Soviet Coin Plant, Swedish Ivy, Cuban Oregano

plectranthus spp

Also known as: ["Coleus spp","Plectranthus verticillatus","Plectranthus tomentosa"]

Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Plectranthus Category: Leaf Plants

Overview

A genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, known for their aromatic foliage and ease of cultivation.

Benefits & Perks

["low maintenance","fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Plectranthus
Botanical Name: Plectranthus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Leaf Plants
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, indirect light area or shaded outdoor space
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Fragrance Lovers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: every 1–2 weeks, or as needed to maintain humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to maintain shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours; tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from intense sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering), wilting (underwatering), or stunted growth (poor soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; move outdoors in mild weather.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering; ensure good drainage.

Soil

well-draining, peat-based potting mix

pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but avoid extremes.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain moderate warmth year-round.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Place in medium.
  4. Keep moist.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining soil mix or water with occasional changes.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), container, water or soil mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy stems; keep consistently moist; provide warmth for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Encourage bushier growth and remove leggy stems; improve air circulation.

Tools

Clean pruners or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune in active growth; remove dead/damaged leaves; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure it’s not too big to avoid water retention.

Method

Use fresh well-draining soil; trim roots if necessary; ensure proper drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; prevents root-bound conditions.

Checklist

Check root boundness; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water evenly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, sand, or orchid bark to improve drainage; mix in compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or browning edges in cold; stunted growth or leaf scorch in heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to root rot in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer spot; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow or stop.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Plectranthus spp. can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, often resulting in reduced photosynthesis and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Plectranthus spp. is typically caused by water stress, either due to under or overwatering, leading to impaired nutrient uptake and potential root damage.

Leaf spots on Plectranthus spp. are often caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Plectranthus spp. due to excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, causing decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Plectranthus species are not known to be toxic to cats. They are not listed among common toxic plants for felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific precautions are necessary for cats, but ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Plectranthus species are not known to be toxic to dogs. They are not listed among common toxic plants for canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific precautions are necessary for dogs, but ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Humans
Non-toxic

Plectranthus species are generally considered non-toxic to humans. They are commonly used in culinary and medicinal applications without significant adverse effects.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

Handle with care as with any plant, but no specific precautions are necessary for human exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Plectranthus toxic to pets?

A: No, Plectranthus is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How often should I water Plectranthus?

A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing the plant to dry out between waterings.

Q: Can Plectranthus be grown indoors?

A: Yes, Plectranthus thrives indoors with bright, indirect light and moderate humidity.

Quick Reference
Family: Lamiaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","fragrance lovers"]
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