Coleus barbatus
Ajwain Plant · Indian borage · Orégano · Boldo · Wild Oregano
Description
Source: leafsnapBlue 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.
☀️ 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.
🌡️ 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.
💨 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.
🪴 Soil 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