Mentha suaveolens aka Apple Mint

Taxonomy

Mentha suaveolens, also known as apple mint, pineapple mint, woolly mint, or round-leafed mint, is a herbaceous, upright perennial plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to southern and western Europe, including the Mediterranean region, and can grow up to 100 centimeters tall while spreading by stolons to form clonal colonies. The foliage is light green, with oblong to nearly ovate, wrinkled, sessile leaves that are somewhat hairy on top and downy underneath with serrated edges. The plant produces terminal spikes of white or pinkish flowers in mid to late summer, and it has a fruity, minty flavor that has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years in many parts of the world. Pineapple Mint, a rare houseplant, requires regular watering and thrives in long-lasting, direct light less than 1 foot from a window. It prefers well-draining soil and may benefit from a gentle, organic fertilizer during the peak growing season.

Common names

Apple Mint, Pineapple Mint, Round Leaf Mint

How to care for Apple Mint

Difficulty

Apple Mint presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

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

Soil

Apple 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

Apple Mint thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Round Leaf Mint.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Apple Mint to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Apple Mint. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Region of origin

Apple Mint’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia