Costus Igneus known as Insulin Plant in India. The plant is known for its medicinal properties.
It is helpful to treat Type-2 diabetes. So if you are suffering from diabetes this plant will provide you with natural treatment.
The binomial name of the plant is Chamaecostus Cuspidatus. The plant is known by varieties of a name in different parts of the world. Some call it tabubungiaw while some call it spiral flag.
The plant belongs to the costaceae family. They have an average height and broad green and glossy leaves.
Basic Care
The plant doesn't require any special attention. It can be your indoor plant and the profit would be that you would get free diabetes treatment.
They are easy to grow and love 35 to 45 degrees of temperature.
Watering
The plant loves water.
2 to 3 cups of water would be enough for the day.
Soil
The plant is a bad salt tolerant. The plant requires well-draining soil to grow.
Compost mix in the soil would be helpful in improving the drainage. The soil needs abundant of moisture and loam.
Avoid waterlogging the soil as this will rot the plant.
Lighting
If you are living in a sunny zone, the plant would love shade and if you reside in mild climate then provide sunlight to it.
The plant loves light. 3 to 4 hrs of sunlight would be sufficient
Flowering
They bloom during the time of May to June (warm months). The flowers are usually in bright orange in color. They appear as an umbrella on the leaves of the plant.
The plant rarely bears any fruit.
Size
The average height of the plant is from 2 to 5 feet. The leaves are broad with 4 to 8 inches in length.
Fertilizers
Any organic fertilizer will be helpful for the growth of the plant.
Seasonal fertilizing is sufficient for the plant.
Remember to remove the mulch during fertilizing the plant. The mulch should not touch the stalk of the plant after replacing.
In the course of springtime fertilize the plant through its rhizomes to have a new plant.
Types
The costaceae family itself consists of more than 200 species. They are grown in many tropical areas of the world. There are total 150 known species of costus and insulin plant is one of them.
Benefits
The leaf of the plant helps in producing insulin. They control the blood sugar levels in your body.
The leaves contain corosolic acid which helps to generate insulin thus magically curing your diabetes.
Pests
The plant can be subjected to mealybugs and aphids. These plant sucking parasites can be removed with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Make sure your plant is not infested with numerous ants. Although they help to fertile the soil, they also loosen the roots.
If your plant is losing it leaves very often then make sure it is not infested with spider mites and if it does then remove the prune leaves and stem of the plant
