Plectranthus

The genus Plectranthus includes more than 250 species – evergreen perennial shrubby and semi-shrubby or annual herbaceous plants with a height of several centimeters to 2 m. They are characterized by green tetrahedral stems and whole opposite saw-toothed or city-shaped leaves with a pleasant aroma. Flowers are collected in apical racemose inflorescences, bloom in summer. The flowers are small, irregular, typical of labial flowers, their color is lilac or purple, sometimes white. Forster's plectranthus (Plectranthus forsteri) is an ampelny herbaceous perennial species. The leaves are ovate, broad, pubescent, and fragrant. Flowers from light blue to malva color are collected in brushes. Especially appreciated are the varieties 'Edged' and 'Mottled' with white-cream leaves. Plectranthus shrubby, or molar tree (P. fruticosus), is grown in cool rooms, it is a shrub up to 2 m high. The leaves are ovate and ovate-elliptical with a toothed-toothed edge. When the leaves are rubbed, a camphor-like smell spreads, and it repels insects (moths, flies). Flowers are collected in groups, have a blue-purple, pink or light blue corolla. The view is unpretentious. Madagascar plectranthus (P. madagascarensis) is a creeping and ampelic semi-succulent species with ovate or rounded leaves and white or with a transition from malvaceous to lilac, often speckled flowers. Especially decorative is the variety 'Variegated Mint leaf' with fragrant variegated leaves. Plectranthus oertendalii (P. oertendalii) is an ampelny and groundcover species with aerial roots formed from nodes. It has rounded velvety leaves, bronze-green with silver veins. The flowers are colored in colors from white to light lilac, collected in rare panicles.

The genus Plectranthus includes more than 250 species – evergreen perennial shrubby and semi-shrubby or annual herbaceous plants with a height of several centimeters to 2 m. They are characterized by green tetrahedral stems and whole opposite saw-toothed or city-shaped leaves with a pleasant aroma.

Flowers are collected in apical racemose inflorescences, bloom in summer. The flowers are small, irregular, typical of labial flowers, their color is lilac or purple, sometimes white.

Forster's plectranthus (Plectranthus forsteri) is an ampelny herbaceous perennial species. The leaves are ovate, broad, pubescent, and fragrant. Flowers from light blue to malva color are collected in brushes. Especially appreciated are the varieties 'Edged' and 'Mottled' with white-cream leaves.

Plectranthus shrubby, or molar tree (P. fruticosus), is grown in cool rooms, it is a shrub up to 2 m high. The leaves are ovate and ovate-elliptical with a toothed-toothed edge. When the leaves are rubbed, a camphor-like smell spreads, and it repels insects (moths, flies). Flowers are collected in groups, have a blue-purple, pink or light blue corolla. The view is unpretentious.

Madagascar plectranthus (P. madagascarensis) is a creeping and ampelic semi-succulent species with ovate or rounded leaves and white or with a transition from malvaceous to lilac, often speckled flowers. Especially decorative is the variety 'Variegated Mint leaf' with fragrant variegated leaves.

Plectranthus oertendalii (P. oertendalii) is an ampelny and groundcover species with aerial roots formed from nodes. It has rounded velvety leaves, bronze-green with silver veins. The flowers are colored in colors from white to light lilac, collected in rare panicles.

Cultivation

Plants of the genus Plectranthus can also be grown in the open ground, but only in mild climates; they are more often used as annuals on balconies and terraces, cleaned in October in the house. Creeping species and varieties are particularly well suited for growing in hanging baskets. They are planted in May it is possible in low-fertile soil with a pH (acidity) of 5.5-6.0. When growing in pots, the substrate is made up of 2/3peat and 1/3 from the fertile land. It is not recommended to apply fertilizers during planting in order to avoid too strong growth of the vegetative part. If, however, the plectranthus grows excessively, apply pinching of the shoots. In spring and summer, once every 15-20 days, full mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 15 g per bucket.

Plants of the genus Plectranthus can also be grown in the open ground, but only in mild climates; they are more often used as annuals on balconies and terraces, cleaned in October in the house. Creeping species and varieties are particularly well suited for growing in hanging baskets. They are planted in May it is possible in low-fertile soil with a pH (acidity) of 5.5-6.0. When growing in pots, the substrate is made up of 2/3peat and 1/3 from the fertile land. It is not recommended to apply fertilizers during planting in order to avoid too strong growth of the vegetative part. If, however, the plectranthus grows excessively, apply pinching of the shoots. In spring and summer, once every 15-20 days, full mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 15 g per bucket.

Location

Plants of the genus Plectranthus grow better in bright places, but not in the open sun.

Temperature

In winter, the temperature should never fall below 10 °C. Ideally, it should be 18-20 °C. The molar tree prefers an air temperature of 12-14 °C.

Watering

Plectranthus requires moderate watering without stagnation of water. In the hottest periods, the soil should always be kept in a slightly moist state, in autumn and winter they are watered very little.

Transplant

Transplanted in April, in more spacious containers.

Care

Keep the plant clean by removing faded and damaged parts.

Reproduction

Plants of the genus Plectranthus are easily propagated by cuttings (in water and sand, this can be done all year round) or by dividing the bush (in spring), immediately transplanting the resulting parts completely. The substrate is a mixture of leafy, sod-covered earth and sand (2:1:1).

Diseases

There may be spots on the leaves (very rarely it is so serious that chemical treatment is required), rot the roots, which usually leads to the death of the plant (it is removed). Among the pests, the spider mite causes significant damage. They get rid of it with the help of acaricides. Aphids and worms settle on young shoots, in this case it is recommended to treat the plants with the appropriate preparation. Sometimes excessive watering can lead to yellowing of the leaves at the base of the plant. Do not overfill the water.

Acquisition

Plants of the genus Plectranthus can only be found in well-supplied horticultural centers. Choose plants with beautiful dense and healthy foliage.