Plectranthus ernstii

The Bonsai Mint is the common name of the perennial evergreen Plectranthus ernstii. Discovered by horticulturist Ernst van Jaarsveld, the plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The Mint Bonsai has a high heat tolerance level. This variety with swollen as well as jointed stems and fragrant green foliage is a semi-succulent that grows in South Africa along the North-Eastern Cape to the Southern KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The plant reaches a height of about 18 inches; the sub-shrub bonsai-shaped plant can flower multiple times in the year when it bears purple flowers on a short inflorescence. An essential part of Bonsai Mint care is that it needs full sun to shaded light. Growth Rate The Plectranthus ernstii caudex is a slow-growing plant. Flowering The Mint Bonsai can flower multiple times in a year. The flowers are purple to white colors on a small inflorescence. Watering and Feeding Plectranthus ernstii care is simple. It is drought-tolerant and needs regular watering but not overwatering. When watering, wet the topsoil and rewater only when the soil is completely dry. Soil Bonsai Mint needs well-drained soil. Plectranthus ernstii bonsai care tip is to use a well-drained medium like perlite or vermiculite. Choose humus-rich soil for the best growth. Hardiness This plant grows well in hardiness zones 8 to 11. It is slightly frost-hardy with a cold tolerance temperature range of 20.12 to 25.16°F (-6.6 to -3.8°C). Light Plectranthus ernstii grows well in full sun on the coasts to shaded inland areas. Propagation The best way of propagation is by using seeds or stem cuttings. Bonsai Mint is best suited as a houseplant and is ideal for gifting too. Planet Desert features high-quality Plectranthus ernstii for sale. Order yours today!