Learn How to Grow Henna in Pots and enjoy an intoxicating fragrance of this evergreen small tree! Here are all the details!
Here’s everything you need to know about How to Grow Henna in Pots. Grow this plant in a small space and use it in a variety of ways organically!
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Henna Plant Information
Also known as Hina, the Egyptian tree, Mehendi, Maruthani, or the mignonette tree (Lawsonia inermis), this flowering plant is classified as a tall shrub or small tree (6-25 feet). The henna tree is native to East Africa, Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan, and India.
It is widely grown as a hedge and an ornamental plant for the commercial production of leaves that are used in making dye which is used for coloring fingernails, dying hairs naturally, and decorating palms and soles of the feet.
Generally, it is grown as an outdoor plant but can be planted indoors in pots if there is direct sunlight exposure.
Propagating Henna Plant
From Seeds
Buy seeds from a local nursery, keep them in a moist paper towel, put in a ziplock bag, and keep them in the refrigerator. After 3 or 4 days, take them out and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Water well and keep the pot where it gets plenty of bright and indirect light. The seeds will germinate in 3-5 weeks.
From Cuttings
Cut a 3-5 inches long stem cutting with a node from the henna plant at a 45-degree angle. Remove the bottom leaves and plant in a pot filled with the cactus or seed starting mix. Mist lightly and keep in full sun.
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Best Container Size
Start henna plant in a 8-12 inches pot. Depending on the growth and spread, re-pot it in one size bigger pot every 1-2 years.
Requirements for Growing Henna Plants in Pots
Location
Allow this fragrant shrub to thrive in bright light and direct sun. Any spot that gets 6-7 hours of direct sunlight will be perfect for adequate growth of the henna plants.
Avoid placing it in a shaded location, as it will result in leggy growth.
Soil
It will best to use a commercially available soil mix suitable for succulents and cacti. This plant grows well in soil with a pH of 4.3-8.
If you are using garden soil, amend with plenty of organic matter with a handful of sand and coco peat.
Watering
Once established, henna plants are quite drought-tolerant. Water the plant only when the topsoil feels slightly dry to the touch. Avoid moistening the soil on a daily basis.
Also, avoid wetting the olive while watering the plant to save it from potential diseases.
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Henna Plant Care
Fertilizer
To promote the balanced growth of flowers and foliage, feed with a water-soluble 1-2-1 blend, diluted to half of its strength, once in 4-6 weeks. Do not fertilise the plant in winters.
Pruning
Keep your henna plant bushier with regular pruning. It will produce more leaves on the branches with trimming.
Pests and Diseases
Henna plants are susceptible to aphids; prevent this issue by spraying the plant with a soap water solution. If you notice scales, trim the affected stems and foliage.
To keep most of the diseases at bay, do not overwater the plant.
Harvesting and Uses
Harvest henna when the leaves are young and tender. This is the time when they have the highest concentration of dye. You can ground them directly and use the paste on the hair to give them a nice orange-brown hue.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Does Henna Smell Like?
Henna has an earthly fragrance, with a hint of eucalyptus. To some, the smell can be quite pungent.
2. How long does henna last?
If you are using henna on the hair, the color may last for 7-8 days. It may last less if you wash your har frequently.
