Corsican mint
mentha requienii
Also known as: ["Pygmy mint","Dwarf mint"]
Overview
A low-growing, mat-forming mint species native to Corsica and Sardinia, known for its tiny leaves and strong minty fragrance when crushed.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","edible fruits","medicinal use","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Mentha |
| Botanical Name: | Mentha requienii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or shaded outdoor garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly sandy soil with organic matter; a mix of potting soil and perlite or sand works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; lightly prune year-round to keep compact.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade; avoid intense afternoon sun which can scorch leaves.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; protect from direct sun, especially in summer; place in a spot with filtered light or morning sun.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for optimal light.
Watering
every 3–5 days
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant dry out completely; ensure good drainage.
Soil
moist, well-drained, slightly acidic potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–70°F or 15–21°C); can tolerate cooler conditions down to 50°F (10°C); avoid extreme heat.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heat sources; maintain consistent room temperature; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; reduce feeding in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of runners; stem cuttings root easily in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 3–4 inch cutting just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in water or moist soil.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix or water for initial rooting.
Hormone
Not necessary but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 1–2 weeks in water; 3–4 weeks in soil.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors or knife, small pots, rooting hormone (optional), plastic bag for humidity.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; change water every few days if using water propagation; keep cuttings out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems to encourage branching; trim leggy growth to promote fuller growth.
Pruning Plan
Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess; remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to maintain plant health.
Tools
Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or yellowing leaves; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot).
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; cramped roots can stunt growth.
Checklist
Choose a pot with drainage holes; use fresh potting mix; handle roots gently; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water when top inch is dry; ensure excess water drains away; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the base of the plant until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; increase frequency in hot, dry periods; reduce in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf discoloration; frost can damage or kill the plant.
Solution: Protect from frost with a cover or move indoors in cold weather; ensure good air circulation to prevent mold in cool conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced vigor; may go dormant in very high temperatures.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a pebble tray; ensure consistent watering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing; stop in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicMentha requienii is non-toxic to cats. The plant is considered safe for feline ingestion in small amounts, though large quantities may lead to mild digestive discomfort.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicMentha requienii is non-toxic to dogs. The plant is generally safe for dogs to ingest in small quantities, though excessive consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicMentha requienii, commonly known as Corsican mint, is non-toxic to humans. It is widely used in culinary applications and aromatherapy due to its pleasant minty scent and flavor.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Corsican mint?
A: It can be propagated by division or stem cuttings in spring or early summer.
Q: Does Corsican mint attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Can Corsican mint be grown indoors?
A: It prefers outdoor conditions but can be grown indoors in a well-lit, cool spot with high humidity.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade |
| Water: | every 3–5 days |
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