Plectranthus neochilus also called as Blue Coleus, Lobster bush, Fly bush, Mosquito bush, is a species of the genus Plectranthus. This plant makes an attractive ground cover when not in flower and is spectacular when flowering. The specific epithet comes from the Greek words 'neo' meaning "new" and 'chilus' meaning "lip", presumably referring to the the large lower lip of the flower.
Plectranthus neochilus also called as Blue Coleus, Lobster bush, Fly bush, Mosquito bush, is a species of the genus Plectranthus. This plant makes an attractive ground cover when not in flower and is spectacular when flowering. The specific epithet comes from the Greek words 'neo' meaning "new" and 'chilus' meaning "lip", presumably referring to the the large lower lip of the flower.
IDENTIFY PLECTRANTHUS NEOCHILUS - BLUE COLEUS
Plectranthus neochilus can be found growing from the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga to Limpopo in South Africa, as well as in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. It usually grows under trees in open woodland and among rocks (especially dolomite) in dry savanna regions. It is also common in the coastal thicket, often as part of the ground layer or in clearings and rocky places.
It is a perennial, aromatic, succulent herb, which grows as a ground-hugging wide spreading mat under 1 foot tall (a little taller in shade or when well watered) with rounded slightly scalloped gray-green foliage. The aroma of the plant has been said to resemble cannabis.
Blue Coleus blooms from September to April with the blue-purple, lobster-like flowers that are borne on angular bracts, carried on tall stems above the foliage. The bracts drop one by one from the bottom upwards to reveal the flower.
These plants are believed to scare away snakes from human dwellings (perhaps because of their unpleasant aromatic smell) and other documented reports indicate that these plants can be used effectively as an air purifier.
PLECTRANTHUS NEOCHILUS - BLUE COLEUS CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Plectranthus neochilus grow best in full sun. They seem to flower better in sunny situations and well-drained soils, less so when grown in too much shade. The color change can also be affected by temperature, available sunlight, soil fertility, etc.
Temperature:
Blue Coleus enjoy the heat and languish below 55 °F. Cold, overly damp soils can result in leaf drop and may encourage disease problems. However, extreme temperatures over 95 °F are also undesirable. Plant the plants after any danger of frost has passed when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently and evening temperatures are above 60 °F.
They may become stressed by lack of heat and are certainly affected by available moisture. Excessive or inadequate moisture availability, while affecting vigor and appearance, may also lead to other challenges with insects or diseases.
Substrate and growing media:
Plectranthus neochilus are quite tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and will do well in even average conditions. They are quite pH tolerant except for the extremes of a significantly low (or high) pH.
They grows well in containers if they are given an adequate volume of well-draining soil mix, reasonable nutrients and the proper sun exposure to thrive. Avoid windy locations as the plants can be prone to breakage in extreme winds. Container size is a factor as the volume of soil should accommodate substantial rooting by these plants and any other plants that are involved in the design. Drainage is vital so consider adding additional drainage holes as needed. The container style, color and ultimate placement should also be considered in advance. The plants filled containers, if moveable, allow for instant color as they can be positioned as needed and used to add color, provide immediate interest and accent areas of the garden, deck or patio.
Watering:
Winter and summer watering is moderate. In summer, water more, but the soil should dry a little before the next watering, and the leaves slightly tied. In winter, it should be watered occasionally and gradually; excessive watering can lead to the occurrence of fungal diseases. However, complete drying of the soil is not allowed, because this can cause the leaves to fall off. Pour preferably with soft water.
Fertilizer:
Light fertilization is recommended, particularly in containers. Slow release fertilizers with a balanced mix of nutrients are recommended for your containers although half strength liquid fertilizer applied every 2 weeks over the growing season should be sufficient. These plants do not show their best coloration if over fertilized so be conservative and consistent.
Overwinter:
Bringing the plants inside for overwintering as houseplants is one option although temperatures near 70 °F continue to be ideal. Rotate plants and pinch back as needed to maintain form. Consider grow lights as an option to provide adequate winter lighting conditions.
Pruning:
To maintain plant form, pinch back most varieties every few weeks to prevent flower formation. This directs the plant to put energy into additional branching and foliage creation instead of flowering, thereby creating a fuller plant. When pinching off flowers, do so throughout the entire summer to create a full, lush plant. Pinch just above a set of leaves or branching junction for the best appearance.
Pests and diseases:
Slugs, snails, spider mites, mealybugs, whiteflies and occasionally aphids may be challenges under certain conditions. Positive identification of these pests is the first step in proper selection of a treatment program.
While there are few fungi, bacteria and viruses that affect the plants, there may be occasional issues of stem rot, root rot or downy mildew which all have a direct relationship to moisture inputs and associated growing conditions. Relocating the plant, pinching healthy cuttings for re-establishment or removing the plant might be options to consider after appropriate research and consultation.
Propagation:
Plectranthus neochilus can be propagated by stem cuttings. Snipping a small, 2” length of the plans and putting it in a rooting medium or even in water will start the process of new roots being developed. Selecting healthy cuttings with at least one or two leaf nodes is vital and you should also remove the growing tip when first placing the sample in water or your rooting medium. Rooting hormone can be used but is not necessary and your new cuttings do not require fertilizer during establishment prior to planting in a container or out in the garden. Any cuttings grown in water can be transitioned to a rooting medium if desired. Keep new cuttings moist and maintain high humidity with misting. Bright, indirect light is recommended during the initial establishment of fresh cuttings. Keep cuttings warm and observe them frequently.
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