Ask the Plant Doctor: How to care for lavender in Malaysia

Planting lavender here requires extra care and effort as the weather conditions are challenging. Photo: 123rf.com

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Is it really possible to grow lavender in Kuala Lumpur? Local nurseries and even supermarkets are selling potted lavender. I have tried every possible way to keep mine alive but nothing works. It always looks nice and alive at nurseries and supermarkets. The compost is always wet even though we read we should never overwater it. The first few days that I take it home, the plant is okay. I hold back on watering and keep it in a semi shady area and with filtered lights. But then it will start to wilt.

I have kept lavender indoors, but it wilted. I have kept it outdoors under the sun, and it wilted. I took the plant out from the pot to let the compost dry out, but the plant also wilted. I watered my lavender; it wilted.

I have killed countless pots of lavenders despite my efforts to grow them. Please help. If these plants are not to be grown in our tropical climate, then why are nurseries selling them? — Gabriel

Growing lavender in Malaysia’s tropical climate is a challenging task, primarily because the plant is naturally adapted to the temperate conditions of the Mediterranean.

Although lavender thrives in sunlight, it does not cope well with intense direct sunlight. The plant also requires low humidity and a well-drained soil for optimal growth.

It’s possible to cultivate lavender in Malaysia, but it demands meticulous care and attention. Several factors contribute to the wilting of lavender plants. For example, lavender is sensitive to both underwatering and overwatering, with the latter being the most common cause of wilting.

Lavender prefers well-drained and slightly alkaline soils. In contrast, soils high in clay can lead to root rot.

To enhance soil drainage, mix sand or small stones into the soil, or use specialty cactus or citrus potting mixes.

It is crucial to let the soil dry out between watering sessions, ideally watering only once every two weeks or when the top soil feels dry to the touch. Treat your lavender like a cactus plant.

High humidity in Malaysia can cause fungal diseases, leading to plant wilting. In addition, the plant can suffer from the harsh tropical sunlight.

To care for your lavender, use a pot with many drainage holes and position the pot so that it would receive at least six hours of indirect sunlight.

To improve air circulation, place the plant in a spacious location, either indoors with a dehumidifier or fan, or outdoors in a partially shaded area.

To further combat diseases and pests, ensure good airflow between plants. For nutrition, a balanced, slow-release fertiliser with low-to-moderate amounts of nitrogen should be selected.

When selecting lavender varieties, choose those that are more tolerant to heat and high humidity, such as Spanish or French lavender, while avoiding English lavenders, which generally struggle in tropical climates.

As to why nurseries continue to sell lavenders despite the challenges of growing them, this is likely due to consumer demand, as lavender is often considered an exotic and visually appealing plant, making it a popular choice for buyers.