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4.4 out of 5 (11 experiences)


About Plectranthus Amboinicus
Mexican mint is known by many names, including Cuban Oregano, Indian Borage, French Thyme, and many more. Although native to the Middle East, it has become popular in cusisines around the world for its bright flavor. It's described as a combination of mint and oregano, and is incredibly powerful.
Taxonomy
Coleus amboinicus
Coleus
Lamiaceae
Lamiales
Also known as
Mexican Mint, Mexican Mint, Cuban Oregano, Spanish Thyme, Indian Borage, Plectranthus amboinicus and Indian Mint

How to care for Plectranthus Amboinicus

How often to water your Plectranthus Amboinicus

every 9
Plectranthus Amboinicus needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Mexican Mint in your home

a window
Plectranthus Amboinicus may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Plectranthus Amboinicus in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Plectranthus Amboinicus

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Plectranthus Amboinicus after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Plectranthus Amboinicus is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!
Water Needs
Plectranthus Amboinicus prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Plectranthus Amboinicus may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Plectranthus Amboinicus is not known to cause harm to humans or pets. Regardless, if you, a family member, a cat, or dog has ingested any plant material, please consult a doctor or a veterinarian.
Humidity
Plectranthus Amboinicus doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Soil
Plectranthus Amboinicus does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Plectranthus Amboinicus should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Native Region
Plectranthus Amboinicus is native to Old World Tropics and Subtropics.
Flowers
Yes, you may see your Plectranthus Amboinicus bloom with the right amount of sunlight and water.
Growth Pattern
Plectranthus Amboinicus grows along the ground and sends out shoots which will spread across the soil.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Plectranthus Amboinicus can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
Plectranthus Amboinicus can be propagated by division into new individual plants.
- Check to see if there is more than one plant. In some cases they may still be beneath the soil surface. If you feel confident, you may remove the soil to check for baby plantlets below!
- If there are multiple plants growing, unpot the plant and gently tug the plants apart, being careful not to disturb too many of the roots. They may be connected by large root segments which you may need to break to free the plantlet.
- Pot up the new plant in well-draining soil
- Repot the parent plant back into its original pot
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Plectranthus Amboinicus, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
Care Summary for Plectranthus Amboinicus
Plectranthus Amboinicus
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 3ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say






