beefsteak plant
Perilla frutescens
Cycle:
Annual
Watering:
Minimum
Hardiness Zone:
2 - 11
Flowers:
White Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
For watering, the Beefsteak plant (Perilla frutescens) should generally receive 1 thorough watering per week. Make sure you wait until the soil has dried out before next watering. During warm summer months, you might need to water as much as twice a week. If the soil is particularly sandy or porous, you might need to water up to 3 times a week. When you water, make sure the water reaches the roots of the plant, not just the surface or stems. If the foliage of the plant is wilting, it is probably a sign it needs more water.
sunlight
The beefsteak plant requires at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth and health. When the plant is grown indoors, it is important to place it in a south-facing window, or near a bright source of artificial light. Additionally, the beefsteak plant can benefit from exposure to direct sunlight in the afternoon when the sunlight is not as intense. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight during the peak hours of the day when the sun’s intensity is highest. Too much direct sun exposure can cause the leaves of the beefsteak plant to wilt and can promote scorching.
pruning
Beefsteak Plant (Perilla frutescens) should be pruned in late summer or early autumn. Pruning should be light, aiming to remove only the dead and diseased stems and any older stems that are no longer producing shoots. Try to keep the new stems with the youngest leaf growth to ensure the fullest, most natural shape possible for the plant. It's best to cut back no more than 1-third of the stems each year. Always use a sharp, clean pair of pruners to prevent damaging the plant.
