Perilla Plant Care
Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Perilla frutescens, known as deulkkae or Korean perilla in Korea, as egoma in Japan, and as zisu in China, is a species of Perilla in the mint family Lamiaceae. It is an annual plant native to Southeast Asia and Indian highlands, and is traditionally grown in the Korean peninsula, southern China, Japan and India as a crop.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Perilla?
Water Perilla 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.
Where Is the Perilla Native To?
What Is the Perilla?
Perilla (Perilla frutescens) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Perilla genus. Perilla is native to Southeast Asia and Indian highlands. Perilla is also known as Shiso, Beefsteak Plant, Wild Perilla.
Perilla displays an upright, bushy herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Perilla produces small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Perilla?
Perilla frutescens 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 Perilla Need?
Perilla thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Perilla Prefer?
Perilla frutescens grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Perilla prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Perilla?
Well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Good drainage is essential for Perilla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Perilla?
Feed Perilla 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 Perilla?
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 Perilla?
Perilla can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to shiso plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Perilla Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Perilla, 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 Perilla?
Perilla 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 Perilla Need?
Perilla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Perilla is native to Southeast Asia and Indian highlands. In cooler regions, grow Perilla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Perilla 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.
Perilla 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 (L.) Britton, family Lamiaceae (first published in Mem. Torrey Bot. Club 5: 277 (1894)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Perilla, 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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