Full to partial sun. Performs best with direct overhead sun once established on a support. Juvenile plants tolerate partial shade at the forest margin.

Moderate, seasonal. Responds to wet-season moisture with vigorous vegetative flush but tolerates prolonged dry periods through leaf drop. Avoid waterlogging of the root zone.

Well-drained loam. Adaptable to a wide range of soils from sandy to clay-loam, provided drainage is sharp. Slightly acidic to neutral pH suits it best.

Temperature for Giloy?

20–40 °C. Thrives in tropical and subtropical warmth and tolerates hot summers to 45 °C with adequate moisture. Frost-sensitive above ground.

What is Giloy used for medicinally?

Stems (guduchi, amrita) are a foundational drug in Ayurveda used as a rasayana and antipyretic; Stem decoctions traditionally prescribed in chronic fevers, jaundice, and as a general immunomodulator; Aqueous and alcoholic stem extracts investigated for hepatoprotective, hypoglycaemic, and anti-inflammatory activity; Incorporated into numerous classical polyherbal formulations across Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani traditions

What does the scientific name Tinospora cordifolia mean?

Tinospora: From Greek elements suggesting 'stretched seed', referring to the elongated curvature of the seed within the drupe. cordifolia: Latin for 'heart-leaved', describing the broadly cordate leaf base characteristic of the species.

Plant of the day

Tinospora cordifolia

GiloyVine

Tinospora cordifolia is a large deciduous climbing liana in the Menispermaceae, native to South and Southeast Asian forests, distinguished by succulent warty stems, cordate leaves, and pendulous thread-like aerial roots. It is among the most extensively studied medicinal plants of the Indian subcontinent, harvested at commercial scale for the Ayurvedic pharmaceutical industry.

FamilyMenispermaceae

GenusTinospora

NativeAsia

LifespanPerennial; established clumps documented to persist for decades

Choose a Propagation Method

Stem Cuttings

Best

Most common and successful method.

Air Layering

Reliable

Great for woody branches.

Seeds

Slow

Less common and may not produce identical plants.

Stem Cuttings Step-by-Step

Take cutting

Select a healthy semi-woody stem.

Prepare cutting

Remove lower leaves and trim below a node.

Apply hormone

Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.

Plant cutting

Place in a well-draining potting mix.

Provide humidity

Cover loosely with a plastic bag.

Roots develop

Roots form in 4-6 weeks.

TipObserve your plant regularly and adjust care according to your local climate and conditions.