CHACRUNA
Psychotria viridis
Germination Instructions:
1.) Rub the seeds from the berries
2.) Rinse with running tap water in screen strainer/sieve until clean
3.) Place seeds in a bowl and add hydrogen peroxide (enough to cover seeds)
4.) Rinse with hot water again in the strainer/sieve
5.) Sow seeds in a well drained, slightly acidic (peat based) soil mix
6.) Cover with 1/8 - 1/4 inch soil
7.) Use a humidity dome and keep soil damp
8.) Keep in bright, indirect sunlight at approx. 85 degrees
9.) Germination will be 2-3 weeks, may continue up to 2 months
11.) Transplant seedlings when first true leaves form or allow to get approximately 3" if moving outdoors
Detailed Plant Description:
P. viridis is a perennial evergreen shrub (small tree) growing up to 5 meters tall and 2 meters wide. It has glossy narrow leaves and a woody stem with small white-green flowers. It contains small red fruit (drupes). Each drupe contains up to 4 viable seeds (usually 2 or 3) that are best harvested in the winter months.
Plant Care:
Plant your P. viridis in a shallow pot to allow healthier root growth and use a well drained soil mix rich in organic content. This plant prefers a humid environment with 55% - 75% shade. Maintain consistent moisture but do not allow it to become waterlogged. When in active growth feed the plant every 7-14 days with balanced fertilzer.
Chacrona
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: MagnoliophytaClass: MagnoliopsitaOrder: GentianalesFamily: RubiaceaeSubfamily: Genus: Psychotria
Species: Psychotria viridis
Common Names:
Chacruna
