Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) plants grown under shade (LI) showed an increased height due to intemodal elongation, leaf area, leaf area index, and chlorophyll (Chl) b, Chl (a + b) and carotenoid (Car) contents compared to the plants grown in sunlight (HI). The number of branches and green leaves decreased under LI treatment, with a marginal variation in the patchouli oil yield. A comparison between the relative contents of photosynthetic pigments indicated that Chl b and Car accumuled preferentially over Chl a in the LI grown plants.