Persicaria odorata aka Vietnamese Coriander

Taxonomy

Persicaria odorata, commonly known as Vietnamese coriander, rau răm, laksa leaf, Vietnamese cilantro, phak phai, praew leaf, hot mint, Cambodian mint, or Vietnamese mint, is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Polygonaceae family. It is widely used in Southeast Asian and Northeast Indian cuisine. Despite its name, Vietnamese coriander is not related to mints and does not belong to the Lamiaceae family. However, it bears a resemblance to mints in terms of its appearance and fragrance. This spreading plant grows up to 45cm in height and has reddish-purplish stems. Its lance-shaped leaves are green with a dark purple-brown chevron pattern. In late summer, it produces small pink flowers, although they may not appear in temperate regions. The leaves of Persicaria odorata are highly valued in South-East Asian cooking, emitting a pungent aroma similar to coriander when young, which intensifies and becomes spicier as they mature. Vietnamese coriander is a popular perennial herb used as a seasoning in various cuisines, particularly in India and Vietnam. It is also consumed fresh and incorporated into salads, soups, and stews. The plant's distinct ovate, dark green leaves grow directly from the stem and possess a coriander-like fragrance. The lower part of the leaves is burgundy, adorned with small spots throughout. Furthermore, the plant produces bell-shaped white flowers that typically bloom in the latter half of summer, provided the climate is warm enough. With its compact size, reaching a height and width of 45 cm (18 in), Vietnamese coriander is suitable for cultivation in pots.

Common names

Vietnamese Coriander, Vietnamese Cilantro

How to care for Vietnamese Coriander

Difficulty

Vietnamese Coriander is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Vietnamese Coriander should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Vietnamese Coriander is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

Vietnamese Coriander requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Vietnamese Coriander will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The Vietnamese Coriander should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia