Growing and caring for Plectranthus Mona Lavender

Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’ is a striking new flowering houseplant from South Africa. Don’t despair as the days shorten, because that’s when Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’ begins an outstanding show of blooms atop dark green leaves, colored purple beneath. You probably know its cousin, Swedish Ivy, and other members of the Mint family that are prized for foliage, not flowers. ‘Mona Lavender’ is an adaptable houseplant for partial shade, making a stunning debut after years of development at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in South Africa. Shipped in an 8in, purple clay pot with matching saucer.

LIGHT: This unfussy hybrid from South Africa grows well as a houseplant in bright, indirect light or partial sun. The leaves will be darker green above and darker purple beneath if plants receive more light. A day-length of 12 hours or less promotes flowering.

TEMPERATURE: Day and night temperatures of 60–80°F are fine year round.

WATERING: Water when the top ½ -inch of the potting mix is dry to the touch.

FERTILIZER: Withhold fertilizer while your plant is in flower during the short days of the year. After flowering has finished, feed every 2 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer that is lower in phosphorus (such as 20-10-20) mixed at half strength.

CONTINUING CARE: Although a member of the Mint Family, ‘Mona Lavender’ does not spread and is easily kept compact by occasionally pinching off the tips of new shoots. Cut off flower stalks when their blooms have faded. Repot your plant into a slightly larger pot in spring.