Psychotria viridis cv. Luna (Chacruna) Plant

Description Psychotria viridis Luna cultivar. Sourced from the Santo Daime church. A native of the Amazonian lowlands, but cultivated in Columbia, Bolivia and into Central America, this plant is an important ingredient in ayahuasca brews. Psychotria viridis, commonly known as Chacruna, is a perennial shrub native to the Amazon rainforest, especially found in countries like Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Bolivia. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family — the same plant family as coffee. Chacruna is an evergreen tree, which grows to a height of 5m with a spread of 2m, but is usually kept smaller in cultivation. The stem is erect and branching, the leaves Broad, glossy, and dark green, with prominent veins. The flowers are pale green to white on long stalks; the fruit are red berries containing 1 or 2 small brown seed which are convex and grooved on one side, flat on the other. While most of the documentation available on Psychotria viridis is in relation to its use as a component of Ayahuasca brews, it is also a well regarded medicinal plant in its native area, one of its uses being as eyedrops for migraines. The leaves of Psychotria viridis contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a powerful naturally occurring psychedelic compound. DMT is not orally active on its own, but when combined with Banisteriopsis caapi (a vine containing MAO inhibitors), it becomes the active visionary component of ayahuasca, a sacred brew used in Amazonian spiritual practices for healing, guidance, and insight. Important note: – DMT is a controlled substance in many countries, including Australia, the U.S., and most of Europe. While the plant itself is not regulated within Australia, its use, especially in ayahuasca, is subject to strict legal control.   Common Name. Chacrona; Tupamaqui; Yage; Cahua; Sami Ruca; Amiruca Panga; O-pri-to; Kawa; Rami Appane; Suija.   Specifications. 50mm Pot Size Cutting Grown Plant   Ideal Growing Conditions. Psychotria viridis prefers well composted rich soils in a protected partial shade to shady position. It thrives in warm, humid conditions. It is drought and frost tender, keep indoors or in a greenhouse if needed.. Prefers sub-tropical to tropical climates (21-32°C)..Prefers partial shade (dappled sunlight or 50-70% shade). Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn leaves. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Leaves can be regularly misted to maintain high humidity (70-90%). Pests and Diseases: Monitor your plant for pests like aphids, mealybugs or spider mites. Psychotria is very susceptible to Mealybugs. 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 cannot ship this species Internationally.   We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.   Interested in Ayahuasca? These products might also interest you Chacruna ‘Shipibo’ Plant Cielo Ayahuasca Vine Black Ayahuasca Vine