How to Grow Catmint Plant Indoors

If you are a plant enthusiast and love to decorate your home with indoor plants, then the catmint plant should be on your list. Catmint is a popular herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It’s known for its attractive purple-blue flowers and aromatic foliage. Growing catmint indoors is easy, and it’s an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. In this article, we will discuss how to grow catmint plant indoors.

Choosing the Right Container

The first step in growing catmint indoors is to choose the right container. The container should be big enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and allow proper drainage. It’s best to choose a pot that’s at least 6 inches deep and 8 inches wide. You can choose any material for the container, but clay pots are ideal as they provide good drainage and prevent water accumulation.

Preparing the Soil

The next step is preparing the soil. Catmint prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. You can use a mix of potting soil, perlite, and sand in a 2:1:1 ratio to create a well-draining soil mix. Mix the ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the container.

Planting the Catmint

Now that you have prepared the container and soil mix let’s move on to planting. Take out the catmint plant from its original container or nursery pot carefully, without damaging its roots. Place the plant in the center of the new container, fill it with soil mix, and gently press down on it.

Watering

After planting, water the catmint thoroughly until water starts draining from the bottom of the pot. Catmint prefers moist soil but can’t tolerate waterlogged conditions. So make sure that you don’t overwater your plant. Water your catmint plant only when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Light Requirements

Catmint plants love sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. Place your catmint plant in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. If you don’t have a sunny spot, you can use artificial grow lights to provide adequate light to your plant.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing your catmint plant is essential to ensure healthy growth and blooming. You can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during winter or dormancy.

Pruning

Pruning your catmint plant is crucial to promote bushy growth and prevent leggy stems. You can prune your plant after it finishes blooming, cutting back 2/3 of its height. Regular pruning will also help control the plant’s size and keep it from getting too big.

Pest Control

Catmint plants are generally pest-free but can sometimes be affected by spider mites or whiteflies. You can control these pests by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label carefully.

FAQ

Can I grow catmint indoors year-round?

Yes, you can grow catmint indoors year-round. However, it’s essential to provide adequate light and temperature conditions for the plant’s healthy growth.

What are the benefits of growing catmint indoors?

Growing catmint indoors has several benefits. It purifies the air, adds aesthetic appeal to your home décor, and provides aromatic foliage that can be used for medicinal purposes.

How often should I water my catmint plant?

You should water your catmint plant only when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues.

Can I grow catmint from seeds?

Yes, you can grow catmint from seeds. Sow the seeds in a container filled with moist soil mix and place it in a sunny spot. Keep the soil moist and wait for the seeds to germinate.

In conclusion, growing catmint indoors is easy, and it’s an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. With proper care and maintenance, your catmint plant will bloom beautifully and add aesthetic appeal to your home décor.