Australian Plectranthus Plant Care
Plectranthus australis R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Plectranthus verticillatus, Swedish ivy, Swedish begonia or whorled plectranthus is a plant in the family Lamiaceae (Labiatae), genus Plectranthus native to southern Africa. Despite its common name, it is not close to the ivy family of the genus Hedera nor is it native to Sweden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Australian Plectranthus?
Water Australian Plectranthus every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Australian Plectranthus Native To?
What Is the Australian Plectranthus?
Australian Plectranthus (Plectranthus australis) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Plectranthus genus. Australian Plectranthus is native to southern Africa. Australian Plectranthus is also known as Australian Coleus, Native Coleus.
Australian Plectranthus displays a bushy, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Australian Plectranthus produces small, tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Australian Plectranthus?
Plectranthus australis requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Australian Plectranthus Need?
Australian Plectranthus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Australian Plectranthus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Australian Plectranthus Prefer?
Plectranthus australis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Australian Plectranthus prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Australian Plectranthus?
Well-draining soil mix with added perlite for good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Australian Plectranthus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Australian Plectranthus?
Feed Australian Plectranthus every 6 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 6 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 Australian Plectranthus?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Australian Plectranthus?
Australian Plectranthus can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to moth orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Australian Plectranthus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Australian Plectranthus, 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 Australian Plectranthus?
Australian Plectranthus is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids. 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 Australian Plectranthus Need?
Australian Plectranthus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Australian Plectranthus is native to southern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Australian Plectranthus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Australian Plectranthus 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 Plectranthus genus — compare its care with other Plectranthus species on PlantoScan.
Plectranthus is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Australian Plectranthus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Plectranthus Species
Other Plectranthus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Plectranthus australis R.Br., family Lamiaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. : 506 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Australian Plectranthus, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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