Coleus amboinicus aka Mexican Mint

Taxonomy

Coleus amboinicus, also known as Indian borage, country borage, French thyme, Indian mint, Mexican mint, Cuban oregano, soup mint, or Spanish thyme, is a semi-succulent perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family. With a pungent oregano-like flavor and odor, it is native to parts of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India, but is widely cultivated and naturalized in other tropical regions where it is used as a spice and ornamental plant. The species epithet, amboinicus, refers to Ambon Island in Indonesia, where it was first described by João de Loureiro. Thyme is best grown in a hot, sunny location with well-drained soil, and is generally planted in the spring. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or dividing rooted sections of the plant, and is a perennial that tolerates drought well. Mexican mint, also known as Cuban oregano or Indian borage, is a type of Coleus amboinicus that has become popular in cuisines worldwide for its bright flavor, which is described as a combination of mint and oregano. This powerful plant can take deep freezes and grows well on dry slopes, and can be pruned after flowering to prevent it from becoming woody.

Common names

Mexican Mint, Cuban Oregano, Broadleaf Thyme, Ajwayan Leaf (India), French Thyme

How to care for Mexican Mint

Difficulty

Caring for Mexican Mint is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Mexican Mint should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Mexican Mint loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Mexican Mint requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Cuban Oregano is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Mexican Mint to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Mexican Mint is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

The Mexican Mint does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Mexican Mint should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Mexican Mint’s native range is Old World Tropics and Subtropics.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Mexican Mint with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia