Nepeta aka Catmint
Taxonomy ID: 4226
Nepeta is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, with about 250 species native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and some naturalized in North America. The name of the genus is said to be inspired by an ancient Etruscan city called Nepete. Some members of the group are commonly known as catnip or catmint due to the presence of nepetalactone, which can cause temporary euphoria in cats when it binds to their olfactory receptors.
One popular species is Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low', which is an award-winning herbaceous perennial that boasts massive lavender-blue blooms on short spikes. It has aromatic, gray-green foliage that blooms in early summer and continues on and off through early fall if spent flowers are regularly removed. This low-maintenance plant is highly versatile and can thrive in a variety of conditions.
Another species is the rare Neptune Catmint, which is a houseplant that requires regular watering to flourish. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be kept less than a foot away from a window. Neptune Catmint grows best in well-draining soil and does not usually require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.
Common names
Catmint, Neptune CatmintMore information about Catmint
How difficult is it to take care of Catmint
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Catmint is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
What is the region of origin of Catmint
Catmint’s native range is Europe, Asia, and Africa.
What are the water needs for Catmint
Catmint should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Catmint
Catmint 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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Catmint
Catmint 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 Neptune Catmint is always in the right place to thrive.
What's the right humidity for Catmint
The Catmint 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.
How to fertilize Catmint
The Catmint 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.
Is Catmint toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
What seasonal care does Catmint need?
During the cold period, it is common for Catmint to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
More info:
Wikipedia
