How to Grow Rudraksha
According to Hindu tradition, rudraksha seeds serve as sacred beads that bring peace of mind as well as lower blood pressure and body heat. Each seed has a certain number of sections around a hollow center. The more sections a seed has, the more sacred it is. Mala beads often feature rudraksha seeds because of their sacred reputation and convenient central holes. When fresh, rudraksha seeds sit inside bright blue berries that give the rudraksha tree the name “blue marble tree.” The rudraksha tree is a subtropical evergreen with rough grey bark and broad glossy leaves. Though it takes time for the rudraksha to bear fruit, you can grow one of these sacred trees in your home. Just have patience and pay the seeds plenty of attention.
- According to Hindu tradition, rudraksha seeds serve as sacred beads that bring peace of mind as well as lower blood pressure and body heat.
- Mala beads often feature rudraksha seeds because of their sacred reputation and convenient central holes.
Set your pot on its flood tray in a warm, bright room. If possible, place the pot in a greenhouse. If not, keep it indoors in a temperature-controlled room. Keep the temperature between 65 and 80 degrees year-round.
Cover the drain hole in the bottom of the pot with a large river stone. Rudrakshas like humidity; they will appreciate plenty of moisture in their soil as well. The river stone still allows some runoff, but keeps most of the water in the soil.
- Set your pot on its flood tray in a warm, bright room.
- If possible, place the pot in a greenhouse.
Mix equal parts peat moss and potting soil together. Most potting soils have a neutral pH while evergreens, like the rudraksha, usually like acidic soil. The peat moss adds acidity and nutrients to the soil. Fill your pot with the mixture up to about 3 inches below the rim.
Dig a hole about 1 inch deep in the center of your pot. Drop in a fresh rudraksha berry; it should be bright blue. Cover it gently with soil. Water the soil until it dribbles into the flood tray. Empty the flood tray immediately. Water the soil about every three days.
- Mix equal parts peat moss and potting soil together.
- Fill your pot with the mixture up to about 3 inches below the rim.
Be patient. It may take several weeks to a month before you see a sprout. Once your seedling reaches about 3 inches tall, mist it daily with room temperature water. This simulates humidity and helps your rudraksha thrive.
