Description
Costus igneus Nak and Costus pictus D. Don, commonly known as Insulin plant, is a member of Costaceae and a newly introduced plant in India from South and Central America. It is a perennial, upright, spreading plant reaching about two feet tall, with spirally arranged leaves and attractive flower₹
In southern India, it usually grows as an ornamental plant and its leaves are used as a dietary supplement in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Plant Specifications
| Plant Height | 16 inch (41 cm) |
| Plant Spread | 5 inch (13 cm) |
*Above specifications are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%
| Common Name | Fiery costus, Spiral flag, Insulin plant |
| Maximum Reachable Height | Up to 2 feet |
| Flower Color | Orange |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to grow. |
Planting And Care
Sunlight
- At least five to six hours of morning sunlight a day is ideal.
Soil
- The soil should be well drained and rich in organic content for growing Hibiscus plant.
Watering
- Water the plant when the topsoil (1-2 inch) in pot feels dry to touch.
- Do not overwater the plant.
- Water thoroughly in the summer and reduce watering in winter and rainy season.
Application of Fertilizer
- During the main growing season (August-December) feed the plant with organic fertilizer once a month.
- Loosen the topsoil without disturbing the roots of the plant so it can uptake the nutrients and moisture easily.
Plant Protection
- Remove dead, infected or damaged plant parts and discard them away from the plants.
- For any insect attack or disease, you can use Neem oil, Eucalyptus oil or Citrus oil spray for primary treatment.
Don’ts
- Do not overwater the plant.
Insulin Plant Care
Initial care for 1-2 weeks after receiving plant at your location:
- Check the moisture in the soil before watering it.
- Poke your finger into the soil, if dry then apply water.
- Keep the plant in indirect bright light.
- Do not re-pot for min. 2 weeks after receiving it.
Key requirements to keep plant healthy:
| Sunlight | Bright/Indirect Bright Sunlight. |
| Watering |
|
| Soil | Well draining and nutrient-rich soil. |
| Temperature | 18 to 29 degrees C |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer. |
Insulin Plant Special Feature
One of the best medicinal plants.
Insulin Plant Uses
Ornamental Use:
- It is widely grown in gardens as an ornamental plant.
Medicinal Use:
- A plant has the therapeutic potential of the leaves in diabetes.
- The leaves of Insulin Plant contain corosolic acid which helps to generate insulin thereby treating diabetes.
- Note: The following information is general guidelines, be sure to ask your healthcare provider for guidelines
- It has been proven to possess various pharmacological activities like hypolipidemic, diuretic, antioxidant, anti-microbial.
Culinary Use:
- Raw Leaves can be eaten.
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