Vicks Tulsi (Mint Tulsi Plant)

Selling Size : Single Plant | 2.5″ Pot Included | Secure Packing 

The plant referred to as Vicks Tulsi or Mint Tulsi is generally a variety of Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum, or Holy Basil) that has a distinctly minty, menthol-like aroma, often resembling the scent of Vicks VapoRub.

The care requirements for Vicks/Mint Tulsi are very similar to those for a standard Tulsi (Holy Basil) plant.

Here is a detailed guide for caring for your  Vicks Tulsi (Mint Tulsi Plant) :

1. Sunlight

• Preference: Vicks Tulsi is a sun-loving plant and thrives best in full sun, meaning 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Minimum: It can tolerate partial shade, but needs at least 4 hours of bright, direct sunlight daily to grow healthily and develop its strong aromatic oils.
• Placement: Place it in a sunny balcony, terrace, or a south- or east-facing window if kept indoors. Lack of light will make the plant pale and “leggy” (tall, weak stems).

2. Watering

• Moisture Level: It prefers moderately moist soil. The most common mistake is overwatering, which leads to root rot.
• When to Water: Water the plant only when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
• Drainage: Ensure the pot has excellent drainage holes, and empty any water that collects in the saucer beneath the pot to prevent waterlogging.
• Seasonal Adjustment: You will need to water more frequently during the hot summer months and significantly reduce watering in the winter.

3. Soil and Potting

• Soil Type: Use a well-drained, fertile, and loose soil mix rich in organic matter.
• Mix: A good mix is typically equal parts garden soil, coarse sand, and organic compost or well-rotted manure.
• Pot: A clay or terracotta pot is ideal as it allows the soil to breathe and helps excess moisture evaporate, reducing the risk of root rot. Ensure the pot size is adequate for the plant’s current size.
• pH: It tolerates a slightly acidic to neutral pH range (6.0 to 7.5).

4. Temperature and Climate

• Warmth: Being a tropical plant, Tulsi thrives in a warm environment with temperatures between 68∘F to 86∘F (20∘C to 30∘C).
• Cold Sensitivity: Tulsi is extremely sensitive to cold and will likely die if exposed to frost or temperatures below 50∘F (10∘C) for extended periods.
• Winter Care: If you live in a cold region, you must move the plant indoors before the cold season begins. Place it in the warmest, sunniest spot possible, and drastically reduce watering.

5. Pruning and Maintenance

• Pinch Regularly (Prune for Bushiness): This is the key to a healthy, full Tulsi plant. Once the plant reaches about 6 inches in height, regularly pinch off the growing tips of the main stems (the top 2-3 inches, just above a leaf node). This encourages new side branches and a compact, bushy shape.
• Remove Flowers (Manjaris): The small flower spikes (called manjaris) should be pinched off as soon as they appear. Allowing the plant to flower and go to seed will signal the end of its life cycle, causing it to become woody, stop producing new leaves, and eventually die.
• Dead/Yellow Leaves: Regularly remove any dried, yellowing, or diseased leaves to keep the plant healthy and focused on new growth.

6. Fertilizing

• Type: Tulsi responds well to organic fertilizers. Use organic compost, vermicompost, or compost tea.
• Frequency: Apply a mild dose of organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the main growing season (spring and summer) to support vigorous leaf production.
• Vicks Tulsi (Mint Tulsi Plant) Caution: Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with chemical fertilizers, as this can harm the roots and may not always lead to better growth.