Plant Care Ocimum Gratissimum

Ocimum Gratissimum

Also known as

African Basil, African Basil, Clove Basil and Wild Basil

Taxonomy

Ocimum gratissimum
Ocimum
Lamiaceae
Lamiales

How to care for Ocimum Gratissimum

💦 Water

How often to water your Ocimum Gratissimum

Water needs for Ocimum Gratissimum
0.5 cups
every 9

Ocimum Gratissimum needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Ocimum Gratissimum

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for African Basil in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Ocimum Gratissimum: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Ocimum Gratissimum love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Ocimum Gratissimum does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Ocimum Gratissimum in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Ocimum Gratissimum

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Ocimum Gratissimum: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Ocimum Gratissimum after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
💦 Water Needs

Ocimum Gratissimum prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

African Basil Water Frequency →

African Basil Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Ocimum Gratissimum requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

African Basil Light Requirements →

African Basil Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.


💨 Humidity

Ocimum Gratissimum doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.

African Basil Humidity Needs →


🪴 Soil

Ocimum Gratissimum does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for African Basil →

When and How to Successfully Repot African Basil →


💩 Fertilizer

Ocimum Gratissimum is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.


🌎 Native Region

Ocimum Gratissimum is native to Worldwide.


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Ocimum Gratissimum

Ocimum Gratissimum

Ocimum Gratissimum


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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