Gynostemma pentaphyllum JIAOGULAN (plant)

Plant of Immortality, also known as Jiaogulan, is a high-growth Chinese and Japanese climber that quickly covers vertical areas by winding itself around supports.
It possesses tendrils located just above each leaf that twist around supports, allowing it to grow rapidly.
Its leaves are palmate, generally composed of 5 to 7 highly veined leaflets.

Its foliage is very dense; it can easily cover a 2-square-meter trellis in just one year.

How do I plant my Jiaogulan plant?

• Transplant the Centenarians Tea plant into a 5-liter pot with good quality horticultural potting soil, taking care not to cover the collar of the plant.
• Water copiously at the base of the plant during planting.
• Place the base of the plant in a shaded area while allowing the aerial system to grow in the sun.
• It is also possible to plant it directly in the garden in a cool, moist spot.

What kind of soil should I use?

It thrives plant in well-draining substrates with a slightly acidic pH, ideally composed with a bit of leaf compost.

Where should I place my jiaogulan plant?

Gynostemma pentaphyllum grows very well in bright light.
You should find a location with full sun for its aerial system and a shaded exposure for its base/roots.

What temperature does it need? Is it hardy?

This inmortality vine grows very well when temperatures fluctuate between 20°C and 35 °C.
It is a hardy plant that can easily withstand temperatures down to -10 °C, although the aerial parts will disappear during the winter period (die back to the ground).

Does my plant need a lot of water?

This jiaogulan plant requires 2 or 3 watering during the summer period.
It is not necessary to irrigate regularly in winter, as the plant enters a period of vegetative dormancy.

How can I propagate my jiaogulan plant?

You can easily propagate the herb of immortality in three ways: by seed or by stem cuttings.
To propagate via cuttings, take a 15 cm stem section, remove the leaves from the bottom 5 cm, and plant it in a square pot.
Roots will begin to grow after 10 to 15 days.
Alternatively, you can propagate it by root division, cutting sections 3 to 5 cm long.
I primarily use the stem cutting and root division methods for effective propagation.

Is my plant prone to diseases and pests?

It is not prone to diseases. However, certain pests such as slugs and snails occasionally attack its foliage.

Why grow a jiaogulan plant at home?

A Botanical Curiosity from Asia

The vigorous, well-rooted herb of immortality plant currently available on the Ethnoplants website allows you to grow a robust vine native to the rainforests of Asia.
It is a prime choice for dressing up a structure or pergola, offering a lush visual effect typical of Asian ethnobonatical gardens.

A Unique Collector's Specimen

Known as Amachazuru in Japan, this fascinating specimen attracts attention for the complexity of its leaves and its vigorous growth.
Its easy adaptation to bright interiors or greenhouses makes it a "showpiece" for any enthusiast wishing to diversify their collection with rare species.
A robust vine that combines graphic aesthetics with botanical interest.

This article was written by Julien on 10/01/2026.