Cuban oregano
Plectranthus amboinicus
Cuban oregano could be called an herbal smorgasbord. Other common names for it include Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, and Indian mint — an indication of its complex flavor. Cuban oregano has fuzzy succulent leaves on a plant that grows 12-18 inches tall and wide. It doesn’t survive freezing temperatures, but it is easy to start from cuttings. Plants can be taken indoors over winter and treated as houseplants. Cuban oregano is not a true mint, but rather is more closely related to Swedish ivy.
Light: Part sun, Sun
Type: 1 to 3 feet
Width: To 18 inches wide
Flower color: Blue, Purple, White
Seasonal features: Summer bloom
Problem solvers: Drought tolerant
Special features: Cut flowers. Fragrance. Good for containers, Low maintenance
Zones: 9-11
How to grow Cuban Oregano
Spanish thyme, and Indian mint — an indication of its complex flavor. Cuban oregano has fuzzy succulent leaves on a plant that grows 12-18 inches tall and wide. It doesn’t survive freezing temperatures, but it is easy to start from cuttings. Plants can be taken indoors over winter and treated as houseplants. Cuban oregano is not a true mint, but rather is more closely related to Swedish ivy
The brittle stems and colorful foliage resemble the common Coleus. Growth is slow in the winter months and moderate in spring and summer. Heat and direct sun don’t seem to adversely affect growth or appearance. Insignificant flower stems form in the fall. It is extremely tender so grow in a protected area or keep it mobile in a pot so it can be placed in a controlled environment in the winter. Propagate vegetatively, from cuttings. Terminal cuttings only slightly benefit from a root hormone, but it is probably not cost effective. They are placed in a well-drained rooting medium with 72-75F bottom heat. Rooting will occur in about 10-14 days. Can be direct stuck or transplanted to 4″ pots in 3-4 weeks. Plants grow best in the winter months with as much sunlight as possible. However, if producing plants for a summer market, 30-50% shade results in less stress and water consumption. Supplemental lighting is not required unless a fast winter crop is desired. Plant growth will be delayed at temperatures below 60F,.day temperatures of 70-75F day temperatures are recommended, night temperatures of 62-65F are recommended. Oregano Plectranthus is best finished in a 4″ container, but for larger containers (one gallon, ~6″ pot), two plants per container can be used or a single pinch can be provided. For baskets, 3 cuttings per 10-12″ basket. Plants will finish in 4-9 weeks from a rooted cutting, depending on the container size. No particular nutritional needs. Nutrition of 75-100ppm N 20-10-20 seems to be adequate, few nutritional problems have been seen. Do not over fertilize or plants will get soft and too leafy. No growth regulators needed in the greenhouse. In the greenhouse, white flies can be a problem.
