how to care tulsi plant Archives

Why Tulsi Plant Keeps Drying Out?

The Tulsi plant holds a revered place in many cultures due to its medicinal and spiritual significance. Despite its hardy nature, many gardeners find themselves perplexed by its tendency to dry out.

Understanding the reasons behind this issue is crucial to ensure your Tulsi plant remains lush and healthy. This article delves into the common causes of a drying Tulsi plant and provides actionable solutions to revive and maintain its vitality.

The Importance of Proper Care for Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Caring for a Tulsi plant requires more than just occasional watering. It demands an understanding of its specific needs, including sunlight, soil conditions, and watering practices. Each of these factors plays a pivotal role in the plant’s health and can influence its propensity to dry out.

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Common reasons your Tulsi plant keeps drying out

1. Inadequate Watering Practices

One of the primary reasons for a drying Tulsi plant is improper watering. Both under-watering and over-watering can stress the plant.

(i) Overwatering: Some people water their Tulsi plant daily, which leads to root rot and causes the plant to spoil.

(ii) Underwatering: Some people water their Tulsi plant only occasionally, depriving it of essential moisture and causing the plant to dry out.

2. Using Poor Soil Quality

Tulsi plants require well-draining soil rich in organic matter for thrive.

Some people never add compost or organic matter to their soil mix, causing the soil to become hard and clay-like, which results in the Tulsi plant drying out.

Note:

Heavy, clayey soils that retain water can cause root suffocation and drying out of the plant.
Conversely, sandy soils that drain too quickly can lead to moisture deficiency.

Also, read: How to care Tulsi Plant at home

3. Not providing proper Sunlight to Tulsi plant

Tulsi plant soil — Tulsi plant in sunlight

Tulsi thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily.

Some people do not provide proper sunlight to their Tulsi plant and keep it in a shaded or indoor area.

Insufficient sunlight can weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to drying out.

4. Environmental Stress

Extreme temperatures, low humidity, and exposure to strong winds can all contribute to a drying Tulsi plant. Tulsi prefers moderate, stable conditions to flourish.

5. Not Providing Proper Nutrients:

Some people never feed their Tulsi plant with fertilizer, which results in weakening the plant’s health condition.

A lack of essential nutrients can weaken the plant and cause it to dry out.

6. Not Pruning Flowers and Seeds

Tulsi ji pruning — Pruning of Tulsi plant flowers

Some people never prune the flowers and seeds of their Tulsi plant.

Not pruning flowers and seeds can cause the plant to expend too much energy on flowering and seed production, leading to it drying out.

7. Pest and Disease Infestation

Pests such as aphids and diseases like fungal infections can compromise the health of your Tulsi plant, leading to symptoms like wilting and dryness.

Best Practices for Maintaining a Healthy Tulsi Plant

1. Regular Pruning

Pruning encourages bushier growth and helps the plant to focus its energy on healthy, new shoots. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves promptly.

2. Fertilizing Appropriately

Feed your Tulsi plant with a balanced, organic fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. This ensures the plant receives all necessary nutrients for robust growth.

3. Monitoring Soil Moisture

Use a soil moisture meter to keep track of the moisture levels. This can help prevent both over-watering and under-watering, ensuring the plant receives the right amount of water.

4. Ensuring Proper Air Circulation

Good air circulation is vital for preventing fungal diseases. Space your plants adequately and avoid overcrowding to allow for sufficient airflow.

By addressing these issues, you can help ensure your Tulsi plant stays healthy and vibrant.

Also, check – How to grow Tulsi plant from seeds

Happy Gardening!

During the winter season, our Tulsi (Holy basil) plant enters a dormancy period, causing its leaves to wither and turn yellow. They do not receive adequate sunlight and warmth to grow well. Our Tulsi (basil) plant dries up causing concern about how to revive it.

What can be done to bring back its vibrant green color? Sometimes, in our efforts to help it grow, we unknowingly over-fertilize it, over-water it, and even prune it without understanding it, all of which can end up damaging our Tulsi (basil) plant.

Now that spring has arrived, it is time to care for your Tulsi plant to make it bushy and healthy.

In this article, we will explore effective methods to ensure your Tulsi plant thrives during the spring season without the risk of overfertilization or improper care.

Understanding the Needs of Tulsi

Tulsi, or Holy Basil, requires specific conditions to flourish:

adequate watering,
sufficient sunlight, and
well-draining soil are essential for its growth.

Assessing the Plant’s Condition

When it comes to reviving a dried Tulsi plant, the first step is crucial – assessing its condition. Look closely for any signs of life.

Healthy Tulsi plants exhibit vibrant green stems and leaves, and you may notice new growth emerging from the soil.

However, if the stems appear dry and brittle, or the leaves are withered and brown, immediate intervention is necessary.

Methods to Revive a Dried Tulsi Plant

1. Pruning Techniques

Regular pruning is crucial for shaping your Tulsi plant and encouraging new growth.

Tulsi plant primarily grows from its tips, so pruning or plucking from the tip stimulates the emergence of 2-3 new shoots, leading to the development of new branches and leaves.

If your plant is relatively new, around 6 or 3 months old, it’s best to stick to light pruning.

From February to October, regular light pruning can be performed to encourage new branch growth, but avoid harsh pruning.

After new stems emerge, wait until they reach a length of 5-6 inches before further pruning.
Hard pruning of Tulsi plant should be reserved for the month of February (during spring season).

For plants that are one or two years old, hard pruning can be quite beneficial.

By removing yellow leaves, dead, or leggy stems, you encourage the plant to grow more branches and denser foliage. This type of pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and promotes healthier growth overall.
After hard pruning, add vermicompost into the soil.
Avoid using heavy fertilizers as the plants are currently leafless.

Important note:

Perform hard pruning of your plant only in the evening and keep it shaded for at least 7 days until new leaves emerge.
This will assist the plant in adapting to its new environment more effectively.

2. Change pot and add compost in the soil

(i) For plants that are one or two years old, it is advisable to consider changing the pot if the roots are bound. Till the soil and add vermicompost to promote improved growth.

(ii) However, if your plant is relatively new, around 6 or 3 months old, there is no need to change the pot. Simply tilling the soil and adding vermicompost will suffice to promote healthy growth.

Important note:

Only repot your plant in the evening and keep it shaded for 3 to 4 days afterward as it may experience stress. This will help the plant adjust to its new environment more easily.

Must read:

How to grow & care Tulsi plant

Adjusting Watering Techniques

Maintain a proper balance between watering and drainage.

Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause stunted growth.
Make sure there is adequate drainage to avoid waterlogging, especially for plants grown in containers.

Sunlight for Tulsi plant

Sunlight plays a vital role in the growth and development of Tulsi plants.

To revive a dried specimen, it is crucial to provide adequate sunlight.
Choose a location that receives 5 – 6 hours of sunlight daily, preferably outdoors in a sunny spot.
Proper sunlight exposure helps stimulate photosynthesis and encourages healthy foliage.

Protecting from Cold Conditions

During colder months, protecting Tulsi plants from harsh weather conditions is imperative.

Exposure to frost or chilly temperatures can cause further stress to a struggling plant. Consider bringing potted Tulsi indoors or providing a protective covering, such as a frost cloth or greenhouse.

This shields the plant from the elements while allowing it to thrive in a controlled environment.

Monitoring for Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases can wreak havoc on a weakened Tulsi plant, hindering its revival efforts.

Regular monitoring is key to identifying any signs of infestation or infection promptly.
Look out for common pests like aphids, spider mites, or fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
If detected, take swift action using organic methods (neem oil solution spray) to mitigate damage and restore the plant’s health.

Best Fertilizers for Tulsi Plant

During summer, if fertilizers are used for other plants, you can use chemical-free options like “Cow-dung liquid fertilizer” or “Vermicompost” once a month.

Ensure cow dung is decomposed to prevent pest issues.