Knowledgebase

What kind of plant is this? #296161

Asked January 09, 2016, 12:59 PM EST

the leaves are fuzzy and smell lemon and some kind of mint. It is not native to this location, I'm not sure where it's from.

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello,
This appears to be Plectranthus tomentosa, often called the Vick's plant because its scent reminds people of the menthol rub product.  There are many varieties of this tropical plant. Most can not survive Michigan winters, and so are kept as houseplants. Here is some detail from The Garden Club of Illinois:

"Most varieties of the Plectranthus genus are not hardy in Illinois but serve as wonderful houseplants and enthusiastic annuals in our gardens and containers. They are easy to grow and propagate by taking cuttings. The Cuban oregano which started this article has many common names including Spanish thyme, Mexican mint, Indian borage and Mexican thyme, but its botanical name isPlectranthus amboinicus.
 
"One of the most common Plectranthus is Swedish Ivy (P. australis). It has a trailing habit with bright round green or variegated leaves and small scalloped edges. It will produce a white bloom but only if the conditions are right and it is usually grown for the foliage in bright or filtered light.
 
"Another interesting variety is Plectranthus tomentosa, or Vick's Plant. It is a tender perennial plant with leaves that smell like mentholatum or Vick's Vapor Rub when crushed. The light green, succulent leaves are fuzzy and grow up to 3 inches wide. The plants will vine but can be pinched to keep compact. They may bloom in early spring and again in the fall with purple flowers. They prefer a bright window indoors but do well outside in partial shade with good drainage. Indoors care needs to be taken to allow the soil to dry before watering to avoid root rot. Some suggest to water just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
 
"Some other named varieties include Plectranthus 'Silver Shield' and the more compact P. 'Silver Crest'. There is also one called
P. 'ZuluWonder' with deep purple coloring. Most of these plants come from the Southern Hemisphere and are considered tender perennials with flavor and fragrance. Most originate from South andEast Africa but have been cultivated and even naturalized in tropical locations to be used for flavoring and medicine. All make quite a statement in containers and all make interesting houseplants. They are tough enough to tolerate heat, low humidity and weak light indoors and most do well outside in hot, humid Midwestern summers."

Thank you for the clear photo.

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