Tips To Grow Henna Plant At Home

By Sheetal Tewari

Wednesday, June 12, 2013, 10:12 [IST]

Henna, Lawsonia inermis, is a small desert tree. But, you can grow the henna plant in your home as well. It is generally an outdoor plant. If you prefer to keep it indoors, then make sure that you place it where there is direct sunlight falling on the plant. This is because the henna plant grows well in hot climate.

The effort you put into growing a henna plant will be worth when you consider the benefit of replacing harsh chemicals with natural henna from your garden.

If you are interested in growing henna plant in your home garden, then check out these steps which will make your task easier.

Plant it outdoors: Even though you may grow henna plant indoors with the assurance of direct sunlight, it is always preferred to grow it outdoors. This is because henna plants grow better in hot climates. The minimum temperature needed for a henna plant to grow and nourish well is 22ºC.

Propagation from seeds: Sow the seeds in soil, which is commonly having the characteristics suitable for planting cactus. Sow the seeds in a pot, and keep it in direct sunlight. You may transfer it to the ground after the process of germination.

Propagation from stem: Stem cuttings are commonly used to plant a henna plant. Cut the stem at the node and insert it to a few centimetres down into the ground or into the pot. Remember to keep some leaves above the surface.

Watering cycle: It is recommended to keep a well-drained soil for the proper growth of the henna plant. Allowing the soil to get dried in between each watering cycle will allow the plants to grow well. Generally, watering is needed only when the soil is dry.

Trim it: Most people want to keep henna plant in a bushy state instead of allowing it to grow into a small tree. Keeping it bushy will provide more leaves. Trimming the plant will help you to keep your henna plant bushy.

Pest control: It is important to keep your henna plant free from the attack of pests. Powder with cat flea powder or spray it with pet flea spray if your henna gets aphids or scale. If your henna plant drops its leaves due to pests, try to trim those stems and give it a fresh start.

Fertilizers: Applying fertilizers will help you to get a good leaf supply. You may use the leaves of the plants for making dye once the plant starts to produce thorns. You may use fertilizers by mixing with water or mixing with soil.