How Do You Grow Plectranthus Neochilus?

How do you grow Plectranthus Neochilus?

Coleus neochilus, often known as lobster bush, fly bush, or mosquito bush, is a perennial ground cover with very scented, somewhat scalloped, oval leaves and purple blue inflorescent spikes.

Lobster bushes can withstand a broad variety of temperatures, arid conditions, and practically any soil, but they prefer a well-drained sandy loam in full sun or light shade.

After flowering, hard trimming is advised. Stems root quickly, and the plant spreads to form a neat cluster. When planted in the landscape of tough places, the plant may get stressed in particularly dry conditions, but will revive when watered.

They are easily grown from softwood cuttings and will proliferate throughout the garden. Pests have little effect on them.

Is Plectranthus Neochilus edible?

Not normally, but it can be eaten fresh.

Three fresh leaves of lobster bush, cut with scissors and boiled in water for a matter of minutes, tastes like spinach. They are used in salads to add color or flavor.

Plectranthus Neochilus leaves are somewhat sharp and pungent, but they can be used as a flavoring in salads or as a seasoning for stews.

It has not yet determined the effects of Plectranthus neochilus on the human body, but there are anecdotal reports that it has a pungent or citrusy taste. The plant spreads by underground stems and roots, so it may be eaten when the top is removed.

Is Plectranthus Neochilus poisonous?

Lobster bush is poisonous.

In large amounts, the leaves can be toxic. An overdose of the leaves on an empty stomach can cause vomiting and possible seizures. Although the berries are toxic, they are also delicious.

Some people have also been known to confuse lobster bush with Bermuda buttercup, which some consider slightly more toxic. Care should be taken when handling these plants as you do not want to end up eating them by mistake!

How do you care for Plectranthus Neochilus?

Plectranthus neochilus (Lobster Flower) – A ground-hugging wide spreading mat under 1 foot tall (a little taller in shade or when well hydrated) with rounded slightly scalloped gray-green foliage and deep blue and purple blooms that rise 3 to 6 inches above the foliage from spring to late fall (some say they bloom year-round).

When not in bloom, this plant forms an appealing ground cover and is spectacular when it blooms. It can also be used to fill hanging baskets and containers.

Plant along the seaside in bright shade to full sun. As long as the earth drains correctly, this is useful in challenging dry settings. This plant tolerates winter rains and occasional irrigation well.

Hardy to at least 30 degrees Fahrenheit, it is considered an annual in colder locations; nevertheless, in Santa Barbara, the plants are frequently in bloom all year, even in the dead of winter.

What is Plectranthus neochilus good for?

Because of its fragrance nature, this plant is supposed to repel snakes, mosquitoes, flies, and most garden pests. As a result, Coleus neochilus is an excellent companion plant for vegetable gardens. Furthermore, findings indicate that these plants can be employed as an effective air filter.

In folk medicine, the dried herb known as “boldo” or “boldo-gambá” is used to treat hepatic insufficiency and dyspepsia.

Mint tea is created by steeping fresh leaves in tea.

How do you propagate Plectranthus Neochilus?

Lobster bush is propagated by cuttings, which root easily and can be planted in the garden to form a dense low growing hedge. Regular trimming of the stems is advised to control the size of this plant.

The plant can also be propagated from seed, which germinates readily if properly prepared and sown in warm, sandy loam. The seeds may be sown indoors in full sun and when one half inch high, moved to a warm sowing site.

When the seedlings are about 4 inches high, transplanting outdoors is advised. Good drainage is also essential.

How much light does Plectranthus Neochilus need?

Lobster bush is a low growing ground cover that requires full sun to partial sunlight. The plant tolerates shade, but will not bloom in shaded areas. This plant grows well in partial to full shade, although it blossoms best when given at least 8 hours of sun.

Lobster bushes can withstand a broad variety of temperatures, arid conditions, and practically any soil, but they prefer a well-drained sandy loam in full sun or light shade. After flowering, hard trimming is advised. Stems root quickly, and the plant spreads to form a neat cluster.

How do you dry Plectranthus Neochilus?

If you collect the flowers at their peak, you can dry them to keep throughout the winter for use in wreaths and other crafts. The simplest way to do this is to cut off the blooms from their stalks and hang them upside-down in a warm dark place.

As they hang, the soft petals will curl inward toward the lilac-pale blue stamen; once this starts happening, they are almost dry enough to preserve.

What is Plectranthus Neochilus?

Plectranthus neochilus (Lobster Flower) is a perennial, aromatic, succulent herb that grows as a ground-hugging wide spreading mat less than 1 foot tall (a little taller in shade or when well-watered) with rounded slightly scalloped gray-green foliage.

It also has deep blue and purple flowers that rise 3 to 6 inches above the foliage from spring to late fall (some say they bloom year-round). When not in bloom, this plant forms an appealing ground cover and is stunning when it blooms. It can also be used to make hanging baskets and containers.

How do you identify Plectranthus Neochilus?

Coleus neochilus, often known as lobster bush, fly bush, or mosquito bush, is a perennial ground cover with very scented, somewhat scalloped, oval leaves and purple blue inflorescent spikes.

The succulent, grey-green leaves have little hairs on top and are grey-green in color. The plant itself remains a ground cover for the duration of its life (45–60 cm), quickly growing into enormous bushes.

The aroma of the plant has been compared to that of cannabis. They bloom twice a year, once in late summer and once in late winter.

How often should you water Plectranthus Neochilus?

Plectranthus is a very drought tolerant plant and will not need excessive watering during the dormant season. This is a particularly important fact in the winter months, especially when plants are being forced indoors by cold weather.

Cutting back on watering during this time will help plants to re-establish themselves and will encourage them to flower again next year.

They prefer adequate water with a moderate amount of fertilizer to keep them growing.

How do you repot Plectranthus Neochilus?

Plectranthus neochilus (Lobster Flower) – Potted plants will thrive in a soil that drains well and is rich in organic material. The plant needs full sun to partial shade, but will not flower in shaded areas. It has low water needs.

A well-drained, slightly gritty soil mixture is best for this plant. Rich, moist soils will result in a long tidy sprawl of the plant, whereas dry soils will result in a matted mass of leaves.

Mature plants are best repotted every other year or every three years if grown pot-bound indoors. When repotting mature plants, it is important that you take care not to disturb the roots, as they have been known to rot quickly and may not recover.

Is Plectranthus Neochilus toxic to cats and dogs?

Poisonous plants are an unfortunate fact of pet ownership. Plectranthus neochilus is not typically considered to be poisonous to cats, although it is listed as slightly toxic. However, it is definitely toxic to dogs.

The components that make the plant poisonous are the chemical compounds within the foliage and flowers, which can cause gastrointestinal disturbances in cats and dogs if ingested.

The plant induces vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Signs of toxicity are seen within four hours after ingestion. Therefore, the leaves and flowers are considered toxic, causing vomiting, diarrhea and gastrointestinal symptoms.

What is the best soil of Plectranthus Neochilus?

The plants prefer a well-drained, slightly gritty soil mixture is best for this plant. Rich, moist soils will result in a long tidy sprawl of the plant, whereas dry soils will result in a matted mass of leaves.

The ideal soil is a sandy loam with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, but with good drainage. This makes them great plants for containers and raised beds.

So in summary, Lobster bushes can withstand a broad variety of temperatures, arid conditions, and practically any soil, but they prefer a well-drained sandy loam in full sun or light shade.

After flowering, hard trimming is advised. Stems root quickly, and the plant spreads to form a neat cluster.