Overview of Coleus caninus (Roth) Vatke
Coleus caninus (Roth) Vatke, also commonly known as "Scaredy Cat Plant" or "Pee-off Plant," is a member of the Lamiaceae family. This herbaceous perennial plant is native to Africa, especially in Kenya and Tanzania, and it is widely distributed throughout tropical regions of the world. Coleus caninus has a host of uses, from ornamental to medicinal.
Appearance of Coleus caninus (Roth) Vatke
Coleus caninus has a sprawling growth habit, with fuzzy, gray-green leaves and small, blue or lavender flowers that bloom from summer to fall. The leaves are ovate-elliptical, about 2-5 cm long, and have a slightly serrated margin. The plant grows up to 40 cm tall and 60 cm wide, creating a spreading mound of foliage. Some cultivars have a variegated foliage with pink, white, or yellow coloration.
Uses of Coleus caninus (Roth) Vatke
The Scaredy Cat plant is renowned for its odor, which is unpleasant to cats and dogs, earning it its common name. Coleus caninus is commonly used for its pesticidal properties as it deters cats and dogs from entering gardens, potted plants, or any outdoor area designated for people. Its leaves contain essential oils that are irritants to animals. The oil contains higher concentrations of thymeol, piperitone, eucalyptol, and carvacrol, which make it an effective insecticide and antifungal agent, apart from its pesticidal properties.
Medicinally, Coleus caninus has been used for centuries in African traditional medicine. Its roots, leaves, and stems are used in treating respiratory conditions such as asthma. The plant extract has shown promising antihistaminic and anti-inflammatory properties in in vitro and in vivo studies.
Finally, Coleus caninus is also grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, borders, or mixed garden beds. its variegated foliage and low-growing habit make it an attractive addition to any landscape, and it is relatively low-maintenance.
Light Requirements
Coleus caninus thrives best in partial shade to full sun conditions. They prefer bright but indirect light, and too much direct sunlight can cause leaf burn and fading of the plant's color.
Temperature Requirements
Temperature requirements are essential for the growth of Coleus caninus. The ideal temperature range for growth is 18-27°C (65-80°F). This plant is not frost tolerant, and colder temperatures can lead to the death of the plant. On the other hand, excessively hot temperatures, especially above 38°C (100°F), can be detrimental to the plant's growth.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Coleus caninus is moist, fertile, and well-draining soil. It is essential to keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot and kill the plant. This plant tolerates a broad range of soil pH as long as the soil is fertile and well-draining. Adding organic matter to the soil before planting can improve soil quality and drainage.
Cultivation Methods for Coleus Caninus
When it comes to cultivating Coleus Caninus, it's important to ensure that it grows in an area that receives adequate sunlight. This plant thrives in a warm environment, so it's recommended to plant it during the summer season. While the plant can grow in a variety of soils, it's best to plant it in well-draining soil that's rich in nutrients. The plant should be spaced around four inches apart to promote optimal growth and development.
Watering Needs for Coleus Caninus
Coleus Caninus requires regular watering to ensure that it stays healthy and hydrated. The plant should be watered once or twice every week, depending on the climate and humidity levels. It's essential to provide the plant with enough water to penetrate the soil and reach the roots. However, it's crucial to avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization for Coleus Caninus
One of the best ways to keep Coleus Caninus healthy is by regularly fertilizing it. It's recommended to use a balanced fertilizer that's high in nitrogen during the plant's active growing season. Apply the fertilizer once every four to six weeks to ensure that the plant receives a steady supply of nutrients. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying the fertilizer to avoid damaging the plant.
Pruning for Coleus Caninus
To promote healthy growth and encourage bushier growth patterns, it's crucial to prune Coleus Caninus regularly. Pruning involves removing the tips of the plant's stem and leaves, which promotes new growth in the plant. It's recommended to prune the plant once every two to three weeks during the growing season. Pruning also helps remove any damaged or diseased parts of the plant, which can promote overall plant health.
Propagation of Coleus caninus
Coleus caninus, commonly known as Scaredy cat plant or Plectranthus caninus, is a small shrub native to Africa and India. Its leaves have a pungent smell which deters cats and dogs from entering garden beds. The plant is relatively easy to propagate and can be grown from seeds and cuttings.
Propagation from seeds
The ideal time to sow the seeds of Coleus caninus is during spring, just before the last frost. The seeds can be sown indoors in a seed tray or outdoors in a prepared garden bed. Here are the steps to propagate Coleus caninus from seeds:
- Fill the seed tray with a well-draining soil mix.
- Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and cover them lightly with a thin layer of soil mix.
- Water the seeds gently and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 7-14 days.
- After the seedlings have grown 2-3 true leaves, transplant them into individual pots or in the prepared garden bed with 30-45 cm spacing.
Propagation from cuttings
Coleus caninus is also easy to propagate from cuttings, which can be taken during late spring or early summer. Here are the steps to propagate Coleus caninus from cuttings:
- Take 10 cm long cuttings from the stem tips of a healthy and mature plant.
- Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings leaving only the top two to three leaves.
- Dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone powder and insert the stem into a well-draining soil mix.
- Water the soil thoroughly and cover the pot with a plastic bag to retain the moisture.
- Place the pot in a warm and bright spot but not in direct sunlight.
- Remove the plastic bag once the roots have formed, which usually takes around 2-3 weeks.
- Transplant the new plants into individual pots or in the prepared garden bed with 30-45 cm spacing.
Disease Management
Coleus caninus is susceptible to diseases such as leaf spot, root rot, and powdery mildew. These can be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, and they can lead to wilted leaves and stunted growth.
To manage these diseases, it is important to practice proper sanitation by regularly removing and disposing of infected plant debris. Fungal infections can be treated with fungicides, while bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. It is also important to avoid overwatering, as this can contribute to the development of root rot.
Pest Management
Coleus caninus can be targeted by pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests suck the sap from the plant and can cause wilting, discoloration, and stunted growth.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestation and to remove any pests manually. Insecticidal soap and neem oil are effective treatments for controlling pests on coleus plants. It is also important to avoid over-fertilization, as this can attract pests.
