Name –Costus Igneus – Insulin Plant – Spiral FlagFamily – Costaceae In India Costus Igneus is also called Insulin Plant . It is treated in Ayurveda as a natural remedy for diabetes, hence the name Insulin Plant. It is a perennial plant. It usually grows around two feet tall. The leaves are spirally arranged and fleshy looking. The plant spreads quite fast without much care. It grows very fast. Though it needs sunlight it can grow in partly shady areas also. In south India it is used in the treatment of diabetes. Mostly the leaves are used in diabetes treatment. There are many reports of the usage of this herb reduce blood glucose level. There are many other medicinal uses too. This herb is cultivated in certain areas for its root. It can be grown as an ornamental plant too. Growing Insulin Plant Insulin plant can be propagated either from rhizome or stem cuttings. It can be grown in pot or ground. Plant it in well drained soil. Sunlight requirement of Insulin Plant Full or partial sunlight. Watering requirement of Insulin Plant From my experience watering once in a week is more than enough especially if the insulin plant grown under partial sunlight. If you can water more, good! Why I am saying this is that, in my backyard it grows like a weed without watering or any other care. It spreads very fast as well.