Salvia divinorum
Yerba de la pastora · Diviner's sage · Divining sage · Herb-of-the-virgin
Description
Source: leafsnapSalvia divinorum is a perennial herb native to the Sierra Mazateca region of Oaxaca, Mexico. This member of the mint family has been used for centuries by indigenous people in traditional spiritual practices. The plant contains psychoactive compounds, notably salvinorin A, which induces intense hallucinations and altered states of consciousness when ingested or smoked. Recently, Salvia divinorum has gained popularity as a recreational drug due to its powerful effects. However, it also has medicinal applications, such as treating depression and anxiety. The plant can grow up to one meter tall and features large, green, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. It produces small white or purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. Because of its psychoactive properties, Salvia divinorum is illegal in many countries, including the United States and Canada. Nevertheless, it remains legal in some places like Mexico, where it holds cultural significance. In summary, Salvia divinorum is both an important cultural symbol for indigenous people and a point of interest for those exploring altered states of consciousness through natural means.
Care Guide
💧 Water Every 7 days
☀️ Light Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
The plants can tolerate moderately cold conditions but are killed by frost. When growing them indoors, frost is not a significant concern.
💨 Humidity high (>60%)
This plant needs special care because it loves high humidity levels of 60-80% or more. The best way to achieve this is by placing a humidifier near the plant. Daily misting is also essential! Make sure the room has good ventilation.
🪴 Soil
🌱 Fertilizer
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Salvia
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 76 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen, Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Purple
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Fall, Early winter, Mid winter
- Native Area
- Mexico