Centella asiatica GOTU-KOLA (plant)

Indian pennywort, also known as Gotu-Kola or Centella asiatica, is a perennial, creeping herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family.

Its foliage is light green, dense, and spreading, often forming thick mats on the ground. The smooth, shiny leaves are circular and heart-shaped (cordate), with slightly wavy edges. They generally measure between 2 and 8 cm in diameter.

The plant produces numerous stolons (runners), which allow it to propagate very quickly.

- Properties:

Revitalizing Virtues and Memory

In traditional medicine, this plant is renowned for its tonic properties. Used in decoctions, it is often associated with memory improvement and general revitalization of the body. Its ancestral use makes it a pillar of traditional herbals for supporting cognitive functions and promoting natural mental clarity in daily life.

Skin Care and Circulatory Comfort

Thanks to the natural compounds in its leaves, this plant is a valuable ally for external application. It helps soothe itching from insects and soften mild burns. Scientific research has also highlighted its effectiveness in treating varicose veins, emphasizing its potential to improve venous circulation and skin health.

Precautions and Medical Expertise

Despite its recognized benefits, the use of this plant must remain supervised to ensure your safety. Its powerful active ingredients require precise dosage and knowledge of your health history. It is therefore imperative not to use it for medicinal purposes without prior advice from a healthcare professional, to avoid any risk of interaction or adverse effects.

- Sowing and Planting:

• Repot Gotu Kola plant into a 1-liter pot using high-quality, well-draining horticultural potting soil. Be careful not to cover the collar (the base of the stem).
• Press the soil down lightly during planting.
• Water at the base of the plant, taking care not to drown it.
• Place the culture in a shaded and cool area of the garden.

- Soil Type:

This small groundcover requires humus-rich soil that is abundant in organic matter and, above all, well-drained.

- Exposure:

It adapts to various light levels but prefers shaded environments. For indoor cultivation, it is recommended to use agricultural neon lights or horticultural LEDs.

- Temperature & Hardiness:

The plant grows best when temperatures fluctuate between 17°C and 27°C. It is sensitive to frost and must be brought indoors before the cold season. Its USDA hardiness zone is 8-11.

- Watering:

It thrives in a humid and cool environment. It is therefore necessary to water it regularly but in small quantities.

- Propagation:

This creeping herb multiplies primarily by producing horizontal runners called stolons. These stolons take root and give rise to new plants.

- Pests and Diseases:

The plant can be affected by various pests such as aphids, thrips, and occasionally slugs. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot can also harm its health.