Melissa officinalis aka Lemon Balm
Taxonomy
Common names
Lemon Balm, BalmHow to care for Lemon Balm
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Lemon Balm, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Lemon Balm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Lemon Balm loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Lemon Balm thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Balm.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Lemon Balm plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Lemon Balm is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Humidity
The Lemon Balm does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.
Region of origin
Lemon Balm’s native range is Europe and Asia.
Flower
Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Lemon Balm blooming.
More info:
Wikipedia