Coleus amboinicus aka Mexican Mint
Taxonomy
Common names
Mexican Mint, Cuban Oregano, Broadleaf Thyme, Ajwayan Leaf (India), French ThymeHow 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.
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