PLECTRANTHUS (Plectran'thus)

DESCRIPTION: This is a group of frost-tender creeping or bushy perennials that are grown for their pretty foliage. They are native to Australia and the Pacific Islands. Most of them are grown in greenhouses and a few as houseplants. P. australis is a creeping, bushy plant that has round, tough, bright green leaves. Its flowers are white. P. oertendahlii is a fleshy, creeping plant with leaves that grow opposite each other and are veined with silver. Sometimes, as the leaves mature, they turn purple underneath. P. forsteri 'Marginatus' has fragrant, oval, scalloped leaves that grow up to 21/2 inches long. They are grayish-green with creamy-white edges. The small, tubular flowers are white to pale mauve and borne irregularly throughout the year. This plant grows up to 2 feet high and wide.

POTTING: These plants need a minimum winter temperature of 50 degrees. In cool climates, they should be grown inside in a humid atmosphere with shade from strong summer sunshine. Their soil should be made up of moist, organic matter, somewhat coarse and well drained. Plenty of water should be given from spring to autumn and throughout the winter the soil should be kept a bit drier. Established plants that have a good root system will benefit from regular applications of dilute liquid fertilizer. To promote bushy growth, the tips of the shoots should be pinched occasionally during the early part of the growing season.

PROPAGATION: In the spring, seeds can be planted in pots or pans filled with light soil, rich in humus. Cuttings can be taken in the spring or summer and placed in a propagating case in a greenhouse or window-garden (as long as conditions are close to that of a greenhouse). As soon as they have grown roots about an inch long, they should be potted in sandy soil mixed well with peat moss or leaf mold. These plants may also be divided in the spring or summer.

VARIETIES: P. chiradzulensis; P.fruticosus; P. oertendahlii; P. australis; P. forsteri & var. Marginatus.

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