Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan) Plant

Description

Gynostemma pentaphyllum, known as Jiaogulan is a climbing herbaceous vine native to China, Japan and Southeast Asia. A sweet tea is made from it’s leaves.

It is best known as an Asian herbal medicine with powerful antioxidant and adaptogenic effects which are said to increase longevity.

Jiaogulan Tea, has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine used for its all round health benefits with the added bonus of being an enjoyable tea, described as sweet tasting with spicy overtones.

Jiaogulan is used for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and improving heart function. It is also used for strengthening the immune system, increasing stamina and endurance, increasing resistance to environmental stress, improving memory, anti-aging, and preventing hair loss.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is dioecious, meaning individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. The plant is not self-fertile and is pollinated by insects. Our plants are yet to be identified as male or female. This plant makes a very attractive hanging basket feature.

• Common name.

5-Leaf Ginseng; Chinese Xiancao; Sweet Tea Vine; Poor-Man’s Ginseng; Southern Ginseng; Miracle Grass; Fairy Herb; Dungkulcha; Gospel Herb; Sweet Tea of the Vine; Immortality Herb; Jag.

• Specifications.

50mm Pot Size
Divided Plant

Ideal Growing Conditions.

Gynostemma is a perennial that best grows between 15-30°C and thrives in partial shade to dappled sunlight. It naturally grows in woodland margins and performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade. In cooler climates it will tolerate more direct sun, provided the soil remains consistently moist. Grows best in moist conditions, requires heavy watering. Drought intolerant.

Pruning: Trim back any leggy or dead growth to encourage bushier growth.

Pests and Diseases: Gynostemma pentaphyllum is actually quite resistant to pests and is generally considered an easy, vigorous vine to grow. It tends to have fewer pest problems than many leafy herbs. Monitor for pests such as slugs, snails and caterpillars.

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.

We recommend Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day for a fertiliser, which can be found in our store, however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage.

Fertiliser: 

Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser

The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food

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

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

Interested in Gynostemma pentaphyllum? Have a look at these products

Gynostemma pentaphyllum Organic (Jiaogulan) Loose Leaf Tea

Cyperus rotundus (Nut Grass; Xiang Fu) Dried Rhizome

Acorus tatarinowii (Sweetflag; Shi Chang Pu) Dried Rhizome

*Traditional uses and general information on products are provided for educational purposes only. We do not make any therapeutic claims. Nothing contained in this site is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice.