Indian borage
Coleus amboinicus · Lamiaceae
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⚠️ Feuilles toxiques par ingestion pour chats ; huile essentielle irritante pour enfants et animaux.
The gardener's calendar
Indian borage is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Common name
- Cuban oregano, Cuban mint
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Type
- Perennial herb
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fragrant
- Flowering
- July to September, purple flowers
- Adult height
- Approximately 40 cm
- Origin
- Southeast Asia (Indonesia)
- Hardiness
- Not very hardy, container growing recommended
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Coleus amboinicus loves heat and moderate humidity, fears frost and drying out. In cold zones, grow in a pot that you bring indoors for winter.
The common mistake
Leaving it outside after October in cool climates weakens it quickly, even if it thrived all summer.
The pro's trick
Take cuttings in August-September (10 cm stems) and keep them at 18-20°C indoors: you'll have reserve plants that stay compact and vigorous.
Care
Light and exposure
Cuban oregano thrives in bright light and indirect sunlight. It tolerates partial shade but produces denser, more fragrant foliage in sunny exposure. Protect it from intense direct rays that could scorch the leaves.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but not overly wet. Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer) and reduce watering in winter. Let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Pruning and harvesting
Pinch back young stems regularly to encourage branching and create a bushy plant. Harvest leaves as needed, which stimulates growth. Remove flowers as they appear if you prefer to direct energy toward the foliage.
Soil and repotting
Use well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter, with added perlite or sand. Repot in spring if the plant becomes crowded. Soil that is too heavy promotes fungal diseases.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced diluted fertilizer once monthly during the growing season (April to September). Excess nitrogen can dilute the leaf aroma; choose a light formula suited to aromatic plants.
Pests and diseases
Watch for spider mites and scale insects, especially indoors in heated spaces. Excess humidity promotes powdery mildew and root rot; ensure good air circulation. Isolate any infested plant promptly and treat gently with natural solutions.
Did you know?
Despite its nickname 'Cuban oregano,' this plant originates from Southeast Asia (Indonesia). It also goes by the names 'Cuban mint' and 'Plectranthus amboinicus' in reference to its botanical discovery location. In Indian and South Asian cuisines, it has been prized for centuries for its unique aroma—both spicy and slightly lemony.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- ThymeThymus vulgaris
- LavenderLavandula angustifolia
- SageSalvia officinalis
- RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
- BasilOcimum basilicum
- BugleAjuga reptans
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.