Patchouli plant is basically a herb that belongs to the mint family. It is found in the tropical areas of Asia. The different varieties of this plant viz. Pogostemon cablin, Pogostemon hortensis, Pogostemon commosum and Pogostemon plectranthoides are harvested and cultivated mainly to obtain the essential oil popularly known as the ‘Patchouli oil’.

This patchouli oil is extracted by using the ‘steam distillation of leaves’ method. The cell walls of the leaves are ruptured by steam scalding and drying, making the essential oil all set to be extracted. The highest quality of the essential oil is prepared by distilling the leaves closer to the area where they were harvested. However, some people argue that fermenting dried leaves of the plant is the best way to obtain the highest quality. The patchouli oil is used in perfumes, insect repellents, incense and toys.

• Patchouli oil is used as an ingredient in many scented products like paper towels, air fresheners or laundry detergents. Norpatchoulenol and patchouli are the two essential components of the oil.

• Patchouli oil is also used as a strong and effective insect repellent, especially for the termites known as Formosan subterranean.

• East Asian Incense has patchouli as an essential ingredient.

• Patchouli oil is also used in the plastic that goes in the making of action figures and toys.

Agricultural production of the Patchouli plants can be carried out in warm areas with well draining soil, damp climate and partial to full exposure to the sun. The plant can be harvested either directly on the ground soil or in a container. The pH of the soil however is very important and must be maintained at all times. For patchouli to grow at its best, the pH of the soil must be 5.5 to 6.2.

• How to grow the patchouli plant?

• Dig a hole that matches the depth of the container containing the herb.

• Place the plant in the hole.

• Remove any air pockets by tamping the soil down around the herb.

• Water the herb thoroughly and give it at least 20 inches-room around it to allow it to grow properly.

• Before watering again, allow the topmost layer of soil to dry.

The plant should be fertilized with NPK-plant food 10-10-10 once every month till fall. Make sure to prune the dead, diseased or damaged leaves. Make sure to dip the shears in a mixture of 70% denatured alcohol and 30% water to prevent any further spreading of the disease. Also, you should keep in mind that caterpillars find this plant very fascinating and thus, make sure to keep a check on them and remove them in a timely manner. Other than this, to allow the patchouli plant to go in the dormant state, one should reduce watering it during the winter season. Furthermore, plants grown in containers become much handier to maintain and care for in the winters as they can easily be moved inside for a suitable environment before moving it inside.

However, remember to set the plant in a shady area for first few days to prevent any damage due to a sudden shift in temperature.

The patchouli plant should be harvested on dry mornings as the essential oils are at their peak during this time.

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