How to Grow and Care for Vicks Plant

The Vicks Plant, Plectranthus tomentosa, is a perennial herb in the mint family recognized for its unique fragrance. Its most notable feature is the strong camphor and menthol scent released from its leaves when touched. This succulent-like plant has thick, fuzzy leaves with scalloped edges and can produce lavender flowers under the right conditions.

Vicks Plant Care

Light

This plant grows best in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal location is near a window where it can receive several hours of gentle sunlight daily. While it can handle some direct morning sun, harsh afternoon sunlight should be avoided as it can burn the leaves.

Water

As a drought-tolerant plant with succulent qualities, the Vicks Plant has modest water needs. It is best to water the plant only when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering is a common mistake and can lead to root rot, so ensuring the plant does not sit in standing water is important for its survival.

Soil

A well-draining potting mix, such as those formulated for cacti and succulents, is the ideal choice. This type of soil allows excess water to escape, preventing the waterlogged conditions that cause root rot. Standard potting mixes can be used if amended with perlite or sand to improve drainage.

Temperature and Humidity

Vicks Plants prefer warm conditions between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and must be protected from frost. The plant is not demanding about humidity and does well in average household levels. In drier homes, occasional misting can be beneficial.

Fertilizer

To support growth during spring and summer, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month. It is not a heavy feeder, so excessive fertilization should be avoided. Fertilizing is not necessary during the fall and winter when growth naturally slows.

Aromatic and Traditional Uses

The Vicks Plant is named for its scent, which is similar to Vicks VapoRub, but it is not an ingredient in the product. The aroma comes from camphor and menthol essential oils within the leaves. Gently rubbing or crushing the foliage releases its powerful fragrance.

This aroma has led to several traditional uses. People crush the leaves to use as a natural air freshener, add them to hot water to inhale steam for congestion, or use the scent as a natural insect repellent. It is important to note that the plant is for aromatic purposes only and not for ingestion. Consult a healthcare professional before using it for any health-related application.

Propagating Vicks Plant

Propagating the Vicks Plant is a straightforward process using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and cut a section that is at least four to six inches long with several leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to expose the nodes.

You can place the cut end into a glass of water or plant it directly into a pot with a well-draining soil mix. Ensure the remaining leaves stay above the waterline or soil. Place the cutting in a location that receives bright, indirect light to encourage rooting, which occurs within a few weeks.

Common Issues and Solutions

A common issue is “legginess,” where stems become long and sparse due to insufficient light or infrequent pruning. Trimming the plant regularly encourages a bushier shape, and the cuttings can be used for propagation.

Yellowing leaves and soft stems are classic signs of overwatering. If this occurs, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. For pests, look for mealybugs, which appear as small, white, cottony masses. Remove them by dabbing with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.