Contents
Description
Plectranthus Ecklonii is a beautiful plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, where it grows in rocky crevices and on rocky slopes. This plant is also known as the “large spurflower” due to its beautiful flowers that bloom in late summer and autumn. Plectranthus Ecklonii is an evergreen perennial that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and 1 meter in width.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Plectranthus |
| Species | Ecklonii |
Appearance
Plectranthus Ecklonii has large, broad leaves that are green and slightly hairy. The leaves have an oval shape and are up to 10 cm long and 6 cm wide. The flowers are tubular and grow in spikes that can be up to 30 cm long. The flowers are usually pink, purple, or white and have a strong, pleasant scent. The plant blooms in late summer and autumn and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Care Guide
Water: Plectranthus Ecklonii prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.Fertilization: Feed Plectranthus Ecklonii with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of potting soil and perlite or coarse sand works well.Sunlight: Plectranthus Ecklonii prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun, but avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.Hardiness Zones: Plectranthus Ecklonii is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Plectranthus Ecklonii is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Spider mites can also be a problem, especially in hot, dry conditions.
Habitat
Plectranthus Ecklonii is native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, where it grows in rocky crevices and on rocky slopes. It prefers well-draining soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Plectranthus Ecklonii a good indoor plant?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a bright, sunny location and watered regularly.Q: How often should I fertilize Plectranthus Ecklonii?
A: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.Q: Can Plectranthus Ecklonii tolerate direct sunlight?
A: It can tolerate some morning sun, but avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.Q: Does Plectranthus Ecklonii attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant blooms in late summer and autumn and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Plectranthus Amboinicus
- Plectranthus Argentatus
- Plectranthus Barbatus
- Plectranthus Ciliatus
- Plectranthus Forsteri
References
- “Plectranthus ecklonii.” PlantZAfrica.com. South African National Biodiversity Institute, n.d. Web. 11 Jun. 2021.
- “Plectranthus Ecklonii.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 11 Jun. 2021.
- “Plectranthus Ecklonii.” Royal Horticultural Society. Royal Horticultural Society, n.d. Web. 11 Jun. 2021.
