Do you have any plant that emits a scent comparable to that of the well-known decongestant Vicks? This rare succulent known as Vicks Plant (scientific name Plectranthus Tomentosa) is well-known for its distinctive perfume.
The serrated edges with plump tiny, dark-green fronds are attractive. Furthermore, when touched, they emit a cooling minty and Vicks-like scent. The herb grows in a beautiful falling manner. Such herbs are used to create aromatic hanging baskets and work well as bronchodilators.
Are you looking for a natural way to clean your air and remain decongested at home? Here we’ll explain all about Vicks plant care and Vicks plant propagation to gain maximum benefits.
The Appearance of Succulent coleus
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With its purple blooms, the Vicks plant grows to be a beautiful sight to behold. The camphor fragrance from the leaves works as a vapor rub plant indoors. This perennial comes from the mint family and is also called succulent coleus.
Your Vicks plant Plectranthus tomentosa can easily grow to a height of 1 foot. The maximum spreads as a mature Vicks plant is 2,5 feet. Its thin stems are of green color, though with age, these stems turn into woody stems in a darker color.
The minty leaves of the plant are of light green shade and look like eggs. They also have a layer of silvery hair on the surface of the leaves. These plants form ground covers or cascading vines that give off a relaxing methanol fragrance synonymous with the Vicks’ odor.
The Vicks plant Plectranthus tomentosa blooms with white or sometimes light purple flowers. Normally, the Vicks plant blooms twice a year. Early spring brings the first batch of flowers, and September brings the second one.
Uses of Vicks plant
There are multiple uses for the Vicks plant Plectranthus tomentosa, such as it is used as an aromatic plant in aroma therapy. The methanol fragrances repel mosquitoes. In petroleum-based jelly form, this works as a Vicks vaporub plant that helps decongest the chest. There are many other health benefits of the Vicks plant in the medicine industry.
Different Names of Vicks plants
The cascading vines of Vicks plants in hanging baskets are given many names in different regions worldwide. Some are mentioned below:
Cuban oregano
Succulent coleus
Plectranthus tomentosa
Origin of Vicks plants
The mint family includes a species of warm-climate plants called Plectranthus. This genus contains about 350 distinct types of plant varieties.
Mostly in Southern Hemisphere, India, Africa, the Indonesian archipelago, Brazil, Australia, and a few Pacific Islands, these species are exceedingly common. Such plants are often planted as ornamental plants.
How To Care For Vicks plants?
Since there are so many benefits of Vicks plants, let us now move on to how one can ensure indoor plantation to promote healthier Vicks plants.
Many factors play a vital role in Vicks plant care. From using the right stem cuttings for propagation that produces large quantities of quality foliage to taking care of it in daily routine so that the plant does not face issues such as root rot or any pest infestation.
Watering of Vicks plants
The foliage of succulent plants contains a lot of water storage. Plants can therefore survive with moderate to limited freshwater resources.
Use the standard “soak then dry” technique for succulents. Generously wet your soil and then allow it to dry. Before adding new water, allow your soil to dry up.
Keep an eye on the topsoil and establish a schedule for each weather condition.
The humidity and temperature in your USDA zones determine how frequently you should water. In the summertime, we typically anticipate that usually hydrating once or maybe twice per week would be sufficient. One could, though, cut back on spraying even more throughout the wintertime.
Ensure that the soil has excellent permeability. Fungi or root rot are encouraged by overwatering and any extra water at the leaves and bases. So avoid overwatering by using pots with drainage holes since this plant is a soft succulent and can sustain in arid environments.
Soil conditions for Vicks plants’ stem cuttings
Whenever you plant a Vicks plant’s stem tip cuttings in the soil, ensure that the potting soil conditions are right according to the natural habitat where they are found.
Always choose well-draining soil. Ensure it has peat moss and succulent mix added to it in equal parts to promote vigorous growth.
Temperature Requirements
Just how well-draining soil is important; similarly, the temperature surrounding a Vicks plant plectranthus tomentosa, plays a big role in developing these spur flowers. Place your potted Vicks plant at a mild to medium temperature.
The ideal temperature is somewhere between 65 to 80 Fahrenheit. Your older plants have woody stems at their bases so that they might resist cold, but baby plants will die.
If you live in an area where winter frost and snow are common, move the plant indoors as the weather cools so the plant can survive the winter with heat inside the house.
Light for Vicks plant
The Vick’s plant ground cover grows best if given indirect light. The partial shade is where these plants naturally grow since they are shrubs. Giving these Cuban oregano plants too much sun can cause burns on the delicate foliage.
The Vicks plants can tolerate partial shade, so keep them in a window with bright indirect light.
Humidity
Vicks plants and other succulents may survive a variety of humidity levels. Maintain a close watch on the plant during dry periods or, if practical, install a humidifier nearby.
This plant shouldn’t be misted so much. Plants that can survive in dry environments may get fungal infections due to misting.
Fertilizer
Slow-release fertilizers work best for the Vicks plant. Remember, the Vicks houseplants really aren’t avid consumers while feeding them.
Regular medium succulent fertilizers can be applied yearly during springtime, using a tiny portion or as directed by the fertilizer. Repetition of this method every two weeks seems to be necessary during the growing season.
It is quite appropriate to use liquid fertilizer, although be careful not to overfertilize your shrub as it may damage delicate foliage. It might affect the color or overall style of it.
Common Issues With Vicks plants
Root rot
Root rot is quite common when the potted plant gets overwatered or the roots outgrow the pot. The decaying roots turn black and mushy; they must be immediately cut out of the plant.
One can identify root decay if the soil has a foul smell or if leaves are turning brown. When the roots start to decay, the water does not reach the upper parts of the plant hence the leaves droop, discolor, and die.
Pest Infestations
Common plant bugs such as spider mites, fungus gnats, and mealybugs are all attracted to the Vicks plants. The best way to keep these at bay is to mild spray an insecticide or a homemade mixture of neem oil and water.
FAQs
How To Prune A Vicks plant?
Be aware that Vicks plants can get lanky, so always keep trimming and pruning them. For this reason, it is always recommended to get regular cuts to keep your plant’s aesthetic looking good. Take a few leaves off the margins of a plant’s base. Frequent pruning can enhance the health of the plant altogether.
Pinch back the shrub every several weeks whenever trimming it to stop bloom formation. For a bigger and leafier shrub, pinch just above a pair of foliage or even the plant’s branch intersection through the summertime.
But why stop bloom-forming? This will enable your plant to focus more of its effort on developing new branches and leaves instead of flowers, giving you a healthier shrub.
Furthermore, always use gardening shears or a sharp knife to make clean cuts.
How To Propagate A Vicks plant?
Clippings from the stem tips are the preferred approach for propagating the plant. The best times of year to propagate any Vicks stem cuttings are during the summer and spring.
Cut the stalk of a mature plant that is approximately three to four inches in length. Ensure that the cut contains at least three to four leaf nodes. Additionally, tear around a quarter of an inch under a node. Five to five incisions will be ideal. The likelihood of effective reproduction will rise as a result.
Next, trim the stem clippings’ lowest leafy sides.
Immerse the bottom of a lower part of the slice in a certain rooting hormone powder or growth hormone. If you do not have the item on hand, then omit this step.
Place the clippings in a proper, damp growing environment. A planting plate or even a tiny pot loaded with the appropriate media may serve as this arrangement. It functions well in combining planting soil with vermiculite.
Put the equipment in a room with a moderate atmosphere and moderate strength indirect light. Almost every day after, lightly sprinkle the clippings using water. This should guarantee dampness. Be careful not to overwater.
Is Vicks plant toxic?
It is generally preferable to keep children, animals, and houseplants separate. The Succulent coleus, though, is normally understood as being pet-safe.
When Does Flower Formation Occur On The Vicks plant?
One may see lavender blooms of Cuban Oregano in early spring.
Conclusion
A Vicks plant can form cascading vines from hanging baskets in your living room. The fresh minty aroma from this plant can ensure that you breathe in a fresh environment.
The best part of growing and taking care of a Plectranthus tomentosa is that it is very easy to maintain. One only needs to keep it away from the full sun and give it a little bit of water each week to promote root development and fuller foliage.