Publication: Fl. S. Africa [Vol 28 Lamiaceae] 28(4): 153 (1985)
Description
Plectranthus tomentosus is a perennial, succulent-like herb or branched subshrubs with aromatic leaves spreading approximately 50-75 cm round. It is commonly known as the “Vicks Plant” for its leaves that smell like Vick’s Vap-O-Rub or mentholatum when crushed. It looks particularly beautiful when cascading from a hanging basket where it shows nice plumes of blue-violet flowers.
Habit: Decumbent, freely branched.
Stems: Variably hairy, squarish, succulent, without a tuberous base and the lower stems can become very woody.
Leaves: Variable, succulent, opposite, bright green, broadly ovate to suborbicular, 4-10 cm long 3-9 cm wide, velvet/fuzzy textured, densely covered with short hairs and aromatic, crenate-dentate with 6-15 pairs of teeth.
Inflorescences: Spaced subspicate clusters 8-28-flowered on single terminal racemes.
Flowers; Individual flowers sessile (or very shortly stalked), l - 3 cm apart, 8 - l3 mm wide, lavender, deep violet, purple, light blue variably hairy. Bracts broadly ovate to orbicular, early deciduous, to 4 mm; tube about 5 mm long, deflexed in the middle and expanding to the throat; Four stamens lie in the lower elaborately curved lip of the corolla.
Blooming season: Early spring and again in the autumn.
Origin and Habitat
South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal) but cultivated and naturalized in southern India and elsewhere in mild climate area around the world.
Habitat: Grows in savanna and dry forested regions.
Cultivation and Propagation
Plectranthus are of easy culture - need little attention - and are quite hardy in a cool, well-lit conservatory or glasshouse, but grow well in a bright spot in the house too, need full sun to partial shade or high interior lighting with a well-drained soil mix. They do well outside in partial shade with good drainage.
Exposure: Full sun; this species thrives in dry, sunny locations. When grown under shady or partly shady conditions, it becomes scraggly and unattractive.
Waterings: The plants are regularly watered and allowed to dry before watering again, pay attention don’t overwater as stems may rot at the soil line. Some suggest to water just enough to keep the leaves from shrivelling this keep the plants more compact and enhances the leaves scent. If too much water is used, the leaves will turn yellow and get mushy. During the winter months, keep them quite dry or only water enough to keep the leaves from shrivelling.
Fertilization: Fertilizer is applied only once during the growing season and it is diluted to half strength.
Hardiness: Avoid freezing temperatures.
Maintenance: The plants will vine but can be pinched to keep compact.
Propagation. From soft-wood cuttings at any time during the growing season. Rarely grown from seed because the plants seldom flower and set seed.
Use: The scented leaves are used like Vick’s Vap-O-Rub. Inhaling the steam from crushed leaves infused in hot water will open airways and relieve congestion.
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