How often should I water my Plectranthus?

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

Does it need direct sun?

Most prefer bright, indirect light or partial shade.

Plant guide

Spur flower.

Plectranthus

Pronounced plek-TRAN-thus

Also known as Plectranthus, spurflowers

Plectranthus verticillatus — Photo by zebedeugalinha (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Plectranthus are lovely, fast growing plants that bring a tropical feel to your home or garden. They are known for their textured foliage and sometimes fragrant leaves. Most varieties are quite easy to keep happy with just a little attention.

Another photo of Spur flower — Photo by Nicola van Berkel (CC BY) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial herb or subshrub
Light: Bright indirect light is best, though some varieties handle partial shade.
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: 1 to 3 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Late summer to autumn

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root rot. Watch for wilting leaves as a sign they need a drink, and pinch back the stems to encourage a bushier shape. They thrive in warm spots with good air circulation.

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 tips regularly to maintain a compact, bushy form.
Repotting: Repot in spring if the plant becomes root bound or the soil loses its structure.
Soil: Well draining, peat based potting mix.
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 10 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years with proper care.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

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

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non-toxic, but ingestion is not recommended as it can cause mild digestive irritation.
Pets: Most Plectranthus species are considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: Keep out of reach of small children to prevent accidental ingestion of leaves.
Contact allergens: Some people may experience mild skin irritation from the aromatic oils in the leaves.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant reports of respiratory allergies associated with this plant.
Edibility: Most Plectranthus species are not considered edible and some may cause stomach upset if ingested.

How to identify it

Square stems typical of mint family
Opposite leaves often with serrated edges
Small tubular flowers in terminal spikes
Aromatic foliage when crushed
Often succulent or semi succulent stems

Height: 0.3 to 1m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.9m
Leaves: green, variegated, purple, evergreen
Flowers: purple, blue, white, 1 to 2cm

Problems to watch for

Mealybugs · Small white cottony insects that cluster in leaf axils.
Root rot · Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your spur flower from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, division
When to plant: spring, early summer
Overwintering: Bring containers indoors before the first frost. Place them in a bright window and reduce watering until spring.
In containers: They thrive in containers, making them excellent choices for hanging baskets or mixed patio pots with good drainage.

Stem Cuttings

1. Snip a 4 inch stem cutting just below a leaf node.
2. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting.
3. Place the cutting in a glass of water or moist potting mix.
4. Keep in bright, indirect light until roots appear.

Group them with other shade-loving foliage plants to create a dense, tropical look.

Grows well with

Coleus · They share similar light and moisture needs for a lush display.
Ferns · Ferns provide a beautiful textural contrast in shaded containers.

Similar species

Swedish Ivy · A very popular trailing relative often used in hanging baskets.
Cuban Oregano · A succulent-leaved relative known for its strong, savory scent.

Science

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Plectranthus
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Conservation: Not currently of conservation concern.

These plants typically grow in the understory of forests where they rely on filtered light and consistent moisture.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: container plant, houseplant, shade garden filler

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

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

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water my Plectranthus?: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Does it need direct sun?: Most prefer bright, indirect light or partial shade.

Where the name comes from

The genus name is derived from the Greek words plektron, meaning spur, and anthos, meaning flower, referring to the shape of the corolla.

Good to know

The name Plectranthus comes from the Greek words for spur and flower.
They are members of the mint family and share the characteristic square stems.
Some species are commonly called Swedish Ivy despite not being true ivy.

Also in

Plants for shade

Keep your spur flower growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI on November 3, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.