Variegata

Variegata

The variegata plant is one of the most popular. Its small variegated leaves, as well as the intense aroma that they give off, besides its easy cultivation and maintenance make it one of the most used to decorate the home.

Would you like to know everything about her? Do not miss this special ????. And if you want a plant, encourage yourself to buy it.

Characteristics

The incense plant, whose scientific name is Plectranthus coleoides ‘Marginatus’ , is native to India. It belongs to the botanical family Lamiaceae, such as Salvia or Teucrium. It can reach a height of 50 to 60 centimeters, so it is perfect to have in a pot. Its leaves are small, 2-3 cm long, green with white edges, slightly toothed. The flowers grow in clusters, and are pale or white lilac. These have no ornamental value, since they are very small.

Its rate of growth is rapid, so you can fill a hanging pot in a matter of one to two years. But this should not worry us too much, since your root system is not invasive.

Care Of The Variegata – Plectranthus coleoides

To have a healthy incense plant, we just have to consider the following:

Location

Being a plant of tropical origin, it does not resist the cold, but it adapts very well to living inside the home as long as we place it in a room where there is plenty of natural light.

Irrigation

Frequent in summer, and somewhat scarcer during the rest of the year. We have to prevent the earth from puddling, so for that we must check the humidity before watering again. So, we can use the following:

• Use a humidity meter : introducing it in several different points to know with certainty how damp the earth is.
• Introduce a thin stick of wood (like those used in Japanese restaurants): if the extraction comes out practically clean, it is because the soil is dry and, therefore, can be watered.
• Weigh the pot : as it does not weigh the same just after having watered and after a few days, we can weigh the pot to know when it is time to water.

Important : if we have a dish under it, we have to remove the remaining water 15-20 minutes after watering, otherwise the roots will rot.

Substratum

It must have good drainage. We can use universal culture substrate mixed with 30% perlite , and put a first layer of expanded clay balls so that the water drains more quickly.

Fertilizer

During the whole growing season, that is, in spring and summer, we must fertilize using organic fertilizers , such as guano for example, which has a rapid effectiveness. Of course, even if it is organic, we have to follow the instructions specified on the package.

Pruning

To avoid the possible appearance of pests, fungi or bacteria, we must remove the withered leaves and flowers . Also, in spring we have to lower the height, more or less in half. In this way, we will force you to take new, healthier and stronger shoots.

Propagation

The fastest way to obtain new specimens is by multiplying it by cuttings , in the spring. We cut some stems, we planted them in a pot with substrate based on peat and sand in equal parts, and we water.

If all goes well, they will take root soon, approximately two weeks.

Problems that incense may have

Although it is a very resistant plant, it can be affected by some pests or have some problems, which are:

Pests

If we have it outside, we must be very careful with snails and slugs . Mollusks love the tender leaves of plants, including those of incense, so we have to watch them and act when they begin to cause damage .

Diseases

If we water in excess, fungi can appear, such as mildew (known as gray mold, because of the “dust” that leaves on the leaves) or Phytophthora . In the event that it occurs, we must act quickly, treating the plant with systemic fungicides.

Anyway, the best cure is prevention, either with copper or with sulfur. But if we have pets we have to keep them away from these products, because they can cause serious health problems. In addition, we have to avoid excessive watering.

problems

• Lack of water : when the leaves yellow and fall, we have to increase the frequency of watering.
• Excess water : when the stems and leaves rot, we have to cut the affected parts, remove the plant from the pot and wrap the root ball with absorbent paper overnight. The next day, we will plant it in the pot and treat it with fungicide.

Incense is a plant that we met in Spain thanks to the Arab merchants of the taifas era. Soon we began to consider it a symbol of good omen , probably because of its pleasant aroma.

But what we like so much, others can not stand it, like mosquitoes, which move away as soon as they approach him. For this reason, it is an excellent anti-mosquito plant .

From this link you can buy incense plants . Do not miss it!!