Image: AI generated
Andean Mint Plant Care
Minthostachys andina (Britton ex Rusby) Epling
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its unique linear leaves with a silvery underside. Originating from the Andes mountains of South America, its compact growth habit and aromatic foliage make it a sought-after addition to plant collections.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Andean Mint?
Water Andean Mint every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Andean Mint Native To?
What Is the Andean Mint?
Andean Mint (Minthostachys andina) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Minthostachys genus. Andean Mint is native to Andes Mountains.
Andean Mint displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Andean Mint produces small, tubular flowers in shades of purple or white.
How Often Should You Water a Andean Mint?
Minthostachys andina requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Andean Mint Need?
Andean Mint thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Andean Mint Prefer?
Minthostachys andina grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Andean Mint prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Andean Mint?
Well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Andean Mint to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Andean Mint?
Feed Andean Mint every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Andean Mint?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Andean Mint?
Andean Mint can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to soft mint plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Andean Mint Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Andean Mint, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Andean Mint?
Andean Mint is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Andean Mint Need?
Andean Mint grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Andean Mint is native to Andes Mountains. In cooler regions, grow Andean Mint as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Andean Mint is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Minthostachys genus — compare its care with other Minthostachys species on PlantoScan.
Minthostachys is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Andean Mint thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Minthostachys andina (Britton ex Rusby) Epling, family Lamiaceae (first published in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. Beih. 85: 166. 1936) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Andean Mint, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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