How Do You Care For Plectranthus Ciliatus?

How do you care for Plectranthus Ciliatus

Plectranthus Ciliatus is a very common houseplant which typically thrives with little effort. It prefers indirect light, though it will tolerate brighter conditions as long as they are not prolonged.

For best growth, water the plant every 7-10 days when the soil feels dry to touch. This variety of Plectranthus can thrive with minimal care of the following factors;

Sunlight

Direct sunlight will cause the Plectranthus Ciliatus plant to become dehydrated. If the leaves begin to brown, it is a sign of over-watering and/or direct sunlight. The best location for the plant would be in an area with indirect sunlight such as a south facing window.

Soil

Plectranthus Ciliatus is a tropical plant and often thrives in intense sunlight. As such, the soil should be kept moderately moist. It prefers to have good drainage, so it’s best not to keep it in a container that does not allow for drainage. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to touch, but be careful not to overwater.

Watering

This variety of Plectranthus often requires more water than other varieties and should be watered whenever the soil feels dry to touch. The soil should never be allowed to dry out. If it becomes over-watered or it’s left in direct sunlight you will notice the leaves begin to brown which can cause permanent damage to the plant.

Humidity

Though Plectranthus Ciliatus require high levels of humidity between 60%-70%, it cannot tolerate wet soil. This can cause root rot or other similar issues. You may consider misting the Plectranthus Ciliatus on a weekly basis to ensure they receive enough humidity.

Temperature

This houseplant enjoys temperatures between 60 – 75o F. Temperatures above 75o F can cause browning and curling of the leaves, while a drop below 60oF will lead to wilting.

Repotting

As a tropical plant, Plectranthus Ciliatus prefers to be repotted every 2 years. When repotting, do not exceed more than one third of the original soil. After the potting process, water thoroughly and place in an area with indirect sunlight.

Propagation

Plectranthus Ciliatus is a very easy to propagate. It can be propagated through stem tip cuttings taken during spring or summer. Simply place the cuttings in a pot filled with moistened potting soil and place in indirect sunlight for about a week before transplanting outside or into another container as desired.

Propagation from seed takes longer, but it is still relatively easy. Plant seeds in pots filled with a moistened growing medium and wait 3-4 weeks before transplanting into larger containers.

Pruning

Plectranthus Ciliatus is a slow growing plant. As such, pruning should only be performed when the plant shows signs of browning under the leaves. Avoid pruning any other part of the plant as it will hinder growth.

Pests and Diseases

Plectranthus sp. is one of the more difficult houseplants to grow in captivity. It does not tolerate extended periods of direct sunlight which can cause dehydration and sun burned leaves. Plectranthus Ciliatus is vulnerable to spider mites, but it is resistant to common pests like mealybugs and scale insects.

Plectranthus Ciliatus pests will appear as small white specks on the underside of the leaves as well as white cottony masses on the stems.

Is Plectranthus Ciliatus poisonous?

Plectranthus Ciliatus is not poisonous. The plant is fairly harmless and can be used as ornamentals because of its aesthetic value.

Artwork for kids Plectranthus Ciliatus are commonly found in homes as indoor houseplants, indoor or outdoor plants used to brighten up the home. Though it has a reputation for being toxic, the plant is fairly non-toxic and can be used as a decorative indoor or outdoor houseplant.

How do you propagate Plectranthus Ciliatus?

Propagation of Plectranthus Ciliatus is easy once you set up a routine. You can propagate new plant from tip cuttings as well as by seed. Seeds are typically planted in open top containers using a moistened growing medium such as soil or perlite. The following are procedures when propagating by;

Stem cutting

• Trim a small portion of the stem and place in moist growing medium.
• Keep moist and position in indirect sunlight for about 3 -4 weeks before transplanting into an open pot.
• When the plant begins to grow, it will require repotting into a slightly larger pot. Plectranthus Ciliatus is a slow growing stem cutting and can take up to 2-3 months (~20-30 days) before it is ready to be planted in a larger pot.
• You can also transplant into a large container in the ground or in a landscape or patio planter.

Seed propagation

Seeds can be propagated in the following ways;

• Seeds can be germinated indoors or outdoors by placing them on a moist surface and cover with plastic wrap until they begin to sprout (about 3-5 days). Once sprouting begin to keep the soil keep very moist, misting frequently.
• Seeds can be sown directly in an open pot designed for seed propagation. You may need to cover the pot with plastic wrap to create a humid environment.
• Seeds can be planted when the mother plant blooms. When the flower is finished, it will produce seed pods on its stem which can be harvested and placed in a clean paper bag and kept near a window for several days before planting them outside or into another container as desired.

How much light does Plectranthus Ciliatus need?

Plectranthus Ciliatus does best in well-lit areas. It can thrive with less than an hour of direct sunlight, but will do best in an area with more direct sunlight. The plant can tolerate more sunlight than most plants and can tolerate the intense heat of a south facing window. Plectranthus Ciliatus need moderate levels of humidity but can tolerate high levels of humidity.

Plectranthus Ciliatus requires moderate levels of humidity and should have water when the soil feels dry to touch. If grown in direct sunlight, it will tend to over-dry out if left in direct sunlight.

How often do you need to water Plectranthus Ciliatus?

Plectranthus Ciliatus should be watered whenever the soil feels dry to touch. You can easily detect over watering with leaves which will start to turn brown and curl. Plectranthus Ciliatus is a tough plant and can easily withstand the occasional over watering.

A good way to ensure you do not over water your Plectranthus Ciliatus is to place the plant in a well-lit area. If the leaves are wilting from over-watering, but the soil below feels damp, you may have a drainage problem. You can remedy this by using a pot with holes in the bottom or by giving the plant more room to breathe by moving it away from other plants.

Plectranthus Ciliatus requires moderate watering to maintain optimal growth. It likes to have a moist environment and can be kept moist by misting frequently, though too much water can cause the leaves to turn brown. Ensure that the soil is never allowed to dry out which will lead to brown dead leaves.

What is the temperature range for Plectranthus Ciliatus?

Plectranthus Ciliatus can grow in a wide range of temperatures, but will thrive best when it is kept within the 60-75o F range. During the summer, the plant will prefer a warmer temperature, and during the winter, a cooler temperature.

Plectranthus Ciliatus can tolerate temperatures of up to 100oF during the summer but is not cold hardy. The plant will not produce flowers, fruit or leaf buds if exposed to temperatures below 50oF for long periods of time.

Plectranthus Ciliatus can tolerate low night time temperatures in the 20-30oF range and still survive with minimal shade. During the winter months, the plant will need protection from frost and should be kept indoors.

Plectranthus Ciliatus is ideal for hot climates and can even grow indoors in low light areas. The plant can tolerate cold temperatures but will not flower or produce seed pods if exposed to temperatures below 60oF.

How do you identify Plectranthus Ciliatus?

Plectranthus Ciliatus is a vine growing in the family Lamiaceae. It has sessile leaves which grow opposite on the stem of the plant. The plant has small flowers and flowers tend to be white with yellow coloration around the stamens. Plectranthus Ciliatus is an easy to identify by the following features;

Leaves: the leaves of Plectranthus Ciliatus are oval shaped, opposite on the stem and have teeth along the edges. The leaves can grow to a length of 18 inches and tend to be slightly stiff.

Flowers: the flowers on Plectranthus Ciliatus are white with yellow stamens that appear in clusters. The flowers have five petals which resemble small white stars or curls. The flowers tend to be small and are found near the tips of the plant.

Stem: the plant has a tendril like stem that grows along the ground. This stem can grow up to 30 inches long.

Height and size: The plant tends to be a medium sized plant growing anywhere from 6-12 inches tall at maturity. The plant is extremely easy to grow and can be found in a variety of colors including, orange red, pink, yellow, purple and green.

How do you repot Plectranthus Ciliatus?

Plectranthus Ciliatus prefers to be repotted every two years as a tropical plant. Repotting should not exceed one-third of the original soil volume. Following the potting procedure, properly water and place in an area that receives indirect sunlight. If you want to transplant your Plectranthus Ciliatus, you need to perform the following procedure;

• Wash the roots of the plant with a small amount of soapy water and allow them to dry. Place the plant in a bucket of water for several hours, or until it is fully saturated
• Use sharp sterilized scissors to clip away from the roots.
• Remove dirt from the plant by wiping it off with a damp cloth or towel. Use a sharp sterilized knife to remove any roots that are damaged.
• Place the plant in a container that has drainage holes. If you are using a container with no drainage holes, you should add some broken clay pots to help prevent the soil from leaking out while the potting mix is still wet. Fill the container with potting soil and tamp it down firmly.
• Plant the stem of the plant in the soil with the roots spread out. Make sure that the stem is above water level and if you are using a container, make sure that the container has enough room to allow for root growth.
• Water well to moisten pots and soil.
• Place your Plectranthus Ciliatus in a bright location such as a south facing window or on a windowsill. Water when soil feels dry to touch and give it some indirect sunlight for complete care.