Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' Plant Care

Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' (Pogostemon purpurascens) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Pogostemon genus. Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' is native to the Western Ghats in South India.

Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' displays a bushy, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' produces small, tubular flowers in shades of purple or white.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' every 7–10 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.

Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Pogostemon purpurascens tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' every 4 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 bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' 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.

Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pogostemon benghalensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' 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.

Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' is native to the Western Ghats in South India. In cooler regions, grow Pogostemon stellatus 'Broad Leaf' as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.