Plectranthus verticillatus: Complete guide to characteristics, care, and cultivation of the money plant

All about Plectranthus verticillatus: characteristics, care, cultivation, and interesting facts

Plectranthus verticillatus, known worldwide as money plant, is one of the most appreciated options in indoor and outdoor gardening thanks to its singular beauty, resistance and reputed to attract good luck and prosperity to homes. Its drooping stems and rounded leaves make it a focal point in pots, baskets, and arrangements in any setting. This exhaustive article explores everything from its description and origins to all the secrets of its care, reproduction, and the myths surrounding it, integrating the most comprehensive and detailed recommendations from experts.

Botanical description and origin of the money plant

Plectranthus verticillatus It is a perennial plant native to southeastern Africa, although it is also found in Madagascar and various African regions. It belongs to the family Lamiaceae, the same as mint, which explains some similarities in the shape and texture of its leaves.

• Height and build: It can reach between 10 and 30 cm in height, but its hanging stems easily exceed the meter in length, adopting a creeping or hanging growth ideal for hanging pots.
• Sheets: Oval, rounded, and fleshy, they are bright green on the upper surface and violet on the underside. The edges are serrated, and the surface is often smooth to the touch.
• Flowering: It produces inflorescences of small, often inconspicuous white, lilac, or pink flowers in clusters during the fall or winter depending on the climate. In optimal environments, it can bloom almost all year.

Its easy adaptation and vigorous growth have made it one of the most popular ornamental plants both indoors and in temperate gardens, colonizing homes around the world.

Cultural symbolism and associated beliefs

The money plant has become a true talisman in many cultures. Its name comes from the popular belief that having it in the home ensures good fortune. prosperity, luck y abundanceTradition indicates that giving a cutting of the plant is synonymous with good wishes and fortune for the recipient.

• feng shui: According to this philosophy, placing the money plant in the southeast corner of the home or workspace attracts positive energies and helps generate wealth.
• Auspicious Gift: Very present in celebrations, moving, and new beginnings, the plant is one of the favorite gifts to wish success and prosperity.
• Home rituals: Some traditions recommend burying a coin next to the stem to enhance its ability to attract money, or placing a leaf in your wallet.

The legends are reinforced by the ease with which they are reproduced and given as gifts. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these beliefs, so their greatest value is symbolic and ornamental.

Other varieties of Plectranthus and similar species

The gender Pickranthus It includes numerous species appreciated in gardening for their visual appeal, aroma and resistance. Although Plectranthus verticillatus It is best known as the money plant, there are other popular variants:

• Plectranthus coleoides (false incense): It stands out for its variegated green and white leaves and an intense aroma of mint or incense.
• Plectranthus argentatus (silver shield): It has large, velvety, silvery leaves. It is more common outdoors and is very resistant to direct sunlight.
• Plectranthus forsteri (incense plant): Of Indian origin, with reddish stems and a characteristic odor.
• Plectranthus fructicosus: Especially useful as a ground cover, with bright green leaves and flowers in shades of lilac or purple.
• Plectranthus Lemon Twist: Large light green leaves with cream or yellow variegations, providing great ornamental value.
• Plectranthus nicolina and saccatus: Smaller varieties with great decorative value due to the greyish colour or purple underside of their leaves.

Comparison with other “money plants” and ornamental species

not to be confused Plectranthus verticillatus with other plants also known as “money plants”, such as Pilea peperomioides (Chinese money plant) or the Crassula ovata (jade tree). They all share a reputation for bringing prosperity, but they belong to different botanical families and genera, requiring slightly different care.

Benefits and properties of Plectranthus verticillatus

Although the money plant is primarily known for its ornamental value and its cultural symbolism, also offers some practical benefits in the home:

• Air purification: Like many indoor plants, it helps absorb pollutants and improve air quality, creating healthier and fresher environments.
• It is not toxic to pets: Plectranthus verticillatus is safe for dogs and cats, making it a pet-friendly option for homes with animals.
• Psychological well-being: Their presence, care, and the act of multiplying it contribute to reducing stress and improving emotional well-being.
• Traditional uses: In some cultures, infusions or extracts have been used to relieve minor ailments, such as digestive problems or minor injuries, although it is always recommended to consult a doctor before using them for unconventional medicinal purposes.

Detailed characteristics of the money plant

• Increase: A vigorous plant with stems that can hang down or cover surfaces if grown in the ground. It grows quickly with proper care.
• Sheets: Evergreen, succulent foliage, ideal for storing water and nutrients.
• Flowering: Occasional, with small, inconspicuous flowers that may appear in clusters during the cold season.
• Longevity: Under ideal conditions, it can live for more than a decade.

Essential care for a healthy Plectranthus verticillatus

Optimal location and light

• Bright indirect light: This is the ideal condition. It can tolerate light shade, but growth will be slower and the leaves will lose their luster.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Especially during the hours of greatest intensity, as it can burn the foliage.
• Exterior: If placed on balconies or terraces, always in partially shaded areas.
• Ideal temperature: Between 15ºC and 25ºC. Very sensitive to frost and intense cold. Protect in winter by moving it indoors if necessary.

Irrigation and humidity

• Moderate irrigation: The substrate should always be slightly moist, but never waterlogged. Excess water causes root rot and yellowing of the leaves.
• Frequency: In summer, watering every two or three days may be necessary, depending on temperature and humidity. In winter, watering once a week or when the substrate feels dry to the touch is sufficient.
• Spray: If the environment is very dry, spraying the leaves two or three times a week improves humidity and prevents pests.

Soil, substrate and drainage

• Loose and well-drained substrate: A mix of indoor plant soil with perlite or sand is ideal. Good drainage is essential to prevent fungal diseases.
• Slightly acidic to neutral pH: Between 6 and 7.
• Pots with holes: Always essential to allow excess water to escape.

Fertilization and fertilization

• Spring and summer: Applying liquid fertilizer to green plants once a month promotes growth and intense leaf color.
• Do not overfertilize: Excess can cause root burns or excessive growth.
• ecological option: Slow-release organic fertilizers are also effective.

Pruning and maintenance

• Soft pruning: Remove dry or diseased leaves and stems at any time of year. To control size or promote a more compact appearance, trim longer branches before or after the peak growth period.
• Rejuvenation pruning: Late winter or early spring is the best time for more drastic pruning to maintain the plant's vitality.
• Clean tools: Always use disinfected scissors to prevent the transmission of diseases.

Transplant and space

• Frequency: Generally every two or three years, or when the root system occupies the entire container.
• Time: Early spring or autumn is the best time to transplant.
• Processing: Choose a larger pot, add new quality substrate and fertilizer to ensure vigorous growth.
• Avoid stress: After transplanting, protect the plant from direct sunlight and water gently.

Common problems, diseases and pests

Main warning signs

• Yellow sheets: This is usually due to overwatering, a lack of nutrients, or excessive direct sunlight. Check drainage and location.
• Slow growth or lack of vigor: It indicates a lack of light or nutrients; it's a good idea to check your fertilization and move the plant to a brighter location.
• Soft or drooping leaves: Generally due to lack of water or environmental stress.

Common pests

• Aphids and mealybugs: They are easily eliminated with natural insecticides or solutions of water with neutral soap.
• Caterpillars: They may chew leaves; check frequently and remove them manually or apply biological solutions.
• Mildew: Fungal disease caused by excess moisture. Improving ventilation and correcting irrigation are usually sufficient.

Multiplication and reproduction

Propagation by cuttings

The simplest and most effective way to multiply the money plant is by cuttings:

1. Cut a healthy stem between 10 and 15 cm long, ideally without flowers and in the warm season.
2. Remove the lower leaves and place the stem in water or directly in moist substrate.
3. Change the water if it is growing in a container, or keep the substrate barely moist if it is in soil.
4. When 2-3 cm roots appear, transplant the cutting to its final location.

Other options

• Division of bush: By removing the mother plant from the pot, the roots and stems can be carefully separated to obtain new seedlings.
• Sowing seeds: Although it's less common and slower, it's also possible. It's recommended to use a light substrate and maintain constant humidity.
• Reproduction by layering: If the stems touch the soil in the garden, they will easily produce roots; cutting them from the parent plant will yield new specimens.

Adverse environmental conditions: causes and solutions

• Lack of light: Plants with weak stems and small leaves often receive little light; move them to a brighter area.
• Excess of water: Causes rot and fungus. Adjust watering frequency and check the pot's drainage.
• Extreme temperatures: Below 10°C, it's recommended to protect it indoors. During heat waves, increase spraying and avoid direct sunlight.

Decorative utility and benefits in the home

• Indoor uses: Ideal for tall shelves, hanging baskets, or combined with other hanging plants and succulents. It purifies the air and brings freshness to the room.
• Outdoors: It can decorate balconies, patios, or planters, as long as direct exposure to the sun is avoided and it is protected from the cold.
• easy maintenance: Perfect for beginners or people with little time thanks to its durability and ease of play.

Curiosities, myths and traditions

• Give fortune: In many cultures, giving a “money plant” is a sign of good wishes and prosperity.
• The coin in the pot: Burying a coin next to the plant is a tradition that aims to attract more abundance.
• Pet Safety: Since it is non-toxic, it can be grown safely in homes with dogs and cats.
• Air quality: It helps filter household pollutants and improves the atmosphere in offices, living rooms and bedrooms.
• Adaptation to different regions: It thrives in temperate, humid climates like northern Spain, but also in continental or warm climates, provided proper protection and placement guidelines are followed.

The money plant (Plectranthus verticillatus) is much more than a simple ornament. Its hardiness, ease of cultivation, perennial beauty, and legends make it an essential element of the botanical repertoire for both experts and those new to the world of plants. If you're looking for a grateful plant that grows quickly and multiplies easily, while also adding a touch of green and positive symbolism to your home or office, this is undoubtedly an excellent choice. The secret to enjoying its best version is to pay attention to light, watering, and drainage, and don't hesitate to reproduce it to share its vibrations with others. Incorporating the money plant into your life is a decision with multiple decorative, environmental, and personal rewards.