Green Chiretta

Also known as: Green Chiretta, King of Bitters, Kalmegh

Andrographis paniculata is an erect annual or short-lived perennial herb, typically reaching 0.3–1 m in height. The stems are quadrangular, with opposite, lanceolate leaves that are entire and glabrous. Small, white to pale pink flowers with purple spots are borne in lax terminal racemes. The fruit is a small capsule containing numerous seeds. This plant is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties, especially in traditional Asian medicine, and has a bitter taste. Its upright, bushy habit and persistent green foliage make it an interesting foliage plant.

Scientific classification

Species: Green Chiretta (Andrographis paniculata)
Genus: Andrographis
Family: Acanthaceae

Non-toxic; generally safe for humans and pets when used appropriately, though bitter taste may cause mild digestive upset if consumed in large quantities.
Toxicity: Herbaceous Perennial · Herbs - Culinary
Plant type: 0.3 - 1 metres
Height: 0.3 - 0.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Upright · Bushy
Habit: Summer
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Green Chiretta pictures

Distribution of Green Chiretta

Distribution map

Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and southern China

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Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Non-toxic; generally safe for humans and pets when used appropriately, though bitter taste may cause mild digestive upset if consumed in large quantities.

Quick identification of Green Chiretta

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Green Chiretta care guide

Keep soil moist, but not waterlogged
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep soil moist, but not waterlogged

Fertilizing

Monthly during growing season

Pruning

Pinch out the growing tips when plants are 15–20 cm tall to encourage bushier growth. Remove spent flower spikes to extend the flowering period and prevent self-seeding if not desired.

Propagation

Sow seeds in spring at 20–25°C, either directly outdoors after frost risk has passed or indoors in seed trays. Germination usually occurs within 1–2 weeks. Alternatively, take softwood cuttings in summer; root in a propagator with bottom heat at 18–21°C. Seeds can also be collected from mature capsules in autumn.

Growing

Grow in full sun to partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. Tolerant of a range of soil types but prefers loam or sandy loam with neutral to acidic pH. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells; avoid waterlogging. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during the growing season. In cool temperate regions, treat as an annual or overwinter indoors in a frost-free greenhouse. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

More growing and care information →