Is Coleus Canina Poisonous To Dogs?

Is Coleus Canina safe for cats

The Coleus plant is a toxic to cats. Coleus is non-toxic to cats and kittens, so eating it is unlikely to be detrimental. However, you should keep your pets away from it.

While it is OK to grow Coleus outside if you have house cats, you may not want to grow it as an annual and bring it inside for the winter.

Vomiting, stomach distress, and diarrhea are all possible side effects of ingesting Coleus for cats.

Is Coleus Canina poisonous to humans?

The oils and sap found in all parts of Coleus plants may contain trace amounts of toxins, depending on the species.

Individuals with sensitive skin who come into touch with the sap of poisonous Coleus plants may feel itching and redness at the irritated location.

When ingested, toxins can irritate the throat and mouth, resulting in general discomfort.

On the other hand, the itching is not considered a serious threat and should subside on its own.

Coleus plants are not toxic to humans, but if ingested, they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

Is coleus Canina poisonous to dogs?

Coleus is poisonous to dogs, and while it is unlikely to cause death if swallowed, it can cause an allergic reaction and illness.

The diterpenes coleonol and coleon O found in coleus leaves are toxic to dogs.  Pets that ingest Coleus foliage may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.

Can you eat Coleus Canina?

Numerous Coleus species, such as Plectranthus caninus, are not edible.

Canina is a vigorous perennial with a spreading habit that grows to a height of 12 inches. At maturity, this perennial plant reaches a height of approximately 12 inches and requires rich soil and full light.

Plectranthus caninus is frequently referred to as the “Scaredy Cat Plant.”

How do you take care of Coleus Canina?

Coleus Canina, also known as Scaredy Cat Plant or Piss-off Plant, and scientifically as Plectranthus caninus, is a member of the Plectranthus genus.

It has fleshy leaves with a musky fragrance and blooms in late spring and early summer as a drought-tolerant mat of light green pastel lavender flowers on short spikes. It is most effective when used as a border or edging plant in a rockery or terraced garden.

From eastern tropical Africa to South Africa, Coleus Canina can be found.

They are frequently found growing in communities beneath trees in dry open woodlands or on rocky outcrops between the elevations of 25 and 1740 m.

Coleus plants, like any other houseplant, thrive when cared for correctly. Although the Dogbane enjoys full sunlight because to its green leaves and drought resilience, it also prefers mostly dry soil.

Drought tolerance is one of this plant’s most distinguishing qualities. In terms of light requirements, this magnificent plant thrives in indirect light.

This plant prefers a soil that is rich in sand, organic debris, perlite, and anything else that aids in appropriate drainage.

Water

From spring through autumn, water your plant when the top 1 inch of soil becomes dry. Water the plants thoroughly until the water drains out the bottom hole of the plastic, terracotta, or clay container. Discard the water collection tray to avoid root rot.

Light

This houseplant prefers bright light for 6-8 hours each day in a sunny setting, but it may also survive in moderate shade.

Fertilizer

During the growth season, fertilize your Dogbane once a month using a slow-release fertilizer (spring to fall).

During dormant seasons, when plant development naturally ceases, you do not need to fertilize at all.

Temperature

Plectranthus caninus thrives in the heat and will wilt if temperatures dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold, damp soils can result in leaf loss and may be a breeding ground for disease. On the other side, extreme temperatures exceeding 95 °F are also undesirable.

How do you take cuttings from Coleus Canina?

Propagating a Scaredy-Cat plant can be done through a few basic steps and methods. From spring to fall is the best time to take stem cuttings. Choose healthy cuttings with a reasonable rate of development, preferably fresh growth.

You want to take your cutting from below the leaf node. Remove all but the top few leaves from the stem and set it in a moist soil mix or Water.

Soil Cuttings of Stems

Cuttings of the stem tips in soil are one of the most effective methods of growing Coleus canina.

Spring through September is the best time to take stem cuttings. Select healthy cuttings that are growing at a reasonable rate, preferably fresh growth.

Take your cutting directly under the leaf node. Remove the stem, save for the top few leaves, and set it in a moist soil mix.

Maintain a moist soil surrounding the cutting to maintain a high degree of humidity.

Until the Coleus Canina takes root, it is advisable to cover it with a plastic bag or other container.

Additionally, you’ll want to keep the plant warm, at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, to promote root growth.

Pinch the stem terminals of junctions with visible leaf buds or sprouting lower leaves. You may remove it by nipping back any unwelcome growth directly above the leaves.

Rotate and turn the plant to reduce legginess and provide consistent light exposure. While regular rotation does not totally remove gangly growth, it does assist to lessen stemming pattern unpredictability.

Stem Cuttings in Water

A Scaredy-Cat plant can be propagated in water using

Cut a 4-6-inch-long stem above the stem nodes with clean gardening shears.

Allow stem cuttings to root in filtered water for 1-2 months.

Choose a location for your cutting area that receives indirect light.

Refill the water as necessary, then move the new growth cuttings to the soil after the roots have grown.

Once your cutting has developed a rudimentary root system – about two inches of roots – put it in a few inches of soil. At first, it may appear limp as it adapts to life in the soil. This is common, and it should subside after a few days.

What does the plant Coleus Canina look like?

Coleus canine, like other coleus, is a member of the mint family, which implies that the plants have square stems with opposing leaves arranged in pairs.

Unlike its beautiful coleus cousins, Coleus Canina does not produce colored leaves. On the other hand, its leaves have a pale green color with a succulent, thicker texture, indicating the plant’s drought-tolerant nature.

Coleus Canina may be grown in full sun or moderate shade. The flowers are unattractive, blooming in lavender hues along short spikes. They are most frequently seen in the spring and early summer.

How big do Coleus Canina grow?

Coleus Canina reaches a height of around 12 inches. Stems root readily, sinking roots where they come into contact with the soil.

Coleus Canina makes an excellent groundcover critter barrier in the hottest locations.

While there is no scientific evidence that Coleus Canina repels pests, gardeners say that creatures avoid places where it is grown.

Squirrels make fewer holes in pots containing Coleus Canina, and cats and dogs avoid garden areas where it grows.

Is Coleus Canina a perennial?

Coleus Canina, like other coleus, is a part of the mint family, which means the plants have square stems with leaves grouped in pairs opposite one another.

Coleus Canina, unlike its attractive coleus relatives, does not produce colorful leaves.

Its leaves, on the other hand, has a light green colour and a succulent, thicker texture, hinting to the plant’s drought-tolerant character.

Coleus Canina is only a perennial in frost-free zones (Zone 10 in a frost-free winter and Zone 11 always).

In Zones 9 and maybe 8, it acts as a sensitive perennial. Frost destroys stems and leaves, but depending on the severity of the winter, roots can survive.

Mulch plant tops in Zones 8-9 in late fall for further protection.

What does Coleus Canina smell like?

This plant’s malodorous ways are something critters—including rabbits, deer and fox—tend to avoid. Coleus Canina has a variety of popular names due to its smelly nature, including dogbane, dogs be gone, bunnies gone, and, according to British gardeners, pee-off plant.

When the plant’s leaves and stems are brushed or torn, they emit an odor that resembles either tomcat urine or skunk spray, depending on who is sniffing.

Coleus Canina was misidentified as having German roots when, in reality, it is from South Africa.

How do you propagate Coleus Canina from seeds?

Coleus Canina can be also propagated by seeds. Coleus Canina seeds can be grown. Plants should not be planted in the garden until all danger of frost has gone; seed planting should occur eight to twelve weeks prior to the final frost date.

It is recommended that seeds be spread in at least three inches of growth material (at 70 °F), and that they be sown on the surface, as seeds require light to germinate.

Regular irrigation, misting (to maintain humidity), and periodic monitoring are also advised.

Where is Coleus Canina native to?

Coleus Canina plants are mostly grown outdoors, but they can also be grown successfully indoors as houseplants if you keep a few things in mind.

Here are a few crucial factors whether you intend on growing yours inside or outside:

Coleus Canina is native to the arid climes of Eastern and Southern Africa and is hence drought-tolerant, growing in both full sun and moderate shade.

What type of potting mix do Coleus Canina needs?

Canina thrives in well-drained potting soil. This plant would enjoy a soil that is rich in sand, organic matter, perlite, and anything else that encourages adequate drainage in an ideal world.

As with the majority of plants, this easy-to-care-for variety demands well-draining soil.

You should aim for a pH of 5.5-6.5, which is neutral to slightly acidic. A typical commercial potting soil will be near to this limit, so you should not be alarmed.

If you’re experiencing difficulties with your plants and seeking for a solution, you may want to do a pH test on the soil to discover if this is the issue.

How much lights do Coleus Canina needs?

This houseplant enjoys strong light in a sunny location for 6-8 hours each day, but it may also thrive in partial shade.

If exposed to too much light, its leaves may burn, however this is unusual in natural light. Its leaves may droop if not given adequate light.

If you’re concerned that your Coleus Canina or other house plants aren’t receiving enough light, consider moving them closer to a window or utilizing artificial lighting.

How much temperature do Coleus Canina needs?

Plectranthus caninus like the heat and will die if temperatures fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold, wet soils can cause leaf loss and may promote disease concerns.

Extreme temperatures above 95 °F, on the other hand, are likewise undesirable.

Plant the plants after any threat of frost has gone, when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently and nighttime temperatures have risen over 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

They may get stressed due to a lack of heat, and they are undoubtedly impacted by available moisture.

Excessive or insufficient moisture availability, in addition to harming vigor and aesthetics, may also result in additional problems with insects or illnesses.

What is Coleus Canina?

Coleus Canina, commonly known as Scaredy-Cat plants, Dogbane, and even “piss off plant” in some parts of England, is a sensitive perennial plant that thrives in USDA zones 9 and 8 outdoors and grows well as a houseplant in an eastern or south-facing window.

Their oblong green leaves and square stalks are drought-resistant, but cats and dogs find them unpleasant. They have the look of a semi-succulent, according to some.

When most people hear the term Coleus, they imagine lush foliage with vibrant hues. Showy leaves, on the other hand, are only found in certain of Canina’s more decorative Coleus relatives.

Coleus Canina is a basic green plant that looks lovely on the ground and deters pets from eating. Having said that, it has lovely blue blooms, which we’ll discuss in a moment.

The Scaredy-Cat plant is a member of the Coleus genus, which is part of the Lamiaceae and Mint families. It is native to the woods of India, Myanmar, areas of southern Asia, and eastern and southern Africa.

Coleus Canina has become a popular indoor plant in recent years, thriving in the majority of houses. It’s generally thought to be low-maintenance.

Karl Ludwig Blume discovered this stinky plant in the 1800s, and it makes an excellent addition to any indoor grower’s collection.

As long as the plant is not frost-free, it produces little light blue blooms on small spikes from spring until fall.

Why is my Coleus Canina dying?

There are many factors that might be causing the death of your Coleus Canina.

On the other hand, it’s a common plant that can easily be grown indoors or outdoors, provided you have enough warmth and sunlight.

If you’re wondering why your Coleus Canina is dying, consider the following factors.

The primary reason Coleus Canina plants droop and die is a lack of sunshine. It is recommended that you set your plant in a warm, bright southern or eastern window that receives six to eight hours of direct sunshine everyday.

To minimize dehydration, ensure that the soil contains an adequate amount of moisture, especially if the plant is positioned in a western or northern window.

While you have limited influence over the quantity of sunshine your plant receives, you may relocate it away from intense afternoon sun.

Overwatering is another frequent cause of plant drooping, death, and decay. Coleus Canina is a tropical plant that does not tolerate standing water or excessive moisture in the soil.

Utilize a potting mix that drains effectively and offers adequate aeration to ensure the plant receives the proper amount of moisture.

If your plant was placed in a location with inadequate drainage, repot it in a container with drainage holes and a potting mix that contains perlite and other drainage-promoting elements.

Overfertilization is another factor that contributes to the drooping and death of Coleus Canina plants. To fertilize a normal indoor plant, follow the steps below.

During the growth season, give your plant a little dosage of fertilizer once a month. This should be plenty to encourage healthy growth and flowering.

Never fertilize more frequently than once every two weeks, since doing so excessively might produce plant nutrient burn.

If the stems of your Coleus Canina begin to yellow or brown, repot them in a container with slightly less potting mix and water only when the soil is completely dry.

Does Coleus Canina likes humid conditions?

Coleus Canina, or Dogbane, prefers a moderate to high humidity level, often between 40% and 60%.

If your humidity level is low or you notice brown edges on your plants, try the following alternatives for boosting humidity.

Through transpiration, group your houseplants to create a more humid atmosphere.

Your plants should be misted

Make use of a humidifier

Arrange your pots on a tray filled with rocks and water. This is referred to as a pebble tray and is frequently used in conjunction with bonsai tree humidity.

What is Downy mildew on my Coleus Canina?

Downy mildew is a fungal infection that is most frequently associated with greenhouse-grown plants, but can also harm houseplants.

Downy mildew thrives in moist, cool environments. If you let your Canina to become overwatered, it may become a breeding habitat for this fungus.

Downy mildew spreads rapidly and can cause significant harm to a wide variety of plants if it is present. Quarantine will be required for any plants afflicted with this disease.

While it is frequently preferable to remove diseased plants in order to keep them from infecting others, most may be brought back from the edge with a fungicide.”