Incense Plant

The incense plant requires regular watering during the warmer seasons. Over-watering can lead to root rot. During the cooler seasons, water deeply but infrequently. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings. To check your soil’s moisture level, use a moisture meter or insert your finger about an inch into the surface.

Incense plant prefers bright or dappled light and does not tolerate direct sun for extended periods. When giving it too much sun, the leaves are vulnerable to burning. When giving this plant not enough light, it will grow leggy and does not bloom. Finding the right light will promote a healthier, more compact and attractive form.

The incense plant prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius). It will suffer if temperatures remain below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) for extended periods. During summer months, it appreciates slightly cooler temperatures. In winter, move it away from any drafty windows or places it could get cold air.

The incense plant prefers high humidity levels. Spray the leaves with water periodically to provide extra humidity. If you live in an area with low humidity, you may want to use a humidifier to keep the leaves from drying out.

Incense plants prefer loose, well-draining, sandy potting soil. Use a store-bought mix or make your own using equal parts soil, perlite, and potting mix. Keep the soil lightly moist. Do not overwater as this can cause root and stem rot.

Fertilizing your incense plant is recommended, but it is best to only fertilize during the growing season when the plant is actively producing leaves. Use a balanced liquid or granular fertilizer with amounts appropriate for houseplant use. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to burning of the roots and leaves.

The incense plant is generally resistant to most pests, but may succumb to mealy bugs, scale, or spider mites. Fungal and bacterial pathogenic diseases can become an issue in humid conditions. If you notice pest infestations, spray your incense plant with insecticidal soap every 5-7 days. Severely infested plants may need to be discarded.

The Incense Plant typically needs to be repotted once a year or when the roots begin to fill the current pot. Use a new pot that is slightly larger than the old one. Prune off any dead or diseased roots before potting, and replace the soil with new potting soil. Make sure to water the soil properly to settle it around the roots.

Pruning your incense plant is recommended to promote a fuller, more compact look. Make sure to cut long branches leaving healthy leaves behind. This will help even out the plant’s overall height, giving it an even, rounded shape. Avoid cutting too much at one time, and discard any dead or diseased material.

Mulching is very helpful for the incense plant in moderating the soil temperature and controlling weeds around the plant. Avoid putting too much mulch, as it can cause root rot. A thin layer of 1-2 inches of organic mulch is optimal.

The Incense Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to propagate is when the plant is actively growing and beginning to bloom. Cut a couple inches of stem from the end of the branch, using a sharp tool. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and place in moist, well-draining soil mix. Place the pot in a warm, bright area with indirect sunlight.

The incense plant does not need to be supported but may benefit from staking in order to keep the stems sturdy as they grow in length. Staking will provide the mandatory support in sheltered areas as the stems may be too weak to hold the stems straight.

The Incense Plant does not need to enter a dedicted rest period, however it will naturally go dormant for part of the winter. During the dormant stage, it requires less water. Once spring arrives and temperatures get warm, the incense plant will start to grow once more.

Incense plants are non-toxic to pets, making them an excellent choice for the home.