The Golden Mustache plant is incredibly easy to grow in both soil and hydroponics. This page is an overview of what the plant needs and some basic considirations.. If you wish to learn more, please click on the links above in the "Specific Topics" section.
The Golden Mustache plant is incredibly easy to grow in both soil and hydroponics. This page is an overview of what the plant needs and some basic considirations.. If you wish to learn more, please click on the links above in the "Specific Topics" section.
Some Basic Information
Physical Information
Plant Length (height): Up to 3 meters, typically 1-2 meters (1-3 yards)
Stem Thickness: Will range from 0.5cm to 1.5cm (less than 0.5in). The stem and runners of the plant grow in "segments", which are separated with leaves.
Runner Length: Typically 20cm to over 70cm in length. If you wish to make medicine, make sure that the runners are at least 9 segments long and are growing full-size baby plants (heads) at the end.
Leaves: Leaves on the main plant will typically be under 5cm in width and 35cm in length. Leaves on runners will usually be about 1cm in width and 3-5cm in length.
Growth Speed: Will vary. I have plants that grow 24cm (about 10in) in one month during the summer, and others that have grown less than 10cm (4in) in 5 years (they are growing in water). Expect your runners to grow about 10cm/month in the summer.
A normal thickness for a stem. The healthiest plants will have a stem 2x thicker.
Climate
In nature, the Golden Mustache plant grows in tropical, and hot/humid climates, hardiness zones 9-10. The amazing thing is, the plant can be grown anywhere and in any building as long as the temperature never dips below 8°C (40°F). My family and I grow them indoors in a Hardiness Zone 8 area, and they have been fine for many years!
Soil and Drainage
These plants will grow in most types of soil, but they prefer ORGANIC, sandy, well draining potting mix (if planting in containers). It is crucial that the pot that you grow your plants in have multiple drainage holes at the bottom and a tray to collect the excess water. Otherwise, the roots of your plants may rot!
Sunlight
Golden Mustache plants are incredibly versatile when it comes to sunlight. They can tolerate shade and up to 3-4 hrs a day of direct sunlight. (For more information, go here: Light and Water)
Watering
Golden Mustache plants' watering schedule will vary depending on the time of the year. Water the plants so that the soil isn't dry, but make sure that there isn't very much water in the collection tray. (For more information, go here: Light and Water)
Plant Support/Staking
The Golden Mustache plant can grow to a height (or length) of over 3 meters in length. Because of their incredible length, the plants should be grown in one of two ways: as a basket plant, with the plant hanging down from the pot, or upright, which will require staking. If grown as a basket plant, please note that after the plant reaches a certain weight, it will not be able to support itself and may snap on the rim of the basket. If you are growing the plant upright, please be sure to include a sturdy and tall stake to stake your plants against. (See Staking, Support, and Tying)