Care of the indoor plant Plectranthus coleoides and Variegated Swedish Ivy |
|
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 coleoides, Plectranthus ciliatus, Plectranthus caninus, Plectranthus zuluensis, Plectranthus verticillatus, Plectranthus oertendahlii, Plectranthus forsteri. Common names: Variegated Swedish Ivy, White-Edged Swedish Ivy, Plectranthus variegata. This species is native to New Caledonia, Fiji and Loyalty Islands. They are herbaceous plants with quadrangular stems and a creeping or hanging habit. They have attractive bright green opposite leaves with wavy cream-colored edges. The leaves produce an incense-like aroma if crushed. If the flowers do bloom, they are not decorative. They are used as indoor, greenhouse or terrace plants especially in hanging pots. Plectranthus coleoides needs very bright exposure without direct sun. They are tropical plants that do not resist the cold below 13 ºC (55.4 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of compost and leaf mulch, in equal parts, to which a little siliceous sand and peat will be added. The transplant is done in spring. Water frequently with lime-free water in spring and summer so that the substrate is always slightly damp but never waterlogged. In autumn reduce watering and in winter water little. They appreciate high humidity and good ventilation. Fertilize every 20 days in spring and summer with mineral fertilizer for indoor plants. Prune in early spring to keep it compact. In summer they can be attacked by aphids if they suffer drought and in winter by fungi if there is excess watering. They are propagated by cuttings set to root in water or in a moist sandy substrate during the spring. |
Images of the indoor plant Plectranthus coleoides and Variegated Swedish Ivy |
 Plectranthus coleoides  Plectranthus coleoides |