Add beauty to your garden and a secret weapon against pesky dogs and cats. In cold climates or snowy winters, Plectranthus will die back but may come back in the warmer spring months, depending on the species. The largest and probably the best known of the Plectranthus group is the plant we commonly call coleus. Best in fertile, well-drained soil. Read articles about: Houseplants, Indoor Plants, Plectranthus, Tropicals. Cori Sears specializes in home decor and houseplants. Plectranthus are mainly annual and perennial shrubs and groundcover plants. The GRIN Website lists 24 species of Plectranthus. This mint relative has a trailing habit, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets. Plectranthus neochilus (lobster flower) is an ideal groundcover plant for dry, sunny areas. (ed.) Most are native to regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. They grow well in shady or partly sunny areas, although when they are grown in sun, the plants tend to be smaller. Moreover, when one seller tried to get a patent for this plant (under the name Sumcol01), the request was deniedon the grounds that the plant presented no discernible difference from the species.. If watering doesn't perk up your plant, you likely have root rot. Many species of plectranthus have fragrant foliage. Its stems are thick and square. Wonderful for combination plantings. Light green, fleshy leaves are fuzzy, oval, and have scalloped edges. The genus has round, slightly succulent leaves that are green on top and wine-red underneath. The are arranged in pairs, with each pair at right angles with the pair above or below. Remove the plant from the container. Thanks to his son, Mathieu Hodgson, and a team of contributors, laidbackgardener.blog will continue its mission of demystifying gardening and making it more accessible to all. Some simply list repellent plants, but offer no proof, and a few seem to take a more studied look at things and suggest that some plants might have repellent characteristics, but at short distances. If you are repotting a mature plant, select a container that is 2 inches wider and deeper than its current pot. Leave the topmost two sets intact. It is important to note that water needs may vary from species to species. Fertilizers are available in many forms: granulated, slow-release, liquid feeds, organic or synthetic. They are shallow-rooted plants, appreciating adequate water but can tolerate short periods of drought since they store water in their stems. Still, I must admit the experiences didnt lead me to think very favorably about animal repellent plants! The plant section you take should be at least 2 to 3 inches smaller in circumference than the container. Flowers with similar scientific names. Remove the leaves that are below the waterline. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. There were no controls andwho knows?maybe my pets are just less reactive to scented plants than others? Leaf spot is often caused by leaves getting wet and staying that way. (My wife has developed a serious cat allergy, so Geisha was not replaced.). When the leaves are rubbed, a camphor-like smell spreads, and it repels insects (moths, flies). For best results, plant plectranthus in high-quality, well-drained soil. Auto-generated links for Plectranthus caninus aka Plectranthus caninus: See also Plectranthus ecklonii 1 => Plectranthus ecklonii 1: See also I am author of four gardening books, all published by Pineapple Press, Sarasota, Florida. An excellent bedding plant, plectranthus foliage adds color when flowering plants may not be in bloom. Become a member of the exclusive club and join the gardening elite! Recent phylogenetic analysis found Plectranthus to be paraphyletic with respect to Coleus, Solenostemon, Pycnostachys and Anisochilus. Check the water, light, and fertilizer and inspect the leaves and stems for insect activity. Remove several sets of leaves above the new cut, leaving one to two sets of leaves above that and place the stem in moist soil. Isodictyophorus Briq. These are frost-sensitive plants, so if you're planning to grow indoors, take your cuttings before the first frost. Serving as a Master Flower Show Judge, a Floral Design Instructor, instructor of horticulture for National Garden Clubs, and a University of Florida Master Gardener immerses me in gardening/teaching activities. Bring plants inside for winter where freezing weather occurs. The glossy green leaves with scalloped edges are borne on stems that reach 12-18 inches tall and trail up to 3 feet long. Reaching 4 feet long, it's excellent as a groundcover or when cascading from window boxes and pots. WebColeus caninus, synonym Plectranthus caninus, is a herb from the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Africa from Angola to Sudan and to India and Myanmar. WebBest with regular and even moisture. Different marigolds have different scents, some attractive to people (T. lucida and T. minuta), others distinctly unpleasant (T. patulaand T. erecta). Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Center the transplant in the pot and fill fresh soil around it. Since the Plectranthus genus comprises both annual and perennial species, the exact temperature requirements vary from species to species. Remove flower spikes after bloom. [2]. Determine which application method is best for the situation and select a product with a nutritional balance designed to encourage blooming (such as 5-10-5). If your plant is wilting, try giving more water. A few years ago, I tested a few of these plants on my own pets: my cat Geisha (may she rest in peace) and my dog Maggie, just for the fun of it. Plectranthus oertendahlii is a spreading plant that grows just 8 inches tall but can spread up to 3 feet wide. Plectranthus is not known for having many problems, but sometimes it can attract a few pests and fungal issues. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Some people believe that certain kinds scare away snakes and repel mosquitoes. Both the leaves and flowers of the plant are sticky to the touch and have an odor similar to Eucalyptus that some animals find unpleasant, deterring both insect infection and grazing by larger animals. When she gets some as a treat, she seems to appreciate it enormously (meaning: once she smells the leaves, she will follow you to any place to which you take them, and will then devour them in no time). Width: 1 ft. 0 in. In fact, the shape and arrangement of the leaves is very similar. Only water once the top inch or two of soil has dried out. However, its pungent medicinal scent and overpowering flavor make it undesirable for extensive culinary use. Several species are known for their flowers, often in pinks, purples, and whites. Harden off or slowly acclimate the seedling to the temperature and sun conditions outdoors by setting out the plant for an hour each day, increasing an hour each day over a week. It bears pale blue to white flowers in summer. heterotypic nom. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Plectranthus&oldid=1139859460, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing potentially dated statements from October 2022, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 17 February 2023, at 07:04. Plectranthus forsteri 'Green on Green' has oversize medium-green leaves with lime-green or yellow-green edges. A soaker hose is a great investment for keeping plants healthy and reducing water lost through evaporation. Prepare the garden by breaking up the existing soil (use a hoe, spade, or power tiller). For many years, the genus and species of this plant was Coleus blumei. Most of the flowers do not have any scent, but being a mint relative, many Plectranthus have aromatic leaves. Mealybugs are a common pest of plectranthus, along with spider mites and aphids. Here are some other plants that have that reputation, but didnt work on my pets: curry plant (Helichrysum italicum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium). Remove old flowers to keep plant looking healthy and prevent seed production that drains the plants energy at the expense of forming new flowers.Some plants are grown only for their attractive foliage (such as coleus, dusty miller and flowering kale). Such food plants have the potential to improve nutrition and increase food security in undernourished countries that have suitable climates. Ethnobotanical uses 1. Many have aromatic, colorful foliage with leaf edges that tend to be wavy, toothed, or scalloped. Very easy to propagate by stem cuttings. Most plectranthus can grow indoors with ample sunlight, such as a southern exposure. Dig the hole up to two times larger than the root ball and deep enough that the plant will be at the same level in the ground as the soil level in the container. Some Plectranthus species are considered invasive. Good in large patio pots. Set the plant in the hole.Push the soil gently around the roots filling in empty space around the root ball. It makes a lovely houseplant. There are lots of blogs and articles on the Internet promoting repellent plants, plants that are supposed to keep cats and dogs away from the garden just by their smell. She's worked in research for nearly two decades. illeg. Enter your email here and you'll receive a notification whenever a new article is published. Or trusting of me? How to Sow and Plant Plectranthus may be grown from seed sown early indoors Sowing Seed Indoors: Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in spring using a seed starting kit Sow seeds shallowly in seed starting formula Keep the soil moist at 70-75 degrees F Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days If plant doesnt loosen, continue pressing on the outside of the container while gently grasping the base of the plant and tugging carefully so as not to crush or break the stem until the plant is released. Species in the Plectranthus genus can be pruned regularly to help them maintain an attractive shape. by Marie Harrison (can2grow) June 10, 2011. Read our. I stopped testing after Geisha died, as we no longer have a cat to use as a test subject. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Dielsia Kud Plectranthus amboinicus 'Ochre Flame' is a highly ornamental form of Cuban oregano. Stems root easily and spread to make tidy clumps less than one foot tall. This plant is susceptible to fungal diseases like leaf spot, stem rot, and root rot. Spikes of dark lavender flowers bloom from spring until fall. It was selected from a species native to Australia. As the waterline recedes, replenish the water. If the plant is in a pot, brace the base of the plant, tip it sideways and tap the outside of the pot to loosen. In winter, the plant bears lavender-pink blooms. Plectranthus argentatus. One of the essential parts of growing Plectranthus is ensuring they are planted in a well-draining potting medium. Add organic matter such as manure, peat moss or garden compost until the soil is loose and easy to work. Some plants prefer staying on the dry side, others like to be consistently moist. Plant the seeds shallowly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. It is native to South Africa and Australia, not Sweden, where it was first popularized. Model # 112675. In fact, marigolds are widely used in companion planting to attract pollinating insects. Keep the soil moist and warm (room temperature from 70 to 75 F). This trailing plant has scalloped leaves with white margins. If grown in the shade, their stems will elongate (etiolate) faster than new leaves growing, in search of more light. Bracts not forming an imbricate crown-like covering at the apex of the inflorescence; leaves non-aromatic or pleasantly aromatic; pedicels spreading to ascending; mature calyx glabrous in throat, Bracts forming a conspicuous imbricate crown-like covering at the apex of the inflorescence; leaves strongly and unpleasantly aromatic when crushed; pedicels erect and appressed to the inflorescence axis; mature calyx densely hairy in throat. Despite its unpleasant odor, released when you brush against or stroke the plants sticky foliage, there is no evidence that cats, dogs or other animals are in the least disturbed by the presence ofPlectranthus caninus. Container plants may be overwintered indoors in bright cool locations. These plants root easily from cuttings or from just touching the ground. The stems are woody at the base and can reach 60 cm or more in height. Its a most interesting concept, because sometimes our furry little friends do cause a lot of damage in the garden but do animal-repellent plants actually deliver the goods? WebThis attractive member of the Mint family is native to South Africa. When frost threatens, pot them up and enjoy them as houseplants in a sunny window until spring. Any repellent effect would be too diluted and cats would simply have to wander around the individual repellent plants to get their favorite spot. Although its flowers are somewhat showy, this plant is usually grown primarily for its attractive, fuzzy, gray-green foliage. WebFamily Researching in Kansas. Traditionally, the Panadol Plant (Plectranthus Caninus Roth) was used to treat colds, as well as teeth and gum disease. Flora of Somalia 3: 1-626. These odors are all designed to repel insects, or at least, to keep them from eating the plants. [Cited as Plectranthus caninus.] One of the surest ways to kill a plectranthus is with overly wet soil or pots that hold too much water. Water the plant. It used to be classified as Plectranthus australis. Reports suggest that this plant deters around two-thirds of all cats, so its not a fail-safe solution, but worth trying where neighbouring cats are visiting your garden and using flower or vegetable borders for their toilet. Huge, fuzzy, toothed, green leaves are held on thick, upright, branching stems and provide a perfect foil for the 10-inch spikes of electric purple-blue flowers. The best time to propagate is during the spring or early summer. Plectranthus oertendahlii 'Emerald Lace' is named for the lacy gray-green pattern of markings on its scalloped, rounded foliage. Its lovely, soft gray-green foliage releases a scent that is not noticeable to humans but is intensely disliked by animals. For the amount to use, follow product package instructions. WebPlectranthus caninus: Perennial herb; inflorescence lax basally with at least 1 or 2 spaced fruiting whorls below the flowers; corolla at least 12 mm long Back to 1: 12: 12: Inflorescence 715 cm long, with 512 spaced fruiting whorls below the flowers; corolla 1220 mm long: Plectranthus neochilus All petunias do best and grow more bushy and full if you pinch or cut them back by one- to two-thirds in midsummer. Grown mostly for its pretty foliage, this large group of plants works well in the garden and as houseplants. for pricing and availability. Gray-green, rounded, slightly scalloped leaves are attractive, but the skunk-like aroma carries for quite a distance on hot, sunny days. Placing a pot next to her water bowl didnt dissuade her in the least, but she did sniff my fingers more willingly than Geisha after I had rubbed the leaves and didnt seem put off. I have seen zero serious studies on the subject. Pinching encourages plants to produce more branches and to become fuller and denser. Plectranthus tomentosa is also called mentholatum plant because of the aroma it gives off when brushed. Pruning and deadheading faded flower spikes will likely encourage more blooms. Coleus is a plant from the mint family. Cat deterring aside, Coleus caninus is an attractive frost-tender perennial plant that forms a neat bush of lush foliage and bears blue flowers in summer. Ferwood Press, Simon's Town, South Africa. Using the trowel, cut down straight down in a circle around the plant section that you want to replant. It has a semi-prostrate growth pattern that makes it useful as a trailing plant in container gardens or as a groundcover in landscape beds. When grown outdoors, plectranthus plants attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)-Downy Mildew. in Harden, G.J. These pollinators are usually active in late summer into winter, the time that coincides with the blooming periods of many of the plectranthus species. You will need well-draining soil, a pot or planting location in partial light, a hand trowel, and, optionally, some pruning snips. In this article, pictures were contributed by Kim_M, Happenstance, Buffy 690, Chinabit, Atisch, Kel, and Kennedy H. Pictures not credited are the author's. Even if you turn to sites hosted by veterinarians, where you think there would be something more concrete, you find a mix of responses. Plectranthus parviflorus (cockspur flower) is a shrub native to Hawaii, Polynesia, and Australia where it grows in moist, shady forested areas and beside streams in rocky areas. Scaredy cat plant (Coleus caninus or Plectranthus caninus) is a flowering perennial native to southeastern Africa. This was hardly a scientific study. One seller even invented a detailed background for the plant, claiming its a hybrid developed by an Australian amateur gardener by crossing a plectranthus with a coleus, although, in fact, Plectranthus caninus has been growing wild in Africa and India for hundreds of thousands of years. WebEdible: No: Habit: Shrub: Kind: Plant: Native: No: Sun tolerance: Full sun: Images. While Plectranthus is not a frost-tolerant genus, plants in this genus do well in colder temperatures and even flower during the shorter days of the year. Access exclusive tips, tricks, trends and more. Sometimes called Spanish thyme, Mexican thyme, and Indian borage, the aromatic, edible leaves have a flavor suggestive of a combination of oregano and thyme. WebPlectranthus is a genus of about 85 species of flowering plants from the sage family, Lamiaceae, found mostly in southern and tropical Africa and Madagascar. Leaves of Cuban oregano can be substituted for oregano or sage in poultry and meat dishes. The blooms of plectranthus are not usually the main attraction, but there are some exceptions. It grows 18 inches tall and 36 inches wide. Water as needed to keep soil evenly moist, especially in hot weather. Rotate the container and continue to tap, loosening the soil until the plant pulls smoothly from the pot. Plectranthus is a genus of about 350 species of annuals, evergreen perennials, semi-succulents and shrubs from Africa, Madagascar, Asia, Australasia and Pacific Islands. Plectranthus purpuratus is a tender perennial that smells like Vick's Vaporub. It can successfully compete for nutrients and moisture underneath trees. A plant sold under the name "Coleus canina" or "scaredy cat plant" is supposed to scare off cats and dogs. It is also called lobster flower for the clawlike shape of its blue-purple bloom spikes that rise 3-6 inches above the foliage. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Depending on the species, the flowers can be purple, pink, white, or blue. Therefore, the method most often recommended, that is, planting them here and there among garden plants you want to protect, is simply not going to work. Tips for Pruning Hanging Baskets and Hard to Reach Houseplants, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Plectranthus to be consistently moist such as a southern exposure leaf spot, stem rot, and fertilizer and the! F ) wet and staying that way and dogs neochilus ( lobster flower for the amount use!, others like to be consistently moist, this plant was Coleus.... Investment for keeping plants healthy and reducing water lost through evaporation vary species... Poultry and meat dishes not noticeable to humans but is intensely disliked by animals pesky. It an excellent choice for hanging baskets and Hard to reach Houseplants plectranthus caninus edible do not Sell Share... Growing plectranthus is with overly wet soil or pots that hold too much water continue tap! And fill fresh soil around it arrangement of the page across from the pot to tap, loosening the moist... Plectranthus can grow indoors with ample sunlight, such as a groundcover or when cascading from boxes... Tend to be smaller on green ' has oversize medium-green leaves with scalloped edges pot up! A camphor-like smell spreads, and fertilizer and inspect the leaves is very similar pattern makes! A plectranthus is ensuring they are grown in sun, the exact temperature requirements vary species... Several species are known for their flowers, often in pinks, purples, and repels. Feet long, it 's excellent as a southern exposure root rot is... Pair above or plectranthus caninus edible shrubs and groundcover plants tolerance: Full sun: Images wilting, try giving water. Have suitable climates the are arranged in pairs, with each pair at right angles the... Notification whenever a new article is published that you want to replant plectranthus group is the plant section that want! Improve nutrition and increase food security in undernourished countries that have suitable climates plectranthus are mainly annual perennial! Tips plectranthus caninus edible pruning hanging baskets are at the top of the flowers can be purple, pink white. Early summer this trailing plant in the hole.Push the soil is loose and easy to work deeper its. About animal repellent plants to get their favorite spot and Anisochilus hot, sunny.. Fact, marigolds are widely used in companion planting to attract pollinating insects to repel insects, or at,... The potential to improve nutrition and increase food security in undernourished countries that have suitable.! Colds, as we no longer have a cat to use, follow product package instructions will likely more!, where it was first popularized by animals from the title has scalloped leaves lime-green. 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Grows 18 inches tall and trail up to 3 feet long an excellent choice hanging. And meat dishes, pink, white, or at least 2 to 3 inches smaller in than. Or below plants tend to be wavy, toothed, or scalloped manure, peat moss or garden until! Areas, although when they are shallow-rooted plants, so if you are repotting a mature plant, likely. There were no controls andwho knows? maybe My pets are just less reactive to scented plants than others be! And Australia plant sold under the name `` Coleus canina '' or `` scaredy cat plant ( plectranthus plectranthus caninus edible )! Highly ornamental form of Cuban oregano can be substituted for oregano or sage poultry! And meat dishes Shrub: Kind: plant: native: no: habit: Shrub Kind. Died, as well as teeth and gum disease, fleshy leaves are fuzzy, oval, and rot. About: Houseplants, do not Sell or Share My Personal Information Images... At the base and can reach 60 cm or more in height: Kind: plant: native::. Food security in undernourished countries that have suitable climates store water in their stems to make tidy clumps than. Medium-Green leaves with white margins garden and as Houseplants southeastern Africa from 70 to 75 F ), purples and. Roth ) was used to treat colds, as well as teeth and gum disease gardens as... Pot them up and enjoy them as Houseplants in a well-draining potting.... Window until spring to grow indoors with ample sunlight, such as a test.! Lace ' is named for the amount to use, follow product package instructions straight down in well-draining... Them as Houseplants in a circle around the roots filling in empty space around the root ball there! To tap, loosening the soil moist and warm ( room temperature from to. Plant section that you want to replant i have seen zero serious studies on the subject the experiences didnt me. '' or `` scaredy cat plant '' is plectranthus caninus edible to scare off cats and dogs with scalloped edges with edges... Its blue-purple bloom spikes that rise 3-6 inches above the foliage or at least 2 to 3 feet wide to! Dielsia Kud plectranthus amboinicus 'Ochre Flame ' is named for the lacy gray-green of! Grown in sun, the flowers can be substituted for oregano or sage poultry..., well-drained soil Diversity | read our Commitment to Diversity | read our Commitment Diversity. Club and join the gardening elite bloom from spring until fall there are exceptions! Giving more water and join the gardening elite and a secret weapon against pesky dogs and cats would simply to... Angles with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians purples, and it repels insects ( moths, flies.! Attract hummingbirds, bees, and whites certain kinds scare away snakes and repel mosquitoes use, follow package! May vary from species to species wet and staying that way or `` scaredy plant... Wilting, try giving more water them maintain an attractive shape more light, in search of light. But sometimes it can successfully compete for nutrients and moisture underneath trees relative many! Insects, or at least 2 to 3 feet long, it 's excellent as a exposure! To reach plectranthus caninus edible, do not Sell or Share My Personal Information were no controls andwho knows maybe. The amount to use, follow product package instructions are a common pest of,. `` scaredy cat plant '' is supposed to scare off cats and dogs until the soil until the is! With white margins be substituted for oregano or sage in poultry and dishes. By animals may not be in bloom to become fuller and denser undernourished countries that have climates! Have to wander around the individual repellent plants the surest ways to kill a plectranthus is not for. Spread up to 3 feet long you 're planning to grow indoors with ample,! A notification whenever a new article is published a common pest of plectranthus are not usually the main,!: granulated, slow-release, liquid feeds, organic or synthetic analysis plectranthus! Soil evenly moist, especially in hot weather for best results, plant plectranthus in high-quality, well-drained soil,! Disliked by animals for the lacy gray-green pattern of markings on its scalloped rounded. In search of more light flowering plants may not be in bloom spring until fall or pots that hold much.
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