Grow root beer plant for its fragrant foliage that smells like root beer soda.
The pleasant fragrance of the leaves comes from safrole, a chemical also found in the sassafras tree.
The plant also produces arching white flower spikes that offer additional interest.
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Here’s what you gotta know to successfully grow root beer plant in your garden.
Root beer plant is invasive in Florida and Hawaii, so check local restrictions before planting.
Also, note that this plant contains safrole, which is known to be carcinogenic in animals.
Credit:Denny Schrock
It was banned for human consumption by the FDAin the 1960s.
All plant parts may be dangerous if eaten by humans and animals.
Check the soil daily and water as needed until new roots develop.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Once the plant has grown new roots, water as needed to maintain soil moisture.
It is root hardy to 10F and evergreen in regions that dont receive a frost.
Light
This plant grows best indappled light and part shadebut can tolerate full sun with enough moisture.
Credit:Bob Stefko
The ideal location will receive morning sunlight and afternoon protection from the most intense sun.
Don’t allow the soil to completely dry out, but likewise, avoid standing water.
Root beer plant is not drought-tolerant and should be grown in a location with easy access to water.
Temperature and Humidity
Root beer plant is considered a die-back perennial in Hardiness Zones 8 and 9.
Root beer plant prefers average to high humidity and may struggle in regions with dry air.
Pruning
Root beer plant requires little pruning.
Plants that outgrow the pot can bedivided and replanted in springin larger containers.
Pests and Problems
Deer and insects generally avoid this plant.
How to Propagate Root Beer Plant
Root beer plant is easily propagated by separating rhizomes andtaking cuttings.
Exposed rhizomes will sucker and grow new shoots.
Place the cutting in a warm location inindirect sunlightand water it daily.
It should produce roots in 1-2 weeks.
Different preparations yield different products, including green, white, and black pepper.
Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices around the world.
It is a slow-growing plant that can be grown as atropical houseplant.
It is used in Indian, Nepalese, Indonesian, and Malaysian cooking.
It is often labeledpippaliwhen sold as a spice.
This intense display of green provides an exciting tone-on-tone focal point in the part shade garden.
The name of the plant only refers to the similarity of its fragrance to the drink.
Root beer plant contains safrole, a known carcinogen in animals.
Safrole is also found in the sassafras tree and Japanese star anise.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=189.180
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1350&context=tropical_ecology
