Plectranthus caninus.

Description:

Plectranthus caninus, also known as Coleus canina, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It reaches a height of approximately 40 cm and features slightly hairy, round-shaped fleshy leaves. Its curious blue-purple flowers appear in spikes at the end of the stems.

History and Origin:

Native to East and South Africa, Plectranthus caninus is part of a genus that includes the popular Money Plant. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which comprises over 300 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants found mainly in warm regions of the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia, Africa, Indonesia, and India.

Care:

- Exposure: It can be grown in both pots and ground cover in partial shade.

- Sunlight and Temperature: Thrives in full sun exposure, provided the climate is not too hot. It does not tolerate frost.

- Watering: During spring and summer, it is recommended to water about 3 times a week, reducing to once a week during winter. Occasional leaf spraying is beneficial to maintain humidity.

- Fertilization: Monthly fertilization with mineral fertilizer is recommended in spring.

- Propagation: It can be easily propagated by cuttings, although the plant can self-seed and become somewhat invasive.

Animal Repellent:

Plectranthus caninus emits an unpleasant odor, though imperceptible to humans, which acts as an effective repellent for dogs, cats, and foxes.

Common Issues:

It is important to watch out for possible attacks by woolly aphids and aphids.