Humidity
- Dry air may cause Tulasī’s leaves to sacrifice water to the air faster than she can absorb water through her roots.
- This results in her leaves curling and/or the edges of her leaves dying (becoming brown and crisp).
- Also, her flower buds may dry up and drop off without ever opening. And she may appear somewhat shriveled, notwithstanding sufficient water in her soil.
- To remedy this situation increase the humidity around her by any or all of the following:
- a. In a greenhouse or on a patio, spray the floor with water. As it evaporates, it will travel through her leaves.
- b. Place her in a waterproof tray that can hold a layer of gravel or sponge rock (perlite) and water.
- (1) Place the bottom of Tulasī’s pot on the gravel but above the level of the water.
- (2) Or better yet, raise the pot on slats above the gravel so that air can circulate freely under the pot.
- c. Spray her mildly (mistily).
- d. Place two or more Tulasīs near each other-each will benefit from the water vapor emitted from their leaves.
- e. Create a miniature greenhouse over her by placing a clear plastic bag over a wire frame.
- (1) When Tulasī is in direct sunlight, partially remove the bag or she will be harmed by too much heat.
- (2) When there is steam in the bag, it is too hot for her. In this case, restrict use of the bag to nighttime (when there is no sunlight).
