Andrographis paniculata

King of Bitters

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Annual medicinal herb with lanceolate leaves and small white-purple flowers. Known as King of Bitters, highly valued in traditional medicine for immune support and liver health.
yard Kitchen garden plants wb_sunny Half-shade / Sun pets Not pet-safe
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Plant Details

Common Name King of Bitters
Family Acanthaceae
Genus Andrographis
Species Paniculata
Origin India / China
Blooming Foliage plant, small white/purple flowers in late summer
Leaf Color bright green
Sunlight Half-shade / Sun
Category Kitchen garden plants
Pet Friendly close No
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Care & Maintenance

terrain
Soil

Well-drained fertile loam soil with high organic matter content

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Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during growth, reduce watering in winter dormancy

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Sunlight & Care

Full sun to partial shade required for optimal bitter compound production

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Fertilization

Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 3 weeks during growing season

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Pruning

Harvest leaves regularly or trim tips to encourage bushier growth

Pest Control Aphid Leaf Miner Spider Mite

These are the insects and pathogens that commonly interact with this plant, including pests, parasites, and organisms typically associated with its care.

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Seasonal Periods

local_florist Flowering Period 4 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
agriculture Harvesting Period 2 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
eco Leaf Persistence 12 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Growing Parameters

thermostat
Temperature
59° – 90°
Fahrenheit
Ideal ambient air temperature range for healthy growth
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Humidity
40% – 75%
% relative
Optimal relative air humidity the plant thrives in
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Light (LUX)
3000 – 20000
Lux
Ambient illuminance level at the plant's surface
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Light (PAR)
1800 – 3500
mmol/m²/s
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity
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Soil Moisture
25% – 65%
% volumetric
Water content in the growing medium
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Soil EC
300 – 1800
mS/cm
Electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration in soil water)
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