Sida cordifolia (Bala) Plant

Description Sida cordifolia, known as Bala in Ayurveda, is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. Sida cordifolia is a small, erect, perennial shrub that typically grows to about 0.5 to 2 metres in height. It has heart-shaped leaves (cordifolia means “heart-leaved”) and small, yellow to orange flowers. The entire plant is covered with soft white felt-like hair that is responsible for one of its common names, “flannel weed”. It is native to India but can be found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including wastelands, roadsides, and grasslands. In Ayurveda, Sida cordifolia is highly valued for its therapeutic properties. It is used to treat various conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, cold, flu, and inflammation. The plant contains several bioactive compounds, including alkaloids (such as ephedrine), flavonoids, and sterols, which contribute to its medicinal properties. Pharmacological Activities. Anti-inflammatory: It has been used traditionally to reduce inflammation and pain. Antioxidant: It exhibits antioxidant properties, which help in protecting cells from damage. Analgesic: It is known to provide relief from pain. Stimulant: Due to the presence of ephedrine, it acts as a central nervous system stimulant.   Common Name. Flannel Weed; Country Mallow; Heart-Leaf Sida; Malva Branca.   Specifications. 50mm Pot Size Seed Grown Plant   Ideal Growing Conditions. Sida cordifolia prefers well-drained soil in an open, sunny position. It is drought and frost tender but considered a very hardy and fast growing plant. Pruning: Sida cordifolia responds well to regular pruning and can become woody and sprawling if left unmanaged. Light pruning throughout the growing season helps maintain a compact, bushy shape and encourages the production of fresh leafy growth. Older plants can be cut back by one-third to one-half in late winter or early spring to rejuvenate growth and improve vigour. Pests and Diseases: Sida cordifolia is generally a hardy plant with few serious pest problems, but it may occasionally attract aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects, particularly during warm weather or when plants are stressed. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap, Eco Oil or Neem Oil Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage. We recommend Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day for a fertiliser, which can be found in our store, however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage. Fertiliser:  Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food     We cannot send plants to Western Australia & Tasmania due to restrictions.   We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.   Interested in Sida? Have a look at these products too Sida cordifolia (Bala) Seeds Ephedra gerardiana (Ma Huang) Plant