{"title":"Medicinal Plants","description":"\u003cp\u003ePlants with a long history of traditional use, grown for the home rather than the medicine cabinet. Harvest \u003ca href=\"\/products\/aloe-vera\"\u003eAloe vera’s\u003c\/a\u003e soothing leaf gel, brew herbal tea from \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gynostemma-pentaphyllum\"\u003ejiaogulan\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hibiscus-sabdariffa-hibiscus-tea-plant\"\u003eroselle hibiscus\u003c\/a\u003e, and grow your own \u003ca href=\"\/products\/curcuma-longa\"\u003eturmeric\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alpinia-galanga\"\u003egalangal\u003c\/a\u003e rhizomes at home. Part of our wider \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-edibles\"\u003eexotic edibles\u003c\/a\u003e range.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"piper-sarmentosum","title":"Piper sarmentosum","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePiper sarmentosum\u003c\/strong\u003e, the wild betel leaf plant, produces the glossy, heart shaped leaves known as la lot in Vietnamese cooking, where they are wrapped around seasoned beef for bo la lot, and as chaphlu in Thailand, where they cradle the one bite snack miang kham. It is a true member of the pepper family, a compact, creeping cousin of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/piper-nigrum-variegata\"\u003eblack pepper\u003c\/a\u003e, and one of the few genuinely culinary plants you can grow on a shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWild betel carpets shaded, humid forest floors across Southeast Asia. It is often confused with true betel (Piper betle); this is the milder, food friendly cousin, and a highlight of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-edibles\"\u003eexotic edibles collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGive it bright indirect light to dappled shade and keep the compost moist but never saturated. It loves humidity of 70 percent or more, so it thrives in a grow cabinet or large terrarium while young, though it will cope in an average room if grouped with other plants or stood on a pebble tray. Harvest leaves regularly to keep it bushy; they are best used fresh.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GrowTropicals","offers":[{"title":"9cm","offer_id":54921647980927,"sku":"PROPPIPESARM9","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"12cm","offer_id":41640002355244,"sku":"PIPESARM12","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/products\/piper-sarmentosum-plants-growtropicals-281067.jpg?v=1668246323"},{"product_id":"aloe-vera","title":"Aloe vera","description":"\u003cp\u003eUseful, hardy, and endlessly handy, the \u003cstrong\u003ealoe vera plant\u003c\/strong\u003e needs little introduction. Its thick, fleshy, toothed leaves are as practical as they are architectural, carrying the cooling gel that generations of gardeners have reached for after small burns and scrapes. Plants clump readily, producing pups that can be potted on and shared, and a well grown specimen soon becomes the large aloe vera plant every sunny kitchen deserves. One of the most forgiving plants in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/easy-care-collection\"\u003eeasy care collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAloe vera plant care is about restraint. Give it the brightest windowsill you have, water only once the compost has dried out completely, and cut back to almost nothing in winter. Overwatering is the one common way to lose an aloe, so pot it in a gritty, free draining mix from our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/substrates\"\u003esubstrate range\u003c\/a\u003e and let it get on with it. It will happily holiday outdoors in a sheltered, sunny spot over summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA note for pet owners: the gel is soothing for people, but chewed leaves can upset cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of curious mouths.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GrowTropicals","offers":[{"title":"12cm","offer_id":41639981416492,"sku":"ALOEVERA12","price":10.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/hf_20260324_192406_30a3f816-d109-4120-a790-cab82b6b53f8.jpg?v=1774380371"},{"product_id":"alpinia-galanga","title":"Alpinia 'Galanga'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlpinia galanga\u003c\/strong\u003e, the true galangal plant, is the aromatic Thai ginger behind tom yum, laksa and countless Southeast Asian curry pastes. Where common ginger is warm and sweet, galangal cuts through with sharp citrus and pine notes, and its glossy, upright foliage makes it a handsome houseplant in its own right. It is also pet safe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGalangal grows wild in warm, humid clearings across Southeast Asia, where its aromatic rhizomes creep just below the surface. It sits alongside turmeric and wild betel in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-edibles\"\u003eexotic edibles collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGive your galangal plant bright light with a little gentle sun and keep the compost evenly moist through the growing season, backing off in winter when growth slows. It is not fussy about humidity, so an average room is fine. Pot it in a rich but free draining mix from our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/substrates\"\u003esubstrate range\u003c\/a\u003e and feed monthly in summer. Once the clump is established you can lift and harvest a section of edible rhizome, then simply pot the rest back on. Pairs well with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/curcuma-longa\"\u003eCurcuma longa\u003c\/a\u003e, the turmeric plant, for a windowsill spice garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GrowTropicals","offers":[{"title":"12cm","offer_id":41648483270700,"sku":"ALPIGALA12","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/galangal.jpg?v=1789650249"},{"product_id":"tamarindus-indica","title":"Tamarindus indica","description":"\u003cp\u003eA tree that has fed people across the tropics for thousands of years, and it makes a graceful indoor specimen.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eTamarindus indica\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eproduces dense, fern-like compound foliage made up of rows of tiny, paired leaflets that give it a fine, layered texture unlike any typical houseplant. The leaves fold closed at night, a gentle daily movement that adds character. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GrowTropicals","offers":[{"title":"13cm","offer_id":55277519700351,"sku":"TAMAINDI13","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/tamarindus-indica-houseplant.jpg?v=1791879298"},{"product_id":"hibiscus-sabdariffa-hibiscus-tea-plant","title":"Hibiscus sabdariffa | Hibiscus Tea Plant","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"42\" data-end=\"497\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"42\" data-end=\"70\"\u003eHibiscus sabdariffa is a\u003c\/strong\u003e tropical herbaceous plant (or subshrub in warmer environments) known commonly as Roselle, Jamaican Sorrel, or Florida Cranberry. It features upright, bushy stems with deeply three‑ to five‑lobed leaves. The foliage emerges simple and single‑lobed, maturing into the characteristic lobed form as the plant grows\u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center relative top-[-0.094rem] animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\" data-testid=\"webpage-citation-pill\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/plants.ces.ncsu.edu\/plants\/hibiscus-sabdariffa\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" rel=\"noopener\" alt=\"https:\/\/plants.ces.ncsu.edu\/plants\/hibiscus-sabdariffa\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" class=\"flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl px-2 text-[9px] font-medium text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]! transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative start-0 bottom-0 flex h-full w-full items-center\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"flex h-4 w-full items-center justify-between overflow-hidden\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"max-w-full grow truncate overflow-hidden text-center\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eThe flowers are pale, ranging from creamy‑white to yellow, with a dark red centre at the base of each petal, surrounded by a stout calyx. As the fruit matures, the calyx becomes fleshy and deep crimson red, expanding significantly in size.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"499\" data-end=\"536\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eIn the UK, growing \u003cstrong data-start=\"19\" data-end=\"50\"\u003eHibiscus sabdariffa indoors\u003c\/strong\u003e requires focusing on light, moisture, and warmth. Given its tropical origin and preference for long, warm growing seasons, \u003cstrong data-start=\"174\" data-end=\"225\"\u003ethis plant makes it perfect for growing indoors\u003c\/strong\u003e, provided you can replicate those conditions in containers or greenhouse settings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"538\" data-end=\"668\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"538\" data-end=\"552\"\u003eNative to:\u003c\/strong\u003e West Africa, with cultivation spreading to Asia, the West Indies, and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"670\" data-end=\"825\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"670\" data-end=\"680\"\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep the growing medium consistently moist but well‑drained. Avoid waterlogging by ensuring good drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"827\" data-end=\"987\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"827\" data-end=\"837\"\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun is ideal. The plant does not perform well in shade, if grown indoors, provide a bright, sunny position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"989\" data-end=\"1233\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"989\" data-end=\"1002\"\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e As a tropical species, it thrives in warm, humid conditions. Indoor humidity should be kept relatively high for best results; humidifying options or placement in naturally more humid areas (e.g., near a humidifier) are beneficial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1235\" data-end=\"1384\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1235\" data-end=\"1251\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Roselle prefers temperatures above around 15 °C (60 °F)\u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center relative top-[-0.094rem] animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\" data-testid=\"webpage-citation-pill\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Roselle_%28plant%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" rel=\"noopener\" alt=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Roselle_%28plant%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" class=\"flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl px-2 text-[9px] font-medium text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]! transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative start-0 bottom-0 flex h-full w-full items-center\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"flex h-4 w-full items-center justify-between overflow-hidden\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"max-w-full grow truncate overflow-hidden text-center\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GrowTropicals","offers":[{"title":"12cm","offer_id":55918050640255,"sku":"HIBISABD12","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/hibiscus_ab33c9f9-72e3-429e-b2e9-58159b99b582.jpg?v=1755881562"},{"product_id":"gynostemma-pentaphyllum","title":"Gynostemma pentaphyllum","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGynostemma pentaphyllum\u003c\/strong\u003e, better known as \u003cstrong\u003ejiaogulan\u003c\/strong\u003e or the \u003cstrong\u003esweet tea vine\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a fast, graceful herbaceous climber from the cucumber family. Its fresh green, five-parted leaves have been brewed for centuries across southern China and Japan as a naturally sweet, grassy herbal tea, and the vine itself scrambles elegantly through trellis and wires by curling tendrils.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe rate it around RHS H4. The top growth is not frost proof: the first proper autumn frosts cut it to the ground, and that is entirely normal. The roots overwinter to around -10C as long as the soil drains sharply, then send up vigorous new shoots each spring that can make 4 to 6 metres of growth in a single season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrow it up a warm fence or obelisk for fast summer cover, weave it through \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/exotic-border-plants\"\u003eexotic borders\u003c\/a\u003e, or keep it in a large pot by the kitchen door for picking. For an evergreen flowering partner on the same wall, try \u003ca href=\"\/products\/passiflora-caerulea\"\u003ePassiflora caerulea\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you receive:\u003c\/strong\u003e an established plant in a 12cm pot, ready to plant out or pot on.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GROW TROPICALS","offers":[{"title":"12cm \/ 1L","offer_id":58429308010879,"sku":"GYNOPENT12","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/gynostemma-pentaphyllum.jpg?v=1790198966"},{"product_id":"jasminum-sambac","title":"Jasminum sambac","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJasminum sambac\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Arabian jasmine, carries some of the most fragrant flowers in the plant world. Its waxy white blooms open in flushes from spring to autumn and release a rich, sweet perfume, the same flower used to scent jasmine tea. Be aware this is a tender, tropical species, not the hardy garden jasmine, so it lives indoors or under glass for most of the year. It sits happily among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/flowering-houseplants\"\u003eflowering houseplants\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCultivated for centuries across tropical Asia, where its blooms are woven into garlands and used in tea and perfume. It is the national flower of the Philippines, known there as sampaguita.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGive it bright light with some gentle sun and keep the compost evenly moist in the growing season, watering sparingly in winter. It can summer outdoors on a warm patio but must come back in well before the first frost, staying above 8C or so. A pet friendly choice too; see more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/pet-safe-houseplants\"\u003epet safe houseplants\u003c\/a\u003e and our other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/white-flowering-plants\"\u003ewhite flowering plants\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GrowTropicals","offers":[{"title":"12cm","offer_id":58429317874047,"sku":"JASMSAMB12","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/gymno_de284bb0-b557-491e-92d4-6cbed847764c.jpg?v=1790014298"},{"product_id":"curcuma-longa","title":"Curcuma longa","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdible crop.\u003c\/strong\u003e Sold here as a food plant grown for its harvest of turmeric rhizomes, not as an ornamental.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCurcuma longa\u003c\/strong\u003e is turmeric itself, the source of the golden spice, grown here as a lush foliage houseplant. Broad, banana like leaves rise from an aromatic rhizome to make a fresh, tropical clump through summer. Honesty first: this plant goes completely dormant in winter, dying back to the compost before regrowing in spring, and that resting phase is part of its charm. It fits right in with our other \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/houseplants\"\u003ehouseplants\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA member of the ginger family from India and Southeast Asia, cultivated for thousands of years for the golden rhizome used in cooking, dyes and traditional medicine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGive it a warm, bright spot out of harsh midday sun and keep the compost evenly moist while it is in leaf, with the humidity our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/humidity-loving-houseplants\"\u003ehumidity loving houseplants\u003c\/a\u003e enjoy. When the leaves yellow in autumn, let the pot dry out and rest it somewhere frost free until shoots return. Pot it in a rich, free draining mix from our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/substrates\"\u003esubstrates\u003c\/a\u003e range.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GrowTropicals","offers":[{"title":"12cm","offer_id":58429319807359,"sku":"CURCLONG12","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0361\/9645\/0348\/files\/curcuma.jpg?v=1789649903"}],"url":"https:\/\/growtropicals.com\/collections\/medicinal-plants.oembed","provider":"GrowTropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}