Shiso Plant Care
Perilla frutescens var. crispa (Thunb.) H.Deane
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Perilla frutescens var. crispa, also known by its Japanese name shiso (紫蘇) from Chinese zisu, is a cultigen of Perilla frutescens, a herb in the mint family Lamiaceae.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Shiso?
Water Shiso every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
What Is the Shiso?
Shiso (Perilla frutescens var. crispa) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Perilla genus. Shiso is native to the mountainous regions of China and India. Shiso is also known as Perilla, Japanese Basil, Beefsteak Plant.
Shiso displays an upright, bushy herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Shiso produces small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Shiso?
Perilla frutescens var. crispa requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Shiso Need?
Shiso thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Shiso Prefer?
Perilla frutescens var. crispa grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Shiso prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Shiso?
Well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Good drainage is essential for Shiso to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Shiso?
Feed Shiso every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Shiso?
Repot annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Shiso?
Shiso can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to perilla plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Shiso Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Shiso, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Shiso?
Shiso is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Shiso Need?
Shiso grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Shiso is native to the mountainous regions of China and India. In cooler regions, grow Shiso as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Shiso is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Perilla genus — compare its care with other Perilla species on PlantoScan.
Perilla is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Shiso thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Perilla frutescens var. crispa (Thunb.) H.Deane, family Lamiaceae (first published in Rhodora 25: 40 1923) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Shiso, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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