Plectranthus Fruticosus

Description

Forest Spur Flower
Plectranthus fruticosus
◈ Can Grow Indoors (with care)
Growing Conditions
SUNLIGHT
Dappled shade to partial sun; prefers morning sun with afternoon shade, especially in hotter inland areas
WATERING
Water thoroughly twice weekly in summer, allowing top 3-5cm of soil to dry between waterings; reduce to once weekly in winter
SOIL TYPE
Well-draining, humus-rich soil with compost; tolerates sandy loam and performs well in forest-floor type substrates
TEMPERATURE
5–35°C; frost-tender and requires protection below 5°C
HUMIDITY
Moderate to high humidity (50-70%); benefits from occasional misting in dry inland climates
FERTILISING
Apply slow-release organic fertiliser every 8-10 weeks during the growing season (September to March), or use diluted liquid seaweed fortnightly
GROWTH RATE
Fast; can grow 30-40cm per season under optimal conditions, responding well to regular pruning
MATURE SIZE
1.0-1.5m height x 1.0-1.2m spread
Indoor Suitability
Can be grown indoors in bright, indirect light near windows, but performs best outdoors or in semi-shaded patios where it receives dappled morning sun. Indoor specimens may become leggy without adequate light.
Did You Know?
Plectranthus fruticosus produces tubular mauve-pink flowers that curve upward like tiny hockey sticks, specifically adapted to be pollinated by carpenter bees whose weight causes the flower to tip forward, dusting pollen onto the bee’s back in a precise mechanical action.