ow much temperature do Coleus Canina needs?

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.

Is Coleus Canina poisonous to dogs?

Coleus is toxic to dogs, and while it is unlikely to be lethal if consumed, it can produce a response and sickness.

Coleus leaves include the diterpenes coleonol and coleon O, which are poisonous to dogs. When pets consume Coleus foliage, they may develop vomiting, diarrhea, and sadness.

What does Coleus Canina look like?

Coleus canine, 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.

Plant Coleus Canina in either full sun or partial shade. The blooms aren’t particularly beautiful, emerging in lavender tones along short spikes. They usually appear in the spring and early summer.

How effective is Coleus Canina?

Coleus Canina’s effectiveness as a repellent depends on the plant’s location in the garden.

For instance, deer aren’t likely to browse plants next to the house or where people are around; they prefer to go further into the yard.

And while you may not want to grow it near vegetables, Coleus Canina can be effective in deterring pests that are less of a concern.

This half-hardy perennial’s compact grey-green foliage and little pale blue blooms make it an appealing addition to borders and pots.

At it’s most effective when grown in full sun and when fully established, Coleus Canina ‘Scaredy Cat’ is undemanding and surprisingly drought tolerant. This plant’s pungently fragrant leaf is repulsive to cats, dogs, rabbits, and even foxes.

Is Coleus Canina poisonous to cats?

Cats are poisoned by the Coleus plant. Coleus has minimal toxicity for cats and kittens, so eating it is unlikely to be harmful, but you should make sure your pets do not get into touch with it.

If you have house cats, it is okay to grow Coleus outside, but you may not want to grow the plant as an annual and bring it inside for the winter.

Vomiting, upset stomach, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms of consuming Coleus for cats.

How do you propagate Coleus Canina?

Coleus Canina is grown by stem cuttings and seeds.

Seeds propagation

Coleus Canina seeds can be cultivated. Plants should not be planted in the garden until all frost risk has passed; seed planting should take place 8-12 weeks before the final frost date.

It is advised to put seeds in at least three inches of growth media (at 70 °F), and seeds should be sown on the surface since they require light to sprout.

Watering at regular intervals, misting (for humidity), and frequent monitoring are also recommended.

Stem Cuttings in Soil

Stem tip cuttings in soil are one of the most practical ways to grow your Coleus canina.

The optimal time to take stem cuttings is from spring through fall. Choose healthy cuttings that are developing at a moderate rate, ideally new growth.

You should take your cutting from beneath the leaf node. With the exception of the top few leaves, remove the stem and place it in a wet soil mix.

Keep the soil wet to maintain a high level of humidity around the cutting.

It is preferable to cover the Coleus Canina with a plastic bag or other container until it takes root.

You’ll also need to keep the plant warm, approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit, for optimal root growth.

Pinch the stem terminals of junctions with visible leaf buds or where lower leaves have started to sprout. You may get rid of it by nipping back any undesirable growth just above the leaves.

Turn and rotate the plant to decrease legginess and maintain continuous light exposure. Regular rotation may not completely eliminate gangly growth, but it does help to reduce unpredictability in stemming patterns.

Stem Cuttings in Water

A Scaredy-Cat plant can be propagated in water using five simple steps.

Using clean gardening shears, cut a 4-6-inch-long stem above the stem nodes.

Place stem cuttings in filtered water for 1-2 months to allow roots to form.

Place your cutting area in a place that receives indirect light.

Refill the water as needed, then transfer the new growth cuttings to the soil after they have formed roots.

Once your cutting has a basic root system — a couple of inches of roots or so – plant it in a couple of inches of soil. It may look limp at first as it adjusts to life in the soil. This is typical, and it should go away in a few days.

Where can I find Coleus Canina?

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 Soil do Coleus Canina needs?

The Canina plant thrives in high-quality potting soil. In an ideal world, this plant would prefer soil rich in sand, organic matter, perlite, and anything else that promotes proper drainage.

This easy-to-care-for plant, like most others, requires well-draining soil.

You’ll want to strive for a pH of 5.5-6.5, which is neutral to acidic. A regular commercial potting soil will be close to this threshold, so you shouldn’t be too concerned.

Whether you’re having problems with your plants and are looking for a solution, you might perform a pH test on the soil to determine if this is the problem.

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.

How do you take care of Coleus Canina?

Coleus Canina, commonly known as Scaredy Cat Plant, Piss-off Plant, and by its scientific name Plectranthus caninus, is a Plectranthus genus species.

It has fleshy leaves with a musky perfume and forms a drought-tolerant mat of light green pale lavender flowers on short spikes in late spring and early summer. It is best planted as a border or edging plant in a rockery or terraced garden area.

Coleus Canina may be found from eastern tropical Africa to South Africa.

They are commonly found growing in communities under trees in dry open woods or on rocky outcrops at altitudes ranging from 25 to 1740 m.

Coleus plants, like any other houseplant, will thrive if properly cared for. Although the Dogbane, with its green foliage and drought-resistance, prefers full light, it also prefers largely dry soil.

One of this plant’s most notable characteristics is its drought tolerance. In terms of light, this gorgeous plant demands indirect light to grow.

Soil 

This plant would prefer soil rich in sand, organic matter, perlite, and anything else that promotes proper drainage.

Water 

Water your plant when the top 1′′ of soil becomes dry from spring through autumn. Deeply water the plants until the water runs out the opening in the bottom of the plastic, terracotta, or clay container. To avoid root rot, dispose away the water collection tray.

Light

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

Fertilizer

Fertilize your Dogbane once a month with a simple slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (spring to fall).

You don’t need to fertilize at all during the non-growing seasons, when plant development naturally stops.

Temperature

Plectranthus caninus enjoys the heat and will wilt if temperatures fall below 55 °F. Cold, wet soils can cause leaf loss and may promote disease concerns. Extreme temperatures above 95 °F, on the other hand, are likewise undesirable.

Can you eat Coleus Canina?

Many Coleus plants, including Plectranthus caninus, are not eaten.

The Canina plant is a fast-growing perennial with a spreading habit and grows 12 inches tall. Growing to about 12 inches at maturity, this perennial plant prefers rich soil and full sun.

Plectranthus caninus is often called “Scaredy Cat Plant.

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.

Is Coleus Canina poisonous to humans?

Depending on the species, the oils and sap present in all sections of Coleus plants may contain trace quantities of poisons.

Humans with sensitive skin coming into contact with the sap of toxic Coleus plants may experience itchiness and redness around the site of irritation.

Toxins can irritate the throat and mouth, causing overall discomfort if consumed.

The itchiness, on the other hand, isn’t regarded a major hazard and should go away on its own.

Coleus plants are not harmful to humans, although they can cause minor gastrointestinal irritation if consumed.

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 want to learn why your Coleus Canina is dying, take a look at the reasons outlined below.

Lack of sunlight is the number one reason why Coleus Canina plants droop and die. It’s best to place your plant in a warm, sunny southern or eastern window that receives six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

To avoid dehydration, make sure there is enough moisture in the soil, especially if the plant has been placed in a western or northern window.

There’s little you can do to control the amount of sunlight your plant receives, but you can move it away from strong afternoon sun.

Overwatering is another common reason why plants droop, die and rot. Coleus Canina is a tropical plant that does not thrive in standing water or overly-moist soil.

Use a potting mix that drains well and provides sufficient aeration to maintain a level of moisture that suits the plant.

If your plant has been placed in an area with poor drainage, repot it in an appropriate container with drainage holes and a potting mix that includes perlite and other materials that promote drainage.

Overfertilization is another reason why Coleus Canina plants droop and die. Follow the instructions below to fertilize your typical indoor plant.

Give your plant a light dose of fertilizer once a month during the growing season. This should be sufficient to promote healthy growth and flowering.

Never fertilize more frequently than once every two weeks, as this could result in nutrient burn if you overdo it.

If the stems of your Coleus Canina are yellowing or browning, repot it into a container with slightly less potting mix and water only when the soil is dry.