Overview
Plectranthus nummularius Briq., commonly known as creeping Charlie, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to Southern Africa and can be found growing in the tropical regions of Madagascar, Tanzania, and South Africa.
Common Names
Plectranthus nummularius Briq. goes by several common names, including creeping Charlie, Swedish ivy, and dollar plant.
Appearance
The plant has bright green, fleshy leaves that are circular or kidney-shaped and grow in opposite pairs along slender stems that can trail up to 2 feet long. It produces small, pale-mauve flowers that bloom in spring and summer. Creeping Charlie grows rapidly and can quickly cover the ground if allowed to grow freely.
Uses
Plectranthus nummularius Briq. is popular among gardeners because of its ability to thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade but can also tolerate direct sunlight. In addition to its ornamental use, the plant has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes, where it is believed to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. The leaves can be used to make a medicinal tea, and the plant has been used to treat conditions such as colds, flu, and respiratory infections. However, it is important to note that the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, and more research is needed to determine the plant's true medicinal potential.
Light Requirements
Plectranthus nummularius Briq. thrives in bright but indirect light. The plant should be placed near a north or east-facing window or under artificial light; direct sunlight can damage the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Plectranthus nummularius Briq. requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy, and the plant should not be allowed to sit in standing water. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand is suitable for this plant.
Cultivation
The Plectranthus nummularius Briq., also known as the creeping Charlie, is a low-maintenance herb that thrives indoors and outdoors. This plant prefers to grow in a well-draining and slightly acidic soil mixture. A succulent mix of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite is perfect for growing this plant and is readily available in many nurseries.
The plant requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive and must be placed in a location where it receives at least six hours of sunlight every day. It is essential to protect the plant from direct sunlight as it may cause the plant to burn and wilt.
Watering Needs
Watering this plant properly is critical to its survival. Overwatering may lead to root rot, whereas underwatering may cause the plant to dry out and wilt. The best practice is to water the plant once the top inch of the soil dries out. Ensure that water does not collect in the pot's bottom, or it may lead to root rot.
Avoid spraying or misting the leaves or foliage as the leaves of this plant are sensitive and may develop spots or yellow. Always water the soil directly and avoid getting water on the leaves.
Fertilization
Plectranthus nummularius Briq. is not a heavy feeder, and feeding should be done periodically during the growing season. The plant requires well-balanced fertilizer with an equal proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply a half-strength liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Fertilization should be stopped during winters as the plant is dormant during this period.
Pruning
Pruning this plant is not a necessity. However, the plant may become leggy and unattractive if left unattended for a long time. Pinching off the stems' growing tips will help the plant branch out and become bushier.
Trimming the plant once in a while will also enable you to control its size and shape. Use a sterilized pair of garden shears to cut back the plant, ensuring that the cut is made at a slant. Avoid trimming too much of the plant at once, or it may lead to shock and damage the plant.
Propagation of Plectranthus Nummularius Briq.
Plectranthus nummularius Briq., commonly known as Swedish ivy or creeping Charlie, is a flowering perennial plant that belongs to the mint family. Due to its easy-to-grow nature and attractive foliage, it is widely used in horticulture as an ornamental plant. To propagate Plectranthus nummularius Briq., there are several methods that can be used, including:
Propagating through stem cuttings:
Propagating Plectranthus nummularius Briq. through stem cuttings is one of the easiest and most effective ways to propagate the plant. This method involves taking stem cuttings that are around 4-6 inches long from the parent plant and placing them in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be placed in a bright and warm area and watered regularly until they establish roots. Once the roots have formed, the new plants can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Propagating through division:
Propagating Plectranthus nummularius Briq. through division involves separating the parent plant into smaller sections and transplanting them into new containers or areas. This method is best done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate through division, gently dig up the parent plant and separate its roots and stems into smaller sections, making sure each section has enough roots and foliage. The new sections should then be transplanted into their permanent location and watered regularly until they establish themselves.
Propagating through seeds:
While it is possible to propagate Plectranthus nummularius Briq. through seeds, this method is not very common as the plant rarely produces viable seeds. However, if you are lucky enough to obtain seeds, they can be planted in a well-draining potting mix in a bright and warm area. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Disease Management
Plectranthus nummularius Briq. is susceptible to a few diseases, which can weaken and ultimately kill the plant if left unattended. The most common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Root rot: Fungal root rot is caused by overwatering the plant, leading to the roots getting waterlogged, which encourages the growth of fungi that can destroy the roots. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant, ensure good drainage, and use a fungicide to treat the infected plant.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This disease is caused by bacteria infecting the plant through wounds or cuts, causing water-soaked spots and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, use pruning shears to remove infected leaves, allow for ample air circulation, avoid touching the plant with wet hands, and use a copper-based fungicide to treat it.
- Gray mold: This fungal disease appears as grayish mold on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers, causing them to rot. To manage this disease, avoid watering the plant from overhead, thin out crowded areas, improve ventilation, and use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Plectranthus nummularius Briq. is also susceptible to pest attacks, which can take a toll on the plant's health. The most common pests that affect this plant are:
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and ultimately fall off. To manage this pest, use a spray bottle to wash off the mites with water, ensure good ventilation to avoid humid conditions, and use an insecticide to treat the plant.
- Mealybugs: These insects are fluffy, white, and can be found on various parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and flowers. They suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and eventual death if left unattended. To control their spread, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove them, avoid overfeeding the plant, and use insecticides to get rid of them.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are oval-shaped insects that stick to the leaves and stems, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and dieback. To manage this pest, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove them, wash the plant with water, and use insecticides to control their spread.
