Scientific Name
Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng.
Common Names
Cuban Oregano, Mexican Mint, Indian Borage, Caribbean Oregano, Country Borage, French Thyme, Indian Mint, Soup Mint, Spanish Thyme
Synonyms
Coleus amboinicus, Coleus aromaticus, Coleus carnosus, Coleus crassifolius, Coleus subfrutectosus, Coleus suborbicularis, Coleus suganda, Coleus vaalae, Majana amboinica, Majana carnosa, Majana suganda, Ocimum vaalae
Scientific Classification
Family: Lamiaceae
Subfamily: Nepetoideae
Tribe: Ocimeae
Genus: Plectranthus
Description
Plectranthus amboinicus is a succulent shrub with thick fleshy stems and fleshy green pleasantly aromatic leaves thickly studded with hairs. It grows up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. Leaves are egg-shaped, up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long, and up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) wide. Flowers are pale purplish and appear on a short stem in dense whorls at distant intervals in a long slender spike-like raceme.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Water Cuban Oregano when the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of its soil becomes dry. Apply 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water from a garden hose directly to the surrounding ground. Water the plant during mid-morning hours to allow moistened foliage time to dry before nightfall. Never water so frequently that the soil becomes soggy or develops standing water.
Apply 1 tablespoon of 10-10-10, slow-release, granular fertilizer per 1 square foot (930 Square Centimeter) of the Cuban Oregano's soil in spring, just as new growth begins on the plant. Spread the fertilizer in a band around the Cuban Oregano, keeping it 6 inches (15 cm) from the plant's stems to prevent fertilizer burn. Mix the fertilizer granules into the top 3 inches (7.5 cm) of soil with a rake or garden fork. Water the area immediately to activate the fertilizer. Reapply the fertilizer every three months throughout the plant's active growing season.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Cuban Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus).
Origin
Native to southern and eastern Africa.
Links
- Back to genus Plectranthus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
