Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag) Plant

Description

Acorus calamus, commonly known as Sweet Flag, is semi-aquatic perennial plant that grows to a height of 1 metres with a spread of 0.5 metres. The plant features long, sword-like green leaves and thrives in moist environments, making it a great choice for pond edges, water gardens, or damp garden beds.

The rhizome is horizontal, creeping, cylindrical, branched and up to 2 metres long, with a spicy aroma. The stem is erect, unbranched and flowering with yellowish green erect leaves. The flowers are greenish yellow, with a keeled stalk and on a densely crowded spike; the fruit are greenish berries.

Acorus calamus has many traditional uses such as an ingredient in Chinese and Indian herbal traditions due to its laxative and diuretic properties. The roots and leaves have antioxidant, antimicrobial and insecticidal activities. Acorus calamus derives most of its psychoactive and medicinal action from its active component beta-asarone, which makes up a large percentage of the essential oil produced from the root of Asian and Indian strain. Small amounts of eugenol, safrole and bitter principles are also present. The root of the American variety is generally low in beta-asarone.

Many countries, including Australia, prohibits the use of calamus, calamus oil or asarone in food and aromatherapy preparations due to it being suspected of having carcinogenic properties. Safrol, which is only present in small quantities in the oil is a presumed carcinogen and should not be consumed in large quantities.

• Specifications.

50mm Pot Size
Divided Plant

Ideal Growing Conditions.

Acorus calamus prefers a protected, full sun to partial shade position. It is frost resistant, but drought tender. Propagation is by division in autumn or spring. Acorus calamus prefers to be kept moist to wet at all times.

Pruning: Trim old or yellowing leaves to keep the plant tidy. Divide clumps every 2–3 years in spring to promote vigorous new growth.

Pests and Diseases: Acorus calamus is generally pest-free and disease-resistant. It is occasionally susceptible to slugs or snails in very damp conditions. Root rot may occur in stagnant water without oxygen, so ensure some circulation if planted in ponds.

Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage.

Fertiliser: We recommend and use Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. We also stock an Australian Made liquid indoor fertiliser The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food which is easy to use and odourless

• We cannot send plants to Western Australia & Tasmania due to restrictions.

• We cannot ship this species Internationally.

• We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.

Interested in this plant? Have a look at this products

Acorus gramineus (Japanese Sweet Flag) Plant

Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag) 100% Pure Essential Oil

Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag) Dried Rhizome Powder