Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’ is an ornamental plant known for its vibrant purple blooms and attractive foliage. This hybrid, a cross between two South African Plectranthus species, is popular for its striking appearance and straightforward care. It is often chosen as a houseplant or an outdoor annual. Its deep green leaves, featuring contrasting purple undersides, complement the delicate, tubular lavender flowers that emerge on prominent spikes.
Essential Care Requirements
Providing the right environment for your Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’ encourages robust growth and abundant flowering.
Light
Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’ thrives in bright, indirect light, with a preference for morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates. While it can tolerate full shade, such conditions may result in less intense foliage colors and fewer blooms. Indoors, place it near an east or south-facing window for ample bright, indirect light. Direct, intense sunlight can lead to leaf scorching.
Watering
It requires consistently moist but not waterlogged soil to prevent root rot. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure pots have adequate drainage holes and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water. Under-watering can cause leaves to curl or drop.
Soil and Potting
Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’ thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, ideally with a slightly acidic pH between 5.6 and 6.5. A peat-based potting mix, often naturally acidic, works well for container-grown plants. When potting or repotting, select a container with good drainage holes to prevent water accumulation. Repotting into a slightly larger container, typically one to two inches wider, every year or two can support continued growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Year-round temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-27°C) are most suitable for Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’. It is sensitive to cold; while it can briefly tolerate light frosts (25-30°F) outdoors, freezing temperatures are damaging. If grown outdoors in cooler climates, bring potted plants indoors before the first frost. Moderate humidity levels are preferred, and can be maintained indoors with methods like pebble trays or a cool-mist humidifier.
Fertilizing
Fertilize Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’ every six to ten weeks during its active growing season (spring, summer, and autumn) to support healthy growth and prolific flowering. Use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer, often at half strength, to provide the necessary nutrients without overfeeding. Reduce or withhold fertilizer during winter or active blooming to encourage flower production over foliage growth. Over-fertilization, especially with high-nitrogen formulas, can lead to lush leaves at the expense of blossoms.
Pruning for Health and Bloom
Regular pruning plays a significant role in maintaining the vigor and appearance of Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’. Pinching back young stems encourages bushier, more compact growth, maintaining shape and preventing legginess. Deadheading spent flowers diverts energy from seed production to new blooms, extending the flowering period. The best time for more extensive pruning is typically in spring or early summer, allowing the plant sufficient time to produce new growth that will flower later in the season.
Propagating Mona Lavender
Propagating Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’ is a straightforward process, primarily achieved through stem cuttings. Select healthy stems about four to six inches long from the tips of the plant. Carefully remove any flower buds and the leaves from the bottom one-third of the cutting. These prepared cuttings can then be rooted in either a clean jar of water or directly in a porous, moist potting mix.
If rooting in water, ensure the lower leaf nodes are submerged and change the water if it becomes cloudy. Place the cuttings in a location with bright, indirect light, and roots should typically form within a few weeks. For outdoor plants, taking cuttings in the fall allows them to root and grow indoors over winter, providing new plants ready for spring. Once rooted, transplant the cuttings into individual pots with appropriate soil.
Common Issues and Solutions
Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’ is generally a robust plant, but certain issues can arise, often stemming from environmental factors.
Leggy growth, characterized by sparse foliage and elongated stems, frequently occurs when the plant is not receiving sufficient light, particularly indoors during winter months. To address this, prune back the leggy stems to encourage bushier growth and relocate the plant to a brighter spot, such as a south or east-facing window. Yellowing leaves signal overwatering or poor drainage, potentially leading to root rot; allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings and ensure adequate drainage. Conversely, drooping leaves often indicate under-watering, requiring a thorough soak to rehydrate the plant.
A lack of blooms might be due to insufficient light or an excess of high-nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes foliage over flowers. Adjusting light exposure and using a balanced fertilizer can help encourage flowering. Pests like whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites can occasionally affect ‘Mona Lavender’, especially when grown indoors. These can often be managed by increasing humidity for spider mites, rinsing leaves with water, or applying horticultural oils or insecticidal soap for more severe infestations. Powdery mildew, a fungal issue, is less common but can be mitigated by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.