Interesting facts about plectranthus

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videoIt not only looks beautiful thanks to the interesting shape and color of the leaves, but also is one of the most unpretentious flowers. Plectrantus calmly tolerates the missed watering, if the owners suddenly forgot about it or unexpectedly left for a long time. No matter what, he quickly grows and soon the little stalk turns into a gorgeous shrub.

Many folk beliefs are connected with this flower, and its reputation is well deserved. After all, the plant has healing properties with a fairly extensive scope.

The varieties of the name of the plant

are considered to be the subtropics of South Africa, the habitat of the Plelectranthus, but it has caught on well in a more severe climate, and has a different name in different countries. So, in cold Scandinavia, the plant is called Swedish ivy, and in the vast expanses of our vast country - “molar tree” or “room mint” because of the peculiar smell emitted by the leaves after touching them.

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Due to the special structure of the inflorescences, in particular the coronus in the form of a spur, the flower is also called the “cockerel spur” or the “sporeflower”.And varieties, the smell of which repels small insects, are popularly called “fly-warders”.

A general description of the appearance of the

. The pleckranthus has several species, most of which have wilted, well-leafy shoots hanging from the pot in large quantities. This allows it to be used for hanging pots or for creating cover beds. Lateral whips of ampelous species can grow up to 1.5 m in length. There are upright varieties of plants growing in the form of a bush up to 40 cm high.

Read also: Proper planting and care in the open field for phloxes

Almost all plant species have the same rounded leaf shape with an uneven toothed edge( exceptthey look like oak).But the surface and color of the leaf plate is individual for each variety. It can be smooth or covered with leaves, monochromatic in color or with a white border, matte or glossy.

Leaves and shoots of the flower are able to accumulate and retain moisture for a long time, and therefore are classified as semi-succulents. The plant is covered with a leafy hat all year round, it has a permanent color and does not crumble.

The main advantage of the plectrantus plant is elegant ornamental leaves, but it also blooms with small white-blue or purple inflorescences that look like an umbrella. Many flower growers believe that the blooming of the plectrantus only spoils the appearance of the bush.

In order for flowers not to rob ivy of extra juices, they are advised to be removed before blooming.

Possible difficulties in growing a flower

Despite its simple nature, when grown under room conditions, a plectrantus may be affected by pests and diseases, because not a single flower is immune from this.

For the majority of diseases in the plant, there is a strong immunity, but defeats are possible:

  1. False powdery mildew. A sign of the disease are gray spots on the surface of a hardwood plate, and the cause is over-wetting of the soil. First of all, the earth should be allowed to dry well, and further reduce the frequency of irrigation. The bush itself is well sprayed with an aqueous serum-based solution consisting of 3 parts water and 1 part serum. You can also use special store preparations.
  2. Root Rot. The causes of the appearance of the disease and methods of treating the bush are similar to the fight against downy mildew.
Read also: A selection of photos describing the types and varieties of bergenia

In addition, the plektranthus is capable of losing its decorative effect as a result of:

  • exposure to direct sunlight - the leaves fade and fade;
  • long-term drying of the soil - wilting of the bush;
  • excess watering - the leaves begin to turn yellow and fall off, it is also possible rotting of the root system.

As for pests, sometimes the pleckrantus is attacked:


  • spider mite;
  • shield;
  • whitefly;
  • aphids.

The cause of their appearance is too dry indoor air or infected plants in the neighborhood. In most cases of pest infestation, the leaves of the sporeflower are covered with a sticky coating. To get rid of unwanted guests flower must be treated with insecticides. Varieties with a smooth leaf surface can be sprayed with soapy water.

Both the beautiful and the useful

Plectrantus is used not only to decorate the interior - the aroma it produces cleans the air in the room. The smell of mint helps with headaches and soothes the nerves. But what is good for humans doesn’t like the harmful inhabitants of cabinets and the pests of woolen carpets. It is noticed that the mole prefers to avoid the rooms in which the flowerpot stands with a flower, and the fabric bags with leaves placed in the closet will save the fur coat from it.

The beneficial properties of plectranthus are widely used for medical purposes.

Crushed leaves of plectrantus, attached to the bite site by small insects, will help to quickly relieve the itching and relieve irritation.

Whole leaves, dipped in boiled( cooled) vegetable oil, will make it easier in the case of weeping diathesis. To do this, they need to attach to the wound. Essential oils secreted by the leaves of the flower, help with nasal congestion, asthma and coughing, if you chew a fresh piece.

Read also: A photo describing the types and varieties of calathea indoor flower

The therapeutic effect of plexrantus is also noted when using its foliage for bathing, in particular in the complex treatment of enuresis in children. First you need to prepare a concentrated infusion of 0.5 tbsp.fresh leaves and 1 liter of boiling water and leave for 1-2 hours. At bedtime, type in a bath of water, pour the concentrated solution into it( after having filtered it) and let the child lie for at least 15 minutes.

Dried leaves also retain their beneficial properties. Thus, a mixture of crushed leaves and baby powder in the ratio of 1: 5 is used to treat diaper rash in bedridden patients.

The leaves and roots of plectrantus of the peoples of India are used to prepare various dishes.

Folk omens

Flower growers who have been cultivating plectranthos for many years associate many superstitions with it. It is believed that the plant attracts wealth and luck, so it must be in every home. But the negative energy of the flower, on the contrary, repels, acting as a kind of protector of the house from evil spirits and negative emotions.

Experienced plant experts say that the flower gives good luck not only to its direct owners, but also to those who take part in caring for it and just for a long time is nearby, for example, in office premises.

We can say one thing with certainty - the plelectrantus plant will not take much time, but it will respond with gratitude to care and aesthetic pleasure.

Interesting Facts about Plektranthus -

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