Chinese herbal fake ginseng is named after its roots, which resemble ginseng. Therefore, it is also known as "fake ginseng". It is believed to have the function of nourishing the body and can be used as both medicine and food. It can also be used as an ornamental plant in pots.
1. Food: After washing the stems and leaves, they can be directly stir-fried or cooked as soup. The tender stems and leaves can be pickled with salt to make pickles for convenient use.
2. Medicinal use: The fresh stems and leaves can be mashed and applied externally to treat swelling and toxicity. The entire plant can be used to diuretic and reduce swelling, invigorate the spleen and moisten the lungs, relieve cough, regulate menstruation, and treat diarrhea, etc. The leaves can promote the secretion of breast milk and relieve swelling and toxicity.
3. Ornamental use: It can be used for flower beds, rockeries, and potted plants.
In spring, when their roots become narrow, they will regrow. Generally, it should be done once every year to provide fresh soil. After repotting, do not water for a week or longer. A larger container is needed to accommodate a large root system.
It is drought-tolerant; soaking once a month in summer will keep the plant in good condition. For potted plants in summer, regular watering is necessary during the growing season, but allow the substrate to dry completely before irrigating again, but do not overwater it.
In winter, it should be kept dry. It is preferable not to water on cloudy, humid days, or cold winters.
In cultivation, it prefers well-drained, moist soil rich in organic matter, but it can adapt to most soil types. It is best not to be too heavy; good drainage is desirable; it responds well to fertilizers.
Full sunlight to light shade. The plant has more colors and grows more compactly under sunlight. Under shady conditions, the plant is softer and more elegant.
