Although this classy mint relative is occasionally offered as Java tea, “cat whiskers” is a far more lovely name for its striking blossoms.
The plant, scientifically also known as Orthosiphon Aristatus is part of the family of Lamiaceae. The delicate, tubular flowers are held above bushy clusters of glossy, medium- to deep-green foliage, and the long, curved stamens give the lengthy bloom spikes an appealing, whisker-like look. The blooms can also be bluish-purple in color but are often white. The thick, bushy plants typically reach heights of two feet (60cm) or less and flower in the late summer and fall; but, in exceptionally warm regions, they can reach heights of three to four feet (or even higher) and flower for most of the growing season.
Source: Orthosiphon aristatus – seen in Port Douglas, Queensland
This plant has expanded from its native South East Asia and Australia to East India, Indochina, and Indonesia. Although it typically grows along roadsides and in wastelands, it naturally grows at the borders of forests.
Enjoy cat’s whiskers in pots or try them in garden beds as an accent or grouping. In evening gardens, where the delicate blossoms seem to shine in the evening light, the white-flowered variety is particularly lovely. Cat’s whiskers are excellent for indoor houseplants or cut flowers. A favorite of butterflies is a rich source of nectar for bees and hummingbirds.
What Does the Cat Whiskers Plant Look Like?
If you want a colorful tropical plant to add texture and appeal to garden beds, borders, or containers, cat’s whiskers could be the choice for you. Cat’s whiskers are a stunning plant that always attracts attention and creates a vibe in your home. It gets its popular name from the long, white stamens that stick out from the flower spikes, which resemble pure white whiskers. It is a favorite of gardeners all around the world because of its regular blooming. It is a perfect choice to combine with mounding and trailing plants to create a striking shape and textural contrast because of its upright growth and spiky blossoms. The plant looks well with just about everything because it has white blossoms, so you can combine it with almost anything.
Health benefits of Cat Whiskers
High potassium levels may be found in cat whisker flowers, which is a substance that supports regular fluid levels in the body’s cells. It is said that the leaves and blooms have diuretic characteristics. The plant has been used for ages to cleanse the body, heal renal problems, and aid with bloating and edema. Additionally, the plant has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities and is used topically to treat fungus infections. According to scientific studies, the plant’s components can also help decrease blood pressure and lessen the impact of asthma and other respiratory conditions.
How to Grow Cat Whiskers (Orthosiphon Aristatus)?
Cat’s Whiskers is a tiny, swift-growing native herbaceous shrub that blooms during spring and summer with stunning, distinctive white or purple flowers. The fact that this plant is native frequently surprises people, and it blends in well with attractive plants in tropical, subtropical, or cottage gardens. It thrives in partial shade and is suitable for most types of soil. For a neater shrub, remove spent flower heads in the summer and prune them in the fall after flowering.
- Cat’s whiskers should be planted in a sunny area. Full sun is ideal, but filtered light should work just as well as long as the plants receive some direct sunshine each day.
- When planting cat’s whiskers, work several inches of organic matter into the soil six to eight inches deep. There should be equal amounts of soil and organic stuff in the dirt. This enriches the soil with nutrients that help cat whiskers take root. Additionally, while tilling the ground prior to planting, use one pound of slow-release 12-6-6 fertilizer per 100 square feet.
- Water the plants regularly. They like well-drained soil that is damp but never soggy; this keeps them healthy.
- To encourage growth and flowering, feed the cat’s whiskers with a balanced fertilizer once each month.
Growing Requirements for Cat Whiskers Plant
Flowering and Fragrance
White or bluish-violet blooms can also be seen on some varieties of plants. The variation with the white flowers is distinguished by having red stems and noticeable leaf veins, as well as having a greater potassium content (better diuretic properties). The name “cat’s whiskers” refers to the long stamens (whiskers) that distinguish the ovate leaves. The petals of the tube-shaped blooms protrude like ears.
Size & Growth
The plant may grow as high as 40 inches (101.6 cm), which is quite a height. The whiskers of this plant can only be seen up close and it grows as a shrub. It may extend out to cover a space between 12″ and 36″ in diameter. In the late summer and early fall, the plant blooms completely.
Light and Temperature
The flower’s male reproductive organ, the stamen, is what gives this plant its distinctive whisker-like look. The number of flowers will likely decrease if the planting area or the location where the plant is put does not receive sunshine. Therefore, be sure to position the pot in a location or plant it in a garden area that receives direct sunlight. Despite the fact that the plant can also withstand some shadow, make sure it gets some direct sunshine during the day. It is tolerant of temperatures as low as 20°F (-6.667°C) and is resilient to USDA zones 9 to 11.
Watering
You must make sure to water this plant properly so that the soil stays wet in order for it to flourish. In order to guarantee that water penetrates the roots, deep watering is necessary. During dry times, irrigation should be done more often. Before you water the soil again, be sure you don’t let it get entirely dry. Going on a watering binge is not advised, though. The ground should be damp but not soggy.
Soil and Fertilizer
Ideally, the soil should have 50% organic matter (mulch before planting), and 50% soil. The soil should be wet yet well-drained as well. Cat’s whiskers may be cultivated in pots or by planting seeds directly in the ground. It may be found growing along the sides of roads and is rather simple to grow.
Pruning
From late spring through autumn, you might need to prune or trim the plant because it has a shrubby habit and grows quickly. Look for any damaged leaves or stems and remove any spent or old flower stalks. To promote new growth, trim them back to just above the ground. The leaves could sustain damage from slugs or snails. If there is an infestation, take the required steps.
In addition to having a unique look, the cat’s whiskers plant attracts colorful bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. To sum up, you won’t ever second-guess your choice to include this plant in your landscape.
Cat Whiskers Plant Propagation
From Seeds
Once you’ve grown a cat whiskers plant, you could find yourself craving more. That won’t be an issue because cat whiskers plants are simple to grow. When it comes to cat whiskers plant propagation, you have a variety of options. The flower seeds may be saved until planting season by gathering them in the fall. Although the cat whiskers may be grown from seeds, cuttings make the process much simpler.
Tip cuttings will take root in damp sand, perlite, or vermiculite, as well as in a glass of water. It just takes a few days for roots to develop, and eight to ten days are all that are needed to grow adequate roots for transplantation. Place the cutting in the garden after growing it in a container for approximately a month or until the plant is established.
Cat Whiskers Cuttings
- Obtain stem cuttings with some buds that are between 6 and 8 inches (203.2 cm) long from the plant.
- Plant them in the shade, with 16 to 24 inches (40-60 cm) between each plant (4-6 cuttings may be used for each space).
- Despite being able to be planted at any time, they thrive best when planted at the beginning of the rainy season.
- Planting the cuttings vertically is recommended.
- It’s okay if one of the buds appears to be sticking up above the ground.
Pests and Diseases
There are no significant pest or disease problems with cat whisker plants. They are simple to maintain and beautiful in the garden, especially because butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds are drawn to the delicious nectar.