Plectranthus coleoides is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant that is perfect for beginners. This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and can adapt to a variety of growing conditions.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to care for a Plectranthus coleoides plant so that you can enjoy its beauty indoors!
Table of Contents
History and Origins of Plectranthus Coleoides
Plectranthus coleoides, also known as “blue spurflower,” is a member of the mint family that is native to Africa. The plant gets its common name from its blue or violet flowers that bloom in cylindrical clusters.
The plant is a herbaceous perennial that typically grows to be about two feet tall. The leaves are ovate-shaped and have scalloped margins. The plant is relatively easy to grow and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and homes.
It is important to note that the plant can spread rapidly and may become invasive in some areas. Gardeners should take care to plant blue spurflower in an area where it will not overrun other plants if planted in a flowerbed.
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How to Care for Your Plant
Blue spurflowers are fast-growing, evergreen plants. They are often grown as a houseplant or in hanging baskets where the long, cascading stems can create a stunning effect.
The plants are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things to keep in mind to keep your plant healthy and happy.
What Kind of Lighting is Best?
When choosing the best lighting for your new plant, it is important to consider the plant’s native environment. In its natural habitat, the plant grows in partial shade.
As a result, it is best to provide bright indirect light when growing Plectranthus coleoides indoors.
This can be achieved by placing the plant near a south-facing window. If direct sunlight is unavoidable, it is important to filter the light with a sheer curtain or blind. However, too much shade can cause the leaves to yellow and the stems to become leggy.
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When is the Best Time to Water?
These are popular houseplants due to their low maintenance requirements and ability to tolerate low light levels. During the summer months, when the plant is actively growing, it should be watered about once a week.
However, during periods of high heat or intense sun, you may need to water more frequently.
During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, watering should be reduced to about once every two weeks.
The best time of day to water these plants is in the morning, before the heat of the day. This will give them plenty of time to absorb the water before the temperatures start to rise. If you water this plant in the evening, the cool night air can cause the leaves to rot.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering. These are semi-succulent plants, meaning that they store water in their leaves and stem. For this reason, it is important to water this plant carefully to avoid overwatering.
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How Often Should You Use Fertilizer?
One of the best things about Plectranthus coleoides is that it doesn’t require much fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer can harm this delicate plant. For best results, fertilize your plant every two to three months using a balanced fertilizer.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
How to Propagate New Plants from Cuttings
To propagate new plants from cuttings, first, fill a pot with moistened potting mix.
Next, take four to six-inch stem cuttings from a healthy mother plant, making sure to include several leaf nodes. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cuttings and dip the exposed nodes in rooting hormone.
Plant the cuttings in the potting mix, making sure that the leaf nodes are buried.
Water the potting mix well, and place the pot in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil moist, and within six to eight weeks, roots should begin to form.
Once the roots are established, you can transplant the new plants into individual pots or in your garden.
What to do if Your Plectranthus Coleoides Isn’t Doing Well
These plants are popular houseplants that are known for their easy care and trailing habit. However, even the hardiest plants can experience problems from time to time. If your Plectranthus coleoides isn’t looking its best, here are a few things you can do:
Check the Light Levels in the Plant’s Environment
If you want your plant to stay compact and full, it is important to check the light levels in the plant’s environment. This plant thrives in bright indirect light, so if it is placed in too much shade it will start to stretch and become leggy. If this happens, move the plant to a brighter location.
Check the Soil
Something else to check is the soil. Make sure that the soil is moist but not soggy, as soggy soil can lead to root rot. In addition, be sure to check the drainage and aeration of the soil.
These plants need well-aerated soil to thrive. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to repot the plant in some fresh, sterile potting mix.
Boost the Nutrients
While they are generally low-maintenance plants, they can sometimes experience problems such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. One potential cause of these problems is a lack of nutrients.
You may want to boost the nutrients by fertilizing the plant with a half-strength solution of all-purpose fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season and be sure to water the plant thoroughly after each application to avoid root burn.
Check and Treat for Pests
Another step you should take is to check for pests. Aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies are all common pests of this plant and can cause problems such as stunted growth, wilting leaves, and yellowing foliage.
If you suspect that your plant has been infested with pests, treat it immediately with an effective insecticide. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully, and always test the product on a small area of the plant before treating the entire plant.
Benefits of Growing Plectranthus Coleoides
Plectranthus coleoides can be used as both an attractive houseplant or natural medicine for many different purposes such as soothing skin irritation caused by acne breakouts and eczema outbreaks among other things!
Improved Air Quality
These plants are known for their ability to purify the air. Studies have shown that they are effective at absorbing harmful toxins such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant that can cause a range of health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation.
Carbon monoxide is another common air pollutant that can be deadly in high concentrations. By absorbing these harmful toxins, Plectranthus coleoides helps to create a healthier indoor environment.
Herbal Uses
Plectranthus coleoides contains forskolin, a compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. In addition, forskolin has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen and promote weight loss.
As a result, it can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions both externally and internally. The herb can be used fresh or dry in teas, tinctures, and ointments.
The leaves and stems of the plant are typically macerated in water to create a topical application for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. They are thought to be beneficial for the skin due to their high concentration of nutrients and antioxidants.
Additionally, the plant contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help to soothe irritation and reduce the spread of infection.
Ward Off Mosquitos
The plant has traditionally been used as a natural mosquito repellent, and recent studies have shown that it is indeed effective at deterring these pests. Plectranthus coleoides contains a compound called p-menthane-3,8-diol, which is known to repel mosquitos.
The plant can be used in several different ways to keep these pests at bay. For example, the leaves can be crushed and rubbed on the skin, or the essential oil can be diluted and applied topically.
Additionally, it can be planted around the perimeter of a home to create a natural barrier against mosquitos. When used in this way, the plant can help to significantly reduce the number of these pests in an area.
Pet Safety
Though it is generally considered to be safe for pets, there have been reports of gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs who have ingested the plant. If you suspect that your pet has ingested Plectranthus coleoides, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
Symptoms of gastrointestinal upset can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the ingestion of Plectranthus coleoides can lead to tremors, seizures, and even death. If you have this plant in your home, it is important to keep it out of reach of your pets.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant that will liven up any room in your home, look no further than Plectranthus coleoides. This versatile plant can be used to add color and life to a variety of spaces, and it is perfect for beginners who are new to the world of indoor gardening.