Coleus barbatus
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Coleus barbatus

Ajwain Plant · Indian borage · Orégano · Boldo · Wild Oregano

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Water every
3 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
258
Observations
1,724

Description

Source: leafsnap

Blue Spur Flower (Plectranthus barbatus, Coleus barbatus) may reach a height of five feet and has vigorous runners that can choke out native plants if not controlled. However, because of their destructive nature, they are excellent plants for constructing thick garden beds. The blue spur flower features deep green foliage and sends up stalks with six to eight deep blue-to-purple flowers. Make sure your region is free of invasive pests before you start planting. Planting them in pots is one technique to avoid undesired spread. Plectranthus thrives in containers and may be kept inside.

Care Guide

💧 Water 1-2 times a week

Because the Plectranthus genus is drought hardy, it does not require much irrigation. Watering on a regular basis is still useful, but avoid the impulse to water it all the time. If you live in a hot, dry area, you may need to water your plants more frequently to keep them healthy. Overwatering, on the other hand, may soon destroy your plant. When the top inch of soil seems dry, water it.

Suggested frequency: 1-2 times a week
☀️ Light Full sun

Indian coleus flourishes in intense warmth from the sun and can also tolerate moderate sun exposure. Insufficient sunlight can hinder its growth, while too much sun can cause leaf scorch. Its light needs do not change appreciably across different growth stages. Native to environments with plentiful solar exposure, the plant is well adapted to such conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Indian coleus comes from tropical areas, where the climate is usually warm and humid. As a result, it is adapted to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature shifts and prefers a consistent temperature, so it is important to avoid indoor temperature fluctuations. It generally cannot withstand cold and requires warmer conditions to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity normal (40-60%)

This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.

Humidity: normal (40-60%)
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize an Indian coleus is in early spring, as it breaks dormancy. This encourages overall growth and supports flower development. Fertilization improves foliage, stems, and branches while encouraging large, vibrant, and long-lasting flowers. It helps transport nutrients from the roots to the blooms and enhances the plant's health and resistance to disease.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

No pruning is required for your Blue Spur Flower.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb, Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Coleus
Family
Lamiaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-11
Mature Height
0.91 m to 2.13 m
Mature Spread
1.83 m to 2.44 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Lavender
Flower Size
1.27 cm to 1.52 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Summer
Native Area
Africa

Tags (6)

Common Names (10)

en Ajwain Plant
en Indian borage
en Orégano
en Boldo
en Wild Oregano
en Forskohlii
en Plecthantrus
en Caraway
en Buui
en Panikuruke