Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Plectranthus caninus or Coleus caninus

The genus Plectranthus, family Lamiaceae, comprises 300 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants native to Australia, Africa, Indonesia, and India. Some species are: Plectranthus caninus, Plectranthus zuluensis, Plectranthus ciliatus, Plectranthus verticillatus, Plectranthus coleoides, Plectranthus oertendahlii, Plectranthus forsteri.

Common names: Scaredy Cat Plant, Piss-off plant. This species is native to southern and eastern Africa and India.

They are herbaceous plants that reach 40 cm (15.74") in height. They have fleshy hairy leaves of a rounded shape. The curious flowers appear at the end of the stem in spikes and are bluish-purple in color. They can bloom almost all year round, although they tend to do so in summer.

The main peculiarity of Scaredy Cat Plant is that it emits an unpleasant smell (imperceptible to humans) that repels dogs, cats and foxes. Coleus caninus is used in pots and to create upholstery groups in semi-shade.

Plectranthus caninus grows in full sun (if the weather is not too hot) or semi-shade exposures. It does not resist frost.

During spring and summer water 3 times a week and reduce watering in winter to once a week. Spray the leaves from time to time to maintain humidity.

Fertilize monthly in spring with mineral fertilizer.

Plectranthus caninus can be attacked by mealybugs or aphids.

Coleus caninus is easily propagated from cuttings but tend to self-propagate and become invasive.

Images of the plant Plectranthus caninus or Coleus caninus