Plectranthus ernstii — rooted cutting (see last three photographs) - UK grown!
Species: Plectranthus ernstii (syn. “Bonsai mint”, “Caudiciform spur-flower”)
What you will receive: one well-rooted cutting taken this spring from my healthy mother plant.
Photographs:
Photos 1–2 — mother plant in leaf and in flower (for reference only; not included in the sale).
Photos 3–5 — you will receive one of the two plants.
| Aspect | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, filtered light to a little morning sun. Avoid intense midday rays behind glass. | Indoors near an east– or south-east-facing window is ideal; may stand outside in summer once night-time temperatures stay above 10 °C. (BBC Gardeners World Magazine, EarthOne) |
| Temperature | 12 – 28 °C (frost-tender). | Move under cover before the first autumn frost. (BBC Gardeners World Magazine) |
| Compost | Free-draining, mineral-rich mix — e.g. 2 parts cactus compost : 1 part perlite or grit. | The swollen caudex dislikes water-logging. (pza.sanbi.org, EarthOne) |
| Watering | Water thoroughly, then allow the top 2–3 cm of compost to dry before re-watering. Reduce sharply in winter. | Over-watering may split the caudex or cause rot. (Swindon & District Bonsai, EarthOne) |
| Feeding | Half-strength, balanced liquid fertiliser once a month from April to September. | Withhold feed when growth slows. (Plantin, EarthOne) |
| Pruning / training | Pinch out soft tips to encourage branching; older stems lignify attractively for bonsai effect. | Wire is rarely necessary — shape is achieved by selective pruning. (Swindon & District Bonsai) |
Royal Horticultural Society plant profile for Plectranthus ernstii — concise cultural notes and nomenclature. (RHS)
PlantZAfrica (South African National Biodiversity Institute) — in-depth species background and propagation methods. (pza.sanbi.org)
BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine — UK-centred guidance on light, temperature and overwintering. (BBC Gardeners World Magazine)