Does it need full sun?

It prefers bright, indirect light but can handle some morning sun.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Plant guide

Mexican mint.

Plectranthus amboinicus

Pronounced KOH-lee-us am-bo-IN-ih-kus

Also known as Plectranthus amboinicus, Cuban-oregano, French-thyme, Indian-borage, Indian-mint, Mexican mint, Mexican-mint, Spanish-thyme

This fragrant herb is a wonderful addition to any sunny windowsill or garden. It is known for its thick, fuzzy leaves that release a pleasant scent when brushed. You will find it is quite resilient and grows quickly with the right care.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial herb
Light: Bright, indirect light to partial sun.
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 1 to 3 feet tall
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring

Care

Provide well draining soil and allow the top layer to dry out between waterings. Watch for wilting leaves as a sign of thirst or yellowing leaves from too much moisture. Keep it in a bright spot to maintain its compact shape and vibrant color.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Pinch back the stems regularly to encourage a bushier, fuller habit.
Repotting: Repot when the roots begin to fill the container or emerge from drainage holes.
Soil: Well draining, sandy potting mix.
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: 10 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth during the active season

Safety

People: This plant is generally considered non-toxic, though some people may experience mild contact dermatitis.
Pets: This plant is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: The plant is safe for children, but the fuzzy texture might be irritating if handled excessively.
Contact allergens: The fuzzy leaves can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant reports of airborne allergens.
Edibility: While used in traditional cooking, consume only if you are certain of the plant's identity and source.

How to identify it

Thick, succulent, heart shaped leaves
Soft, velvety leaf texture
Strongly aromatic, oregano like scent
Square stems typical of mint family
Small, pale purple or white flowers

Height: 0.3 to 0.9m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: bright green, variegated, semi-evergreen
Flowers: pale purple, white, 0.5 to 1cm

Problems to watch for

MealybugsCommon
Root RotCommon
AphidsUncommon
EdemaUncommon
Fungus GnatsUncommon
Spider MitesUncommon
WhiteflyUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, division
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Bring the plant indoors before the first frost, as it cannot survive freezing temperatures.
In containers: It grows beautifully in containers, provided they have excellent drainage.

Stem Cuttings

1. Snip a 4 inch stem cutting.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Place in water or moist soil.
4. Roots will appear in 1 to 2 weeks.

Group this plant with other herbs that enjoy consistent moisture and bright, indirect light.

Grows well with

Basil · They share similar light and water needs.
Chives · They make a great contrast in texture.

Similar species

Common Coleus · They share the same genus and growth habit.

Science

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Coleus
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Southern and Eastern Africa
Conservation: This plant is common and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in warm, tropical climates as an understory plant in light shade.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: culinary herb, ornamental foliage, traditional medicine

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: It prefers bright, indirect light but can handle some morning sun.
How often should I water it?: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Where the name comes from

The name amboinicus refers to the island of Ambon in Indonesia where it was historically documented.

Good to know

It is a member of the mint family.
The leaves are thick and succulent.
It grows very quickly in warm weather.
It is highly aromatic when crushed.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.