It doesn’t have to be just for mojitos, I know, although it’s the first thing that comes to mind to combine with peppermint, right? The same is just me.
In any case, having fresh mint on hand at any time is always a guarantee of the best aroma in addition to the greenery that the plant provides wherever you put it.
Would you like to have peppermint as a houseplant? Get comfortable and read on.
Index
PEPPERMINT OR PEPPERMINT, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
Great question that is doubted many times. Peppermint is one more mint of the 25-30 species that make up the genus Mentha . Specifically, peppermint is Mentha spicata.
The differences between peppermint and other mints is simply that in the first, the aroma is more delicate and pleasant sweetness than that of other mints that are usually much stronger and with more intensity of freshness.
The delicate character of its aroma has made it stand out from mint in general.
Peppermint is an aromatic herb that is part of many cuisines around the world and is widely used as a flavoring agent for many cosmetic, pharmaceutical, toothpaste, mouthwash, gum, etc. products.
The sensation of freshness of mints is something unique in the plant world that we have been able to appreciate and take advantage of both from the aroma and its decongestant properties and relief of symptoms of mild respiratory conditions.
CARING FOR PEPPERMINT INDOORS
TEMPERATURES
The optimum development temperature varies from 14 to 20ºC but it must be said that the tolerance to different temperatures is very high.
It supports cold well without reaching strong and / or prolonged frosts. Indoors we have an average temperature of 20º so there won’t be too many problems.
EXPOSITION
Very very variable. Tolerates shade, growth in semi-shade is very good and with high luminosity it is optimal but never direct.
Direct sunlight indoors can burn the leaves in addition to causing severe water stress if not watered properly.
IRRIGATION
It is a plant that requires a humid substrate so irrigation will be moderate and high in summer (two to three times a week) so that the plant does not suffer from water stress.
The watering will also depend on the exposure to light that we decide for the peppermint.
SUBSTRATUM
It tolerates different substrates for potted plants very well. The only need to take into account is good drainage like the vast majority of plants.
If the plant is to be used for purely ornamental purposes, it can be fertilized with liquid fertilizer once or twice a month, although if you are going to eat the leaves later, we are more in favor of a good substrate with contributions of mulch or very decomposed compost .
INVASIVE CHARACTER. CUTTING AND TRANSPLANTING. SOMETHING FUNDAMENTAL
It is a very invasive plant ( whoever has it in the garden or orchard knows what I am talking about) and with time, the stems become lignified, becoming almost semi-woody.
The ideal for consumption is that they are tender shoots and to have these tender shoots it is essential to cut and transplant every year. It is somewhat laborious but it is only once a year.
The way to proceed is the simplest cutting there is. Choose a healthy shoot and place it in water. It will take out roots right away that it will be time to transplant it.
Spring and summer will be the time, the optimal date being early summer .