How To Grow Gymnema Sylvestre Seeds

Gymnema sylvestre is native to the lush tropical forests of Southeast Asia and India, where its thick, woody vines grow wild, winding around trees and bushes. The roots and leaves are often used as a herbal remedy for a number of conditions ranging from snake bite to high blood sugar. Gymnema sylvestre is easy to grow, and its dark green foliage and tiny yellow flowers makes it an interesting and exotic houseplant. In warm, humid climates, gymnema sylvestre can be grown outdoors.

Step 1

Prepare a planting mixture consisting of 2 parts sand, 1 part well-rotted manure and 1 part commercial potting soil. Fill a 4-inch planting container with the planting mixture and mist the soil with a spray bottle until it's damp clear through, but not dripping.

Step 2

Soak gymnema sylvestre seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours, and then plant them about a half an inch deep in the planting medium, with two or three seeds in each container.

Step 3

Put the planting container in a clear plastic bag, and close the bag loosely. Put the container in indirect light. Avoid putting it on a windowsill, because the light magnified through the plastic can become too hot.

Step 4

Check the soil every day. Although the plastic bag will keep the soil damp for several days, humidity is crucial for germination. Mist the soil immediately if it dries out.

Step 5

Watch for tiny white roots to emerge through the planting container's drainage hole in about three weeks. After it roots, remove the plastic, but leave the container in a well-lit area and continue to keep the soil moist. After about an additional month, transplant the gymnema sylvestre seedlings to a larger, permanent pot. It can also be planted outdoors at this time.