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Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex – 9 Crucial Caring Tips!

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Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex is known as an attractive, large succulent trunk with fuzzy, small, spice-scented green leaves. It originated from South Africa but then spread to other parts, and now it is very popular. The plant’s stems are succulent and greyish but turn brown with time.

During the summer and autumn, expect small lavender-white flower spikes. For best results, offer indirect and bright light. Allow the soil to dry before watering and water less in the winter dormancy.

Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex 1
Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex – via Etsy

Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex Care Tips

1.       Soil

Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex is planted in universal flower soil with neutral acidity. A self-assembled planting mixture consisting of an equal amount of humus, leafy, sand, and soddy soil is also required.

2.       Lighting

Bright diffused light is most suitable for Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex. The flower will receive such lighting on the windowsill on the southwestern side of the room. 

An overabundance (in the form of direct sun rays) or lack of lighting on the plant will be detrimental. The leaf mass will lose its decorative appeal, and the stems may become utterly bare in the future. During short daylight hours, you can use the help of a fluorescent lamp.

3.       Temperature

Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex loves the warmth in summer and moderate temperatures in winter. During active vegetation, it is more comfortable when the temperature is 20 °C. The dormant period of the spur flower passes at 12-16 ° C. Going beyond 10 °C, it will threaten the health of the plant.

4.       Watering

Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex is a moisture-loving plant. It is watered with warm, settled water as soon as the top layer of soil has dried up. 

This is the soil moisture regime in summer, during the growing season. In winter, water less often and less abundantly. To determine if it is time to water Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex, ensure the soil is 1-2 cm deep dry and wait a couple more days.

5.       Fertilizer

During active growth, Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex is fed twice a month with complex fertilizers for decorative and deciduous plants. In winter, if the plant is not at rest, one top dressing per month is enough, but it is not necessary to fertilize it if it is sleeping.

6.       Air humidity

Pubescent leaves are not recommended to be sprayed when the dust accumulates between the villi. This is because the dust prevents the plant from breathing and reduces photosynthesis’s ability. 

And the sight of a plant that has faded under a layer of dust is not encouraging. Therefore, periodically arrange a warm shower for Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex. 

Sheet plates are cleaned saturated with moisture. Water procedures are especially relevant when the temperature rises above 20 °C, and it is difficult for the plant to cope with the heat.

7.       Top dressing

Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex is fed twice a month during the growing season with a universal complex for decorative leaves. 

The alternation of mineral compositions and organics will have the most significant effect. The first application of fertilizer is in the spring, when the plant begins a new active cycle after winter.

8.       Pruning

Bush and cascade forms of Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex are cut to half-length every spring before active growth begins. This stimulates the most tilling. Too stretched out over the winter, weak shoots that reduce the decorativeness of the plant are cut out entirely or shortened. 

The plant easily tolerates pruning at any time of the year. To correct the form, do it as needed. In the summer, while Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex grows new shoots, it is periodically pinched for the density of the green cover. 

9.       Transplant

Young Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex is transplanted annually in the spring until five years. An actively developing plant requires changing the capacity to a larger size and updating the nutrient soil. Adult plants are transplanted every 2 to 3 years.

The plant’s root system that is well developed to the capacity is highly selected. Expanded clay or other drainage material is laid out at the bottom. 

Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex easily tolerates the change of pot and soil, but it stands in deep shade for the first 2-3 days after the procedure. This is important for the adaptation of the root system.

Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex 2
Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex – via Etsy

Propagation methods

        i.            Propagation by cuttings

The propagation method by cuttings is very simple and fast. Slice the ​​cuttings 10 cm long and damp in the earth or sand and water it. In just 10 to 15 days, young seedlings will already be enough to be planted in individual pots.

       ii.            Propagation by bushes

Adult bushes of room transplanted into new containers are divided if too many shots from the root have grown. The plant is wholly freed from the ground, and the root system is washed. 

Cut into pieces with a sharp knife. It is necessary to divide so that each new bush has strong, healthy roots and several shoots. After sometimes the new plant will be ready.

Diseases and pests

The diseases that arise when growing this plant must be addressed in time to continue growing and developing. There are the most common of them:

  • Yellowing and dropping of foliage and rotting of the root part is usually due to low air temperature in the room where the flower is grown and because of excess moisture during irrigation
  • Drooping stems and wilting leaves due to a regular lack of irrigation water
  • Burnt and discolored leaves from direct sunlight
  • An excess of irrigation water during irrigation can lead to the appearance of powdery mildew. Its signs are spotting on the leaves with a gray tint. You can help a diseased plant by spraying a serum solution consisting of 100 grams of serum and 300 grams of water and reducing the amount of water when watering the plectranthus.

The main pests of Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex are spider mites, whiteflies, scale insects, and aphids that appear due to the low level of humidity in the room. You can get rid of them only with the help of spraying with insecticidal preparations, which are carried out in the open air.


Conclusion

Plectranthus Ernstii Caudex is a unique plant that needs bright, diffused lighting to make it strong and healthy. Several hours of bright light a day are enough for it.

During the active growing season, the optimum temperature for the room. When you follow the above care tips, the plant will be healthy.