Plectranthus ornatus

Growing in Pots, Balconies & Indoors

Plectranthus ornatus is a small, semi-succulent spur flower. The grower does not class it as a true houseplant, but at 40-70 cm (16-28 in) and tolerant of both half shade and full sun it is an easy container plant that can also grow on a bright windowsill.

Quick Details

• Container Size: A small-to-medium pot, potting up as it fills
• Indoor Suitability: Not a deep-indoor houseplant, but happy on a bright, sunny sill
• Best Spot: Half shade to full sun on a balcony or patio
• Soil & Drainage: Gritty, free-draining mix – it likes to dry between waterings
• Watering in Pots: Sparing – it needs only a small amount of water; let it dry out between drinks

Indoors & On the Windowsill

• Windowsill, not deep indoors: The grower doesn’t list it as a houseplant, but its compact, sun-loving habit means a bright, sunny sill suits it well – give it the strongest light you have.
• Overwintering: Tender and easy to keep as a small potted plant indoors over a cold winter; it roots readily from cuttings.

On a Balcony or Patio

• Light & exposure: It takes full sun to half shade on a balcony. Its fleshy leaves cope with heat, but pots still dry fast against warm walls – just avoid overwatering.

Choosing the Pot, Soil & Long-Term Care

• Pot & drainage: A pot with strong drainage holes; skip a standing-water saucer to avoid root rot. Terracotta suits it well, breathing and drying faster than glazed or plastic.
• Potting mix: A gritty, aerated mix – add perlite or coarse sand for sharp drainage.
• Feeding: A light feed now and then in growth is plenty; pinch tips to keep it bushy.
• Repotting: Refresh the mix or pot up every couple of years, or restart from cuttings.

Bloom & Flower Guide

Quick Details

• Bloom Season: Spring, summer and autumn
• Flower Appearance: Small purple flowers with an open, two-lipped “mouth” shape, carried in loose spikes on upright stalks
• Edibility: Ornamental only — grown for its aromatic, succulent foliage and its flowers, not for eating

Detailed Blooming Overview

This succulent-leaved Plectranthus flowers over a long warm-season run, sending up slender stalks of small, hooded purple flowers above its scented foliage. It is an easy, spreading plant that blooms freely in good light, and the little two-lipped flowers are a typical mint-family shape that pollinators readily visit.

Flower Characteristics

• Small purple, two-lipped (mouth-shaped) flowers.
• Held in loose whorled spikes on upright stalks above the leaves.

Bloom Care & Thinning

• Encouraging bloom: Bright light and free-draining soil give the best flowering; it copes well with dry spells.
• Prolonging the display: Trim back spent flower stalks and pinch the plant to keep it bushy and blooming.
• Pollination: The flowers draw bees and other pollinating insects.