Called anamu in the Caribbean, Petiveria alliacea also goes by the names guinea henweed and garlic weed. It is an Amazon rainforest plant and an herbaceous perennial and as such, enjoys very warm, moist conditions. It grows best in subtropical or tropical climates or in a greenhouse. Anamu is typically sought for its healing properties. Growing anamu outdoors is only possible in zone 10 or warmer; otherwise, plant it in a container. Realize that the plant grows to be about 3 or 4 feet tall.
Check its soil. Anamu prefers loose but moist soil. A soilless potting mix is good for containers. If growing outdoors, check that it is in loose, well-drained but moist soil
Place it in a warm, lighted location. Outdoors, place the plant in full sun. Indoors, strong fluorescent or full-spectrum lighting would be best. Be sure the temperature does not dip too low. Anamu benefits from heat lamps or heating pads in colder seasons.
Mist the anamu if growing indoors. A spray bottle of water turned to a mist setting is good for this purpose. Mist the leaves daily, and check the soil for moisture. It should be moist to the touch, but not wet.
Check the air humidity level if growing anamu indoors. As a rainforest plant, it does best with high humidity, and you may need to install a humidifier in the greenhouse to keep it thriving. Optionally, place the anamu pot on a larger tray full of pebbles and cover the pebbles in water, so that it evaporates directly around the plant.