves appear on the stems.
Since Withania somnifera grows slowly, it is enough to repot every 5-10 years. Increase watering gradually in early spring as the temperature warms up, and repot before the leaves sprout in autumn. The propagation of desert geranium is mainly by seeds or cuttings, and it is a cross-pollinated variety.
The above content (figure) introduces how to plant Withania somnifera, hoping it is helpful to you!