Reviving Patchouli: Addressing Pot-Bound Roots, Watering, and Pruning

Diagnosis

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) yellowing and dropping leaves after months of vigor. Indoors on a bright sill, watered daily, no pests, temps above 65 °F. Likely pot-bound—roots fill the pot, soil dries too fast, causing chronic water stress.

Fix

1. Unpot; if roots circle with little soil, repot to 1-inch larger pot with fresh soilless mix.
2. This adds water buffer, reducing drought stress.
3. Prune all stems to 2–3 inches above soil (just above nodes).
4. New growth will emerge from below cuts.

Winter Care

Keep in bright light, water when surface dries. Growth will be slow but steady. No fertilizer until spring.