Originating from Oaxaca, Mexico, the herb can also be grown in your backyard, provided that the climate is your area is conducive for the growth of salvia divinorum. Since it is a semi- tropical perennial plant, it can grow during any time of the year, as long as it is not exposed to freezing climates, if the condition allows it, this plant grows up to several meters high.
It leaves are usually large and colored emerald green, though there are instances when they are yellow. The place where the plant should grow should be partially shaded. In fact, the plant can be grown indoors. In addition to its healing properties, salvia can also become a beautiful ornament in your home. Make sure that the soil where your plant is growing, is watered daily and well drained.
Too much water can rot the soaked roots and kill the plant. The plant grows best in areas with a humid, semi-tropical climate. However, this does not mean that those living in cooler or hotter areas cannot grow: as long as the weather permits, you grow your harvest outdoors. However, you have to take extra care of the plant by protecting it from the cold, watering it frequently, and misting it when it is not too humid.
A weather that is to hot or too cold can kill the plant, thus it is advisable to grow your batch in a large pot so that you can bring it indoors during the winter, and outdoors during the summer. If you are growing your plant indoors, make sure that you bring out the plant when it is raining so that it can wash away the mineral salts that are building in the soil.
Just like most plants, the herb also needs to have fertilizers. You can make use of just about any general purpose fertilizer, but the organic fertilizer of choice would have to be fish emulsion. However, this fertilizer has a pretty unpleasant odor, so it is not advisable to use it if you are growing the plant indoors.
You can also make use of chemical fertilizer products. As for the lighting, a few hours of sunlight a day is enough, although you have to remember that it should be kept partially shaded. You can also place it beside a window if grown indoors. There are pests that might attack your plants, such as white fly, aphids, caterpillars, spider mites, scale insects, thrips, and slugs. Most outdoor pests can be shooed away using a garden hose.
Spray water on the leaves hard to drive the pests away, but be gentle enough so as not to damage to it’s leaves. Always pay close attention to the underside of the it’s leaves, since they are often neglected. If you want to propagate each plant, you can do so by rooting it in soil or in water, since they seldom propagate by seed. If you have the time and the patience to take care of the herb, why not try to just keep the plant in your backyard instead of purchasing them from other sellers?
