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 MintHow 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
To ensure optimal growth, the Apple Mint prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
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
More Species in Mentha Genus
Mentha pulegium Pennyroyal
Mentha suavis Sweet Mint
Mentha spicata Spearmint
Mentha cervina Hart's Pennyroyal
Mentha requienii Corsican Mint
Mentha piperata Berries And Cream Mint
Mentha longifolia Wild Mint
Mentha villosa Apple Mint
Mentha suaveolens Apple Mint
