Cat Whiskers

Orthosiphon aristatus

Characteristics

Culture

Cat Whiskers plants prefer full sun to partial shade. Choose a location in your garden that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day. In Zone 8, winter temperatures can dip below freezing. Since cat whiskers plants are not frost-hardy, it’s essential to provide some protection during colder months. You can grow it in a container, so you can bring it indoors when temperatures drop below freezing, or you can provide frost protection like blankets or covers when cold snaps occur.  Cat Whiskers plants thrive in slightly acidic to neutral, well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.  During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your cat whiskers plant every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. During the fall and winter months, you can reduce or stop fertilizing as the plant enters dormancy.

Noteworthy Characteristics

The ‘Cat Whiskers’ is a common nickname for this plant native to Southeast Asia. It is also known as “Java tea” or “mas cotta.” The plant gets its name from the long, white, silky stamens that resemble cat whiskers, which extend from its purple or white tubular flowers.  This plant is often cultivated for its ornamental value and is also used in traditional medicine. In some cultures, it is believed to have health benefits, particularly for kidney health and as a diuretic.  In addition to its medicinal uses, the cat whiskers plant is also popular in gardens for its attractive flowers and its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and can be grown in containers or in the ground. Prune your cat whiskers plant to maintain its shape and size.

Problems

There are no known serious disease or pest problems.  Keep an eye out for common garden pests such as aphids or spider mites.

Garden Uses

Use Cat Whiskers as a landscape plant at the back of a garden, as a showy container plant, or in your butterfly garden.