Plectranthus ciliatus or Purple-leaved plectranthus

Care of the indoor plant Plectranthus ciliatus or Purple-leaved plectranthus

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 ciliatus, Plectranthus caninus, Plectranthus zuluensis, Plectranthus verticillatus, Plectranthus coleoides, Plectranthus oertendahlii, Plectranthus forsteri.

Common names: Eyelash Spur Flower, Purple-leaved plectranthus. This species is native to South Africa.

They are tropical plants with a creeping or hanging habit that reach 50 cm (19.68") in height. The branches have a nice purplish color because they are covered with purple hair. The beautiful elliptical leaves are deep green with purplish underside and have fine hairs on the margins that are somewhat serrated. They produce small white flowers that arise in terminal cymes but are not as attractive as the leaves. They bloom in late summer and early fall.

They are used as indoor, greenhouse or terrace plants in hanging baskets or pots. In tropical or subtropical climates they are used to cover understory under trees and shrubs.

The Plectranthus ciliatus grows in shade or semi-shade exposures, always avoiding direct sunlight in the central hours of the day. They do not resist temperatures below 5 ºC (41 ºF).

The soil must be well drained and contain abundant organic matter. Transplant in late winter.

Water frequently with lime-free water so that the substrate is always slightly damp but never flooded; wait for the substrate surface to dry before watering again. The humidity must be high; place wet stones on a plate under the pot.

Fertilize with manure, compost or humus in early spring.

Prune after flowering to keep it compact and to strengthen the plant.

They are quite resistant plants to pests and diseases.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring or early summer in the nursery or by cuttings in summer.