How to Grow Kesavardhini Plant Easily in the Garden

The Kesavardhini Plant is valued for its vibrant, button-like flowers, heat tolerance, and easy-care nature. Here’s how to grow it easily!

Commonly popular as the Brazilian button flower, Kesavardhini Plant is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Brazil and other parts of South America. It is commonly cultivated for its attractive button-like flowers and ornamental value.

Kesavardhini Plant Information

Kesavardhini Plant typically grows to a height of 30 to 90 cm and spreads about 30 to 60 cm wide. It has an upright, bushy growth habit with multiple stems from the base. The plant has lance-shaped, medium to dark green leaves with serrated edges. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the branches and have a smooth texture.

The most distinctive feature of the Brazilian Button Flower is its button-like flower heads. The flowers are small, measuring around 1.2 to 2.5 cm in diameter, and have a rounded shape. They are borne in clusters at the top of the stems. The flowers come in various vibrant colors, including purple, pink, and white.

The attractive flowers attract pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. This makes it a great addition to pollinator gardens and helps support local ecosystems. It is a popular choice for borders, containers, rock gardens, and butterfly gardens. Its compact size and colorful flowers make it an excellent addition to formal and informal garden designs. Kesavardhini Plant can also be grown as an annual in colder climates.

Botanical Name: Centratherum punctatum

Common Names: Brazilian Bachelor’s Button, Brazilian Button Flower, Larkdaisy, Porcupine Flower

Read About How to Grow Saribus Rotundifolius here

How to Grow Kesavardhini Plant

To grow the Kesavardhini Plant from seeds, you can follow these steps:

• Obtain fresh seeds from a reputable source. You can purchase them from a garden center or online or collect the seeds from mature plants if available.
• Fill the pot with the potting mix, leaving some space at the top, and moisten the soil lightly before sowing the seeds. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the soil surface.
• Press the Kesavardhini Plant seeds lightly into the soil, but do not bury them too deep, as they require light for germination. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite, just enough to barely cover them.
• Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out if needed, leaving the strongest and healthiest plants spaced appropriately.
• If you wish to transplant the Kesavardhini Plant seedlings outdoors, wait until they have developed a few sets of true leaves and are sturdy enough to handle. Choose a sunny location in the garden with well-draining soil.
• Dig a hole slightly larger than the seedling’s root ball and gently transplant it, ensuring that the soil level around the seedling matches the level of the surrounding soil. Water the transplanted seedlings thoroughly after planting.

Requirements to Grow Kesavardhini Plant

Sunlight

Kesavardhini Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. Providing afternoon shade in regions with intense heat can help protect the plant from scorching.

Soil

The Brazilian Button Flower prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A loamy or sandy soil with good drainage is ideal. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.

Water

The Kesavardhini Plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply at the base whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.

Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases.

Temperature

The Brazilian Button Flower is native to tropical and subtropical regions and thrives in warm temperatures. It is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11. Kesavardhini Plant would grow in temperatures between 20-32°C with ease.

Kesavardhini Plant Care

Fertilizer

Apply a balanced, liquid fertilizer to the Brazilian Button Flower after diluting it to 1/2 of its strength. Do not use it more than once a month. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering. Avoid feeding Kesavardhini Plant in winters.

Pruning

Pruning Kesavardhini Plant is not necessary for its growth, but it can be beneficial for maintaining a compact and tidy appearance. Trim the plant after flowering to remove spent flower heads and promote new growth.

You can also trim back the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage bushier growth.

Pests and Diseases

Kesavardhini Plant is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies.

Monitor the plant regularly and take appropriate measures, such as spraying with insecticidal soap or using biological controls if pests are present.

Proper spacing, air circulation, and avoiding overwatering can help prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew or root rot.

Kesavardhini Plant – FAQs

1. What is the Kesavardhini plant?

Kesavardhini, also known as False Daisy or Eclipta alba, is a perennial herb that is primarily known for its uses in traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda.

2. What are its common names?

Apart from Kesavardhini, it is also known as Bhringraj, False Daisy, and Eclipta prostrata in scientific terms.

3. Where is it commonly found?

The Kesavardhini plant is native to India but can also be found in other parts of Asia, including China and Thailand. It is also cultivated in some parts of the United States.

4. What does the Kesavardhini plant look like?

The plant usually grows up to 3 feet in height and has elliptical leaves that are serrated at the edges. The flowers are small and yellow or white in color.

5. What are the common uses of Kesavardhini Plant?

It’s commonly helpful in herbal medicine for treating various ailments like liver diseases, hair loss, and skin disorders. The leaves are often use to make hair oil.

6. Is Kesavardhini Plant safe to consume?

While it is generally considered safe for topical application and limited internal consumption, excessive use can lead to potential side effects like nausea. Always consult a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.

7. What are its medicinal properties?

Kesavardhini is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-hepatotoxic properties. It is commonly helpful to promote hair growth and treat liver disorders.

8. Can I use it for hair care?

Yes, Kesavardhini is renowned for promoting hair growth and is a common ingredient in Ayurvedic hair oils.

9. Is Kesavardhini Plant commercially available?

Yes, you can find Kesavardhini-based products like oils and supplements in health stores and online platforms. Always choose products from reputable sources.

10. What wildlife does it attract?

The plant generally attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.