The Amazing Benefits of Growing Vietnamese Ginseng (Đinh Lăng) Indoors
Vietnamese Ginseng, or Đinh Lăng, has long been revered as the ‘ginseng for the poor’ due to its exceptional health benefits at a fraction of the cost of traditional ginseng.
Every part of the Đinh Lăng plant has its use. The leaves can be brewed into a refreshing tea, used as a flavor enhancer in spring rolls and meatballs, or added to cooked dishes and fish stews. According to Eastern medicine, these leaves possess detoxifying properties and can alleviate urinary and skin issues.
The root, or more specifically, the 5-8-year-old root, is where the real magic lies. It is believed to have incredible medicinal properties, aiding in blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and providing relief from pain, fatigue, and general weakness.
Growing Đinh Lăng is not just about aesthetics; it’s an investment in one’s health and a potential money-maker. As the old saying goes, ‘with Đinh Lăng, you have a valuable medicine at your fingertips, and good health is priceless.’
The Feng Shui Significance of Growing Đinh Lăng
Placing a Đinh Lăng plant in front of your house is believed to bring good feng shui. It acts as a barrier against negative energy and evil spirits. This plant is thought to attract and preserve wealth, making it the perfect guardian of your family’s finances. Thus, it is often placed near the entrance as a protective charm.
In the past, people also planted Đinh Lăng on both sides of their doorways to attract and retain prosperity. Being a sun-loving plant, it thrives in well-lit areas like doorsteps, porches, and gardens. If you’re growing a bonsai version indoors, remember to give it regular sun baths to ensure its well-being.
The Most Compatible Zodiac Signs for Growing Đinh Lăng
From a feng shui perspective, Đinh Lăng is associated with the Wood element. Therefore, individuals with Wood and Fire zodiac signs are believed to be the luckiest when it comes to growing this plant. For them, Đinh Lăng brings an extra dose of good fortune and enhances their financial luck.
The Right Way to Grow and Care for Your Đinh Lăng Plant
Choose Healthy Seedlings: While Đinh Lăng is relatively easy to grow, it’s best to start with healthy seedlings that are at least 2 years old. Look for sturdy stems with a brownish tint, and cut them into 10-cm-long segments for propagation.
Soil and Planting: Đinh Lăng thrives in well-drained, loose soil. If planting in a pot, choose a large and deep container to accommodate the plant’s growth and allow it to develop a robust root system. It grows best in sandy loam with moderate moisture and should not be left in standing water.
To plant, add NPK or processed organic fertilizer to the pot, place the seedling, cover it with soil, and water it. Maintaining moisture is crucial, so consider covering the soil with straw or water hyacinth to retain moisture and improve soil fertility.
While Đinh Lăng can be grown year-round, it flourishes most during spring, from January to April. It doesn’t require frequent watering, so let the soil dry out between waterings.
Pest Control and Maintenance: Keep an eye out for pests and use systemic insecticides with translaminar or xylem mobile properties if needed. From the second year onwards, protect the roots from rodents with regular rodent control measures.
Prune the plant twice a year, in April and September, to maintain its health. Typically, you can harvest Đinh Lăng from the third year onwards, with the best time being between October and December. However, older plants tend to yield higher-value crops.
Disclaimer: This information is based on traditional beliefs and practices and should be considered advisory only.