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Dhanwantary

Cymbopogon martinii

Grasses & Groundcovers Difficulty: Easy

📖 About this plant

Cymbopogon martinii (palmarosa grass or ‘Dhanwantary’/’Khara’ in Odia, also called Rosha grass) is a perennial aromatic grass of the Poaceae family. The plant yields palmarosa oil (rich in geraniol) used in perfumery, cosmetics, and Ayurvedic medicine. The plant is extensively cultivated in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.

🧑‍🌾 Care requirements

☀️
Light

Full sun to partial shade

💧
Water

Regular

💨
Humidity

Moderate

🌡️
Temperature

15-38°C

🪴
Soil

Well-draining loam

🧪
Fertilizer

Compost annually

📋 Plant facts

🌍 Origin
Indian Subcontinent
📏 Max height
0.5-3 m
📐 Spread
Spreads via rhizomes
🕰️ Bloom time
Spring
🎨 Bloom color
White-yellow
🍃 Foliage color
Green
⏳ Lifespan
40+ years
📈 Growth rate
Moderate
☠️ Toxicity
Non-toxic
🌱 Propagation
Seeds, division

🛡️ Health & Safety

🐾 Pet safe ✅ Non-toxic

Non-toxic

Common issues

  • Leaf spot, caterpillar defoliation

💡 Care tips

  1. Plant in well-draining soil with appropriate light. Tolerates Indian tropical conditions.
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