You probably often see plectrantus everywhere – in stores, at guests, in offices and public places, and even in street containers on the summer grounds of establishments. And if you still don’t know anything about its features – this article is especially for you!
general information
In nature, plectrantus is common in Asia, Africa and Australia, but it has long taken root perfectly in our latitudes. It is also popularly called the spur flower because of the specific shape of the corolla. Indoors, the plectrantus blooms by the end of winter.
For its characteristic aroma, plectrantus is often called home mint. Although it is a flowering plant, it is prized primarily for its beautiful leaves that form a lush and showy crown.
The height of the shrub in indoor conditions rarely exceeds 80 cm, and usually it is even less. Plectrantus is very branchy, with strong fibrous roots and ribbed shoots. But the leaves are completely different in shape, structure and color.
Types of plectrantus
There are a lot of types of plectrantus in nature, but not all of them are adapted for indoor cultivation or landscaping areas in the middle lane. Consider the most common in our latitudes!
Coleus Plectranthus
A neat evergreen shrub under favorable conditions grows up to 1 m. Its strong pubescent shoots are decorated in purple color, and the leaves seem to be covered with a bluish bloom.
Plectrantus Forster
It is also sometimes called Indian, and it is notable for its long and almost creeping shoots. In summer, it is densely covered with small white flowers up to 1.5 cm in diameter.
Shrub plectranthus
This is a rather tall herbaceous species that sometimes grows into a full-fledged shrub. The leaves are very aromatic, with a beautiful ovoid shape. By the way, on the farm it is used to scare away moths.
Plectrantus Ertendal
It has spectacular rounded leaf plates with an openwork figured edge and light veins. But this variety needs an increased amount of fertilizing for flowering.
Felt Plectranthus
It was so named for its distinct edging on wide ovoid leaves. It is a medium-sized shrub, up to 75 cm, and an interesting light green shade.
Southern plectranthus
Nice creeping view with long petioles. They are glossy, without pubescence, but as if waxed. This plectrantus grows well as an ampelous plant and almost does not smell.
Plectrantus care
Plectrantus is one of those common favorites that do not require any special conditions and care. Lighting and regular watering are all that an unassuming plant needs!
Temperature
The room temperature is good throughout the year. In summer, 20-25 degrees are ideal for him, and in winter the plant lives well at 14-15. Do not drop the temperature below 12 degrees.
Lighting
Delicate ornamental leaves do not tolerate the scorching sun, and burns can remain on them. Therefore, the plectrantus prefers diffused lighting and will grow well even in partial shade. Additional illumination is not needed.
Watering
Frequent and abundant watering is important for plectrantus, but at the same time, the top layer of the soil must necessarily dry out. In hot weather and in winter during the heating season, periodically spray the plant with warm water.
The soil
Choose a nutritious substrate based on leafy earth and sand. Due to abundant watering, a very thick drainage layer is needed – it can take up to a third of the flowerpot. Take the flowerpot itself deeper so that the developed rhizome fits.
Fertilizers and feeding
Top dressing is practically not needed. During the growth period, feed it with a mineral complex for deciduous plants. Enough 1 time in 2-3 weeks, and at other times there is no need even for this.
Pruning
In order for the plectrantus to bush beautifully, it must be periodically trimmed and pinched. In the spring, at the beginning of the season, the shoots are shortened by half, and further in the process, they are pinched as needed. If this is not done, the shoots will stretch out and become bare.
Transfer
In the first years, the plectrantus is transplanted every spring, choosing a flowerpot slightly larger than the previous one. In the future, there are enough rare transplants as needed, and it is better not to disturb the plant at all. During transplantation, the bush can be neatly divided into several parts.
Reproduction and planting of plectrantus
Plectrantus in everyday life is propagated by cuttings. Shoots of 5-6 cm are rooted in warm water, which must be changed regularly. When the roots are growing, plant a couple of cuttings together in small pots. Over time, you can leave it that way or plant them at will.
Pest and disease control
Plectrantus has good immunity, so it almost does not get sick. But at high humidity and low temperatures, even he suffers from fungal diseases. In this case, it is imperative to treat the bush with fungicides and adjust the regime. The affected shoots will have to be removed immediately.
The persistent aroma of plectrantus repels pests. It is very rare to see aphids, ticks or worms on it. It is usually sufficient to gently wash the leaves with soapy water. If there are a lot of insects, use protective preparations!
Plectrantus – photo
The genus of plectrantus is so diverse that you can find more than a dozen varieties that are completely different from each other. Just look, what a beauty!
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