The Vicks plant (Plectranthus Tomentosa) is an uncommon succulent with a lovely perfume. It is part of the Lamiaceae (mint) family and the genus Plectranthus, which grows in tropical areas. This genus contains over 350 plant species located in the Indonesian archipelago, Africa, the Southern Hemisphere, India, Australia, and various Pacific Islands.
A robust Vicks plant can grow to be up to 2.5 feet wide and 2 feet tall. It possesses a decumbent, widely branching body with a varied structure based on cut and growing site. Some could become subshrubs, ground coverings, or cascading vines based on how they are cared for.
Are you looking forward to cultivating this plant? Read on this in-depth guide to caring and propagating the Vicks Plant.
Does The Vicks Plant Have Any Other Names?
The Vicks plant is also commonly referred to as:
- Cuban oregano
- Succulent coleus
- Plectranthus tomentosa
Main Uses Of Vicks Plants
This plant, like other herbs, has a variety of health benefits. Its aroma can clear sinuses and relieve congestion in your respiratory systems.
The Vicks’ plant foliage could also be used to make lotions with petroleum-based jelly, which can repel mosquitoes or address swelling. It could also aid with bruises, muscle spasms, and arthritis symptoms!
Nevertheless, it would be best if you did not use it to substitute any recommended medicines to address conditions such as asthma.
How To Prune Vicks Plants
When trimming and clipping these plants, keep in mind that they would become lanky. Thus, to maintain a beautiful appearance, it is preferable to go for regular pruning. Take several foliages off the plant’s bottom sides. You could also prune it regularly to improve its general health.
While pruning, clip the plant back every several weeks to avoid blooming. Pinching beyond a cluster of leaves or the plant’s branching point could be done all through the summer for a broader and funkier plant.
But why obstruct flower formation? This allows the plant to devote more resources to leaf growth and branching instead of blooming, resulting in a broader plant.
Best Soil For Vicks Plants
It is critical to utilize well-draining soil, often made up of equal parts succulent mix and peat moss. Although these plants are pH resistant and adaptable to a range of soil conditions, they deter exposing plants to substantially high or low pH levels.
How Much Light Do Vicks Plants Need?
Exposure to both indirect and direct lighting systems is best for your plant. They also would put up with partial shade. If you intend to grow your plants outside, opt to plant them in a cool, well-lit shelter, often beneath trees.
Choose south-facing windows with diffused sunlight for indoor planting, making sure it does not receive direct sunlight exposure.
How Often To Water Vicks Plants
The foliage of succulents has a greater water storage capacity. They grow well in medium-low water levels. Therefore, employ the ‘soak and dry’ method, a popular method of watering succulents. To accomplish this, fully hydrate the soil and then allow it to drain without watering it again.
Inspect the soil regularly to develop a regimen for any season or weather.
The regularity with which you water these houseplants is determined by the temp and moisture in your region. Throughout the summer, generally water the plants once to twice per week. Watering regularity could be reduced throughout the winter.
Use well-draining soil to avoid overwatering and high water levels on the foliage, encouraging fungus and threatening root rot.
The fact that these plants are shallow-rooted yet could still hold water in their stalks is what renders them so special. This enables them to be drought-tolerant, so do not worry if you forget to hydrate them maybe once or twice.
Ideal Temperature Conditions For Vicks Plants
Temperatures between 65- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit are suitable for these plants. These succulents, however, cannot survive frost and cold, so once the weather cools, move outdoor plants to warmer inside spaces. Contemplate utilizing grow lights inside to provide appropriate lighting for your plant throughout the colder winter days.
More than year-old plants will grow wooden stems at the base, improving their tolerance to cooler temperatures. Residents of USDA zones 9-11 would deem the plant adaptable.
Humidity Conditions For Vicks Plants
Succulents, like the Vicks plants, can withstand a wide range of humidity conditions. Throughout dry spells, keep an eye on your plant and, if feasible, keep a humidifier close. Misting the plant is not recommended. Misting may cause root rot and fungal infection in plants that could tolerate arid settings.
Best Fertilizer For Vicks Plants
Whenever fertilizing the Vicks plants, keep in mind that they are not voracious eaters. Typical half-strength, succulent fertilizers could be used once annually in early spring, employing only a modest amount or per the fertilizer’s guidelines. All through the growing period, repeat this process per two weeks.
Liquid fertilizer is also ideal, but never over-fertilize the plant, or it could scorch its delicate leaves. It may have an impact on its general appearance and color.
For Vicks plants in pots, light fertilizing is ideal. Employ slow-release fertilizers, which include a well-balanced blend of essential nutrients.
How To Propagate Vicks Plants
It is recommended to propagate this plant using stem tip clippings. The Summer and Spring months are perfect for establishing Vicks plant stem cuttings.
If you would like a fuller-looking pot, gather many cuttings and put them all in one pot. To take cuttings, cut a portion of the plant with a sharp pair of gardening shears or scissors. The size is not important, but if your mature plant requires pruning, you can pick even a more extensive cutting.
After collecting your clippings, allow them to air dry for several days to allow their scars to harden. After the clippings have been calloused, they are eligible to be moved to new soil.
Some growers advise applying a rooting aid, like rooting hormone powder, to enhance rooting. However, this is entirely optional.
The cuttings will then be planted in well-draining soil. Similarly, you may put one cutting or several cuttings per pot to create a lusher-looking plant.
If you want to try an alternative way of cutting propagation, you could put the clippings in a water container instead of soil. You will need to replace the water now and then to keep it clean; nevertheless, the procedure is essentially the same.
It could take a few weeks to realize root development regardless of whether you cultivate water or soil. After the roots develop, you could start caring for the clippings like a mature Vicks Plant.
Growth Rate Of Vicks Plants
Technically, Vicks which is also known as succulent coleus, like other succulents, develop reasonably slowly than other plants. This is generally because they tend to go dormant during the Winter season.
Ideal Pot Size For Vicks Plants
Because these plants are slow-growing, smaller pot sizes are ideal. Deter putting your plant in breezy areas because it is likely to break. If you intend to plant in pots, assess how the pot’s design, color, and fixed position will affect the general aesthetic of your space.
These plants look great along the edges of raised pots or in hanging baskets. Place bigger plants in the center of pots for even weight distribution.
Repotting Tips For Vicks Plants
To rejuvenate its nutrients, repot your Vick’s Plant after it has doubled in size or once per year- whatever happens sooner. Ensure that the repotting soil is well-drained and that the pot size is slightly bigger to accommodate the plant adequately. Once repotted, ensure that the plant receives adequate sunlight exposure.
FAQ
Are Vicks Plants Edible?
Despite being utilized for a wide range of skin benefits and addressing respiratory issues, the Vicks plant is not safe for consumption.
Are Vicks Plants Toxic To Cats And Dogs?
It is usually best to keep pets away from plants. Nonetheless, the Vicks plant is generally thought to be safe for cats and dogs.
Are Vicks Plants Poisonous?
The plant is mildly toxic as it contains saponins, which could trigger symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea.
Do Vicks Plants Prefer To Grow Indoors Or Outside?
It is ideal for outdoor and indoor environments. But it is not winter resistant. As a result, you must bring the plant inside during the winter.
