Plectranthus ciliatus, commonly known as Mage Plant, Trailing Coleus, or Eyelash Spur Flower, is a versatile and attractive plant appreciated for its distinctive foliage. Native to subtropical and tropical regions of southern Africa, it serves as an appealing ornamental houseplant or groundcover. Its ease of care and striking appearance make it a popular choice for enhancing indoor spaces or providing lush groundcover in appropriate climates.
Mage Plant Characteristics
The Mage Plant is a trailing or creeping herb, growing up to 0.6 meters high. Its stems are often covered with fine purple hairs. The leaves are broadly oval-shaped, measuring between 5 to 12 cm long and 3.5 to 7 cm wide, with a slightly toothed or scalloped edge.
The foliage is dark green on the upper surface, often mottled, and purplish on the undersides. Leaves are covered in short, stiff hairs and have hairs along their margins, resembling eyelashes, which contributes to one of its common names. While primarily grown for its foliage, the plant also produces small, tubular flowers in shades of white to light purple-pink. These flowers emerge on spikes up to 30 cm long, blooming from late summer into autumn, and attract pollinators.
Caring for Mage Plant
Light Needs
Mage Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. While it tolerates some shade, direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, can scorch its leaves and hinder growth. Lighter foliage varieties can experience bleaching if exposed to too much sun. Insufficient light can cause foliage to lose vibrant coloration and lead to leggy growth.
Watering Practices
Consistent moisture is preferred by Plectranthus ciliatus; avoid waterlogging the soil. Allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings helps prevent root rot, a common issue. Overwatering leads to problems, while occasional short droughts are tolerated once the plant is established. Watering at the soil line rather than on the foliage helps prevent fungal diseases.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining soil mix is important for Mage Plant. It performs best in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, between 6.0 and 7.0. A potting mix rich in organic matter, such as loam, supports healthy growth and prevents water accumulation around the roots. Ensuring adequate drainage holes in pots is important.
Temperature and Humidity
Mage Plant prefers warm temperatures, between 15-24°C (60-75°F) during the day. It does not tolerate temperatures below 5°C (41°F) and is sensitive to frost, making it suitable for indoor cultivation or as an annual in colder regions. Moderate to high humidity levels are beneficial. Misting occasionally or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water increases humidity.
Fertilization
During its active growing season, from spring through summer, Mage Plant benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 N-P-K ratio, applied every 2-4 weeks at half strength, promotes vibrant foliage and healthy growth. For outdoor plants, a monthly application of a balanced fertilizer or an organic top dressing is beneficial.
Growing and Propagating Mage Plant
Pruning for Shape and Health
Regular pruning is beneficial for Mage Plant to encourage bushier growth and maintain shape. Pinching off growing tips promotes branching and prevents the plant from becoming leggy or sparse. Removing dead or yellowing leaves contributes to the plant’s overall health and appearance. Pruning is done after flowering or in early spring.
Propagation Methods
Mage Plant is easily propagated through stem cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select healthy stems with 2-3 leaf nodes and make a clean cut just below a node.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a well-draining potting mix. If rooting in water, place cuttings in a glass with enough water to submerge the bottom node, changing the water every few days to prevent stagnation. For soil propagation, dip the cut end in rooting hormone if desired, then insert it into moist potting mix. Roots develop within 2-4 weeks, and once established, new plants can be transplanted into individual pots.
Common Issues and Solutions
Mage Plant is resilient, but issues can arise. Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids affect the plant, particularly during warmer months. Signs of infestation include visible insects, webbing from spider mites, or sticky residue on leaves. These pests are controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil applications.
Diseases such as root rot are common, resulting from overwatering or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing lower leaves, and a decline in plant vigor. To address root rot, ensure the soil dries slightly between waterings and improve drainage. Other fungal issues like leaf spot occur if foliage remains wet, so watering at the soil line is advisable.
Growth issues indicate underlying problems. Leggy growth, characterized by long, sparse stems, signals insufficient light and is corrected by moving the plant to a brighter location and regular pinching. Leaves losing vibrant color point to inadequate light or nutrient deficiencies, requiring increased light exposure or proper fertilization. Browning leaves result from underwatering or low humidity, requiring adjustments to the watering schedule or increased ambient humidity.