Apiaceae
Gotu Kola: Ground Cover Plant
Centella asiatica
An easy-to-grow but moisture-loving plant—it requires consistently moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter and partial shade to filtered light. It does not tolerate drying out or long-term waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Due to its creeping growth habit, it quickly forms a dense groundcover.
Every 3 days
Partial shade
18° - 27°C
30% - 50%
Categories
What is Gotu Kola?
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a easy-care plant from the Apiaceae family. Gotu kola is a creeping perennial herb in the Apiaceae family, native to the wetlands of South and Southeast Asia. It produces long creeping stolons that root at the nodes, quickly covering moist soil. The leaves are kidney-shaped to coin-shaped with scalloped margins, and the plant bears tiny whiti...
Gotu Kola grows up to 20cm, spread of 90cm, watering every 3 days, 18°C – 27°C, 30–50% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Gotu Kola tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 7 days.
How to Care for Gotu Kola?
TLDR: Gotu Kola needs Partial shade, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between 18-27°C with 30-50% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Gotu Kola?
Water approximately every 3 days to keep the soil consistently slightly moist, but never permanently waterlogged. Using a container with good drainage will help prevent root rot.
How Much Light Does Gotu Kola Need?
It thrives best in partial shade with filtered light, such as under a tree canopy. Direct intense sunlight can scorch the leaves, while deep shade causes the plant to become sparse.
What Is the Best Soil for Gotu Kola?
Prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a high organic matter content and a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0) that can simultaneously retain moisture.
What Pot Should You Use for Gotu Kola?
A wide and shallow container with plenty of drainage holes is suitable, ideally made of unglazed ceramic (terracotta), which helps regulate substrate moisture and prevents waterlogging of the roots.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
What Is Gotu Kola and Where Does It Come From?
Gotu kola is a creeping perennial herb in the Apiaceae family, native to the wetlands of South and Southeast Asia. It produces long creeping stolons that root at the nodes, quickly covering moist soil. The leaves are kidney-shaped to coin-shaped with scalloped margins, and the plant bears tiny whitish to pinkish flowers in the summer. It is considered one of the most significant medicinal herbs in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.
How to Propagate Gotu Kola?
How Big Does Gotu Kola Grow?
TLDR: Gotu Kola can reach up to 20cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
20cm
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Medicinal Uses
- Support for cognitive function and memory
- Healing of wounds and burns
- Soothing and regeneration of the skin
- Support for the venous system and treatment of varicose veins
Culinary Uses
- Fresh leaves in salads
- Juice ('kola kanda' in Sri Lanka)
- Preparation in curries and as a cooked vegetable
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Gotu Kola?
TLDR: Gotu Kola is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on plant tissue, causing irregular holes in leaves and damage to young seedlings. They are most active at night and in moist conditions, leaving characteristic silvery slime trails. These pests can quickly devastate gardens, especially during wet seasons.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Meaning & Symbolism
In Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, Gotu kola is known as the 'herb of longevity'—a symbol of wisdom, long life, and mental clarity.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Asiatic Pennywort (Centella Asiatica) Care Guide - Plantiary
- Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) - Practical Plants
- Centella Care Guide: Pests, Diseases, Watering, Fertilizing & Toxicity - ForwardPlant
- Centella asiatica - Care, Propagation & Tips - Viriar
- Pharmacological Effects of Centella asiatica on Skin Diseases
