How to Grow and Care for Spurflower

The genus Plectranthus, commonly known as spurflower, is a group of fast-growing plants appreciated for their foliage and seasonal flowers. As a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, these plants originate from regions like southern Africa, India, and Australia. They are characterized by the square-shaped stems and aromatic leaves common to mints. Spurflowers include annuals, perennials, and soft-wooded shrubs, making them versatile for use in containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds.

Popular Spurflower Varieties

‘Mona Lavender’ is a popular hybrid known for its spikes of lavender-purple flowers that bloom from fall through spring. It has a bushy, upright habit with dark green, glossy leaves that feature deep purple undersides. This contrast provides color even when the plant is not in bloom, making it a great choice for containers.

Plectranthus verticillatus, commonly called Swedish Ivy, is not a true ivy but is known for its trailing habit. Its long, cascading stems are covered in rounded, scalloped-edged green leaves that create a lush appearance. This makes it an ideal choice for hanging baskets where its trailing nature can be fully appreciated.

‘Velvet Elvis’ is an improvement over ‘Mona Lavender’, featuring larger, deep lavender-blue flowers on more substantial spikes. The foliage is a deep green with a velvety texture and purple undersides. The plant maintains a compact, mounding habit excellent for adding bold color to container arrangements or garden borders.

Spurflower Care Guide

Light

Most spurflower varieties perform best in bright, indirect light. While some can tolerate full sun in milder climates, many benefit from protection against intense afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves. When grown indoors, place them near an eastern or western-facing window. Consistent, filtered light promotes lush foliage and encourages abundant blooms.

Water

These plants prefer their soil to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering is a common issue and can lead to root rot, so ensuring the pot has adequate drainage is important. Although they can tolerate brief periods of drought, they will perform better with regular hydration.

Soil

Spurflowers thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A quality potting mix amended with compost or peat moss works well for container-grown plants, as this provides nutrients while preventing water stagnation. For garden planting, incorporating organic material into the soil improves its structure and fertility. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral.

Temperature and Humidity

These plants prefer moderate temperatures, thriving in a range between 65-75°F (18-24°C). They are not frost-tolerant, so if grown outdoors in colder climates, they should be treated as annuals or brought inside before the first frost. Spurflowers appreciate average to high humidity. In dry indoor environments, occasional misting or placing the plant on a pebble tray with water can increase ambient moisture.

Fertilizer

To support their fast growth, spurflowers benefit from regular feeding during the growing season of spring and fall. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, can be applied every two to four weeks. For houseplants, it is recommended to dilute the fertilizer to half-strength to avoid over-fertilizing. This feeding promotes vibrant foliage and strong flower production.

Pruning

Regular pruning helps maintain a spurflower’s shape and encourages fuller, bushier growth. Pinching back the tips of the stems, especially on young plants, stimulates branching. For trailing varieties, trimming the stems can keep them from becoming too sparse. After flowering, trimming off the spent flower spikes will keep the plant looking tidy and may encourage a second flush of blooms on some varieties.

Propagating Spurflower

Spurflower is easily propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the spring or early summer when the plant is in a period of active growth. This method allows gardeners to easily multiply their collection or share plants with others.

To begin, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and use sterile scissors to cut a 4- to 6-inch section from the tip. Make the cut just below a leaf node. Carefully remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only two or three sets at the top. This prevents the buried portion of the stem from rotting and directs the cutting’s energy toward root production.

The prepared cuttings can be rooted in either water or soil. To root in water, place the cutting in a glass of filtered water, ensuring the remaining leaves stay above the waterline. Change the water every few days. Once roots are an inch or two long, the cutting can be planted in soil. Alternatively, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it directly into a pot with moist, well-draining potting mix.

Common Problems and Solutions

One of the most frequent issues with spurflowers is leggy growth, where stems become long and sparse with few leaves. This is a sign of insufficient light, as the plant stretches toward a light source. To resolve this, move the plant to a location where it can receive more bright, indirect sunlight. Pruning the leggy stems back will also encourage more compact growth.

Yellowing leaves can point to a problem with watering. Overwatering is a common cause, leading to root rot and preventing the roots from absorbing nutrients. Ensure the soil is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings and that the pot has good drainage. Conversely, nutrient deficiencies can also cause leaves to yellow, which can be remedied by applying a balanced fertilizer.

Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids can affect spurflowers, especially when grown indoors. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions and may cause a speckled appearance on leaves, while mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses. These pests can be managed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by treating the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.