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

Signs Your Hibiscus Needs Repotting

Roots growing out

Rootbound

Roots appear from drainage holes.

Water drains too quickly

Dry

Soil no longer retains moisture.

Slowed growth

Stalled

Leaves become smaller or sparse.

Plant becomes top heavy

Unstable

Plant tips or becomes hard to balance.

Repotting Step-by-Step

Remove the plant

Step 1

Gently slide the plant out of the old pot.

Prune roots

Step 2

Trim circling roots and loosen the root ball.

Choose a pot

Step 3

Select a pot 1-2 inches wider.

Add fresh soil

Step 4

Use a rich, well-draining mix.

Plant and water

Step 5

Place, fill, water, and keep in shade.

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