Pasak Bumi Plant Care

Pasak Bumi (Labisia pumila) belongs to the Primulaceae family within the Labisia genus. Pasak Bumi is native to Malaysia. Pasak Bumi is also known as Tongkat Ali.

Pasak Bumi displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Pasak Bumi produces small, delicate pink or white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pasak Bumi every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Pasak Bumi thrives in partial shade to dappled sunlight. Avoid placing Pasak Bumi in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Labisia pumila tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Pasak Bumi prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Pasak Bumi to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pasak Bumi every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to dappled sunlight and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pasak Bumi is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Pasak Bumi can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Pasak Bumi while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Pasak Bumi is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Pasak Bumi can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Pasak Bumi is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Pasak Bumi grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Pasak Bumi is native to Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Pasak Bumi as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.