Cultivation of canine Coleus (Plectranthus caninus)

The first time I heard the name Coleus canina, the first thing I asked myself was: Is it a disease that dogs suffer from? I was very, very wrong. It’s a plant! It has to do with dogs and cats but in no case with any condition or disease. Its real scientific name is Plectranthus caninus  and today we dedicate the post to it because apart from having a pleasant aroma and a beautiful flower, its main characteristic is…. Read a little more and you will know.

MEET THE COLEUS CANINA PLANT ( PLECTRANTHUS CANINUS )

As we anticipated in the opening paragraph, although the name by which it is known may seem like the botanical name, the truth is that it is not. It is Plectranthus caninus, from the same family as the well-known money plant In fact, the shape and arrangement of the leaves is very similar.

The name that defines the species refers to dogs in both cases (canina, caninus). In reality there is not much information or very precise about this plant. It is said that it is a hybrid although this statement is not very clear to us. Other sources locate its origin in areas of South Asia and East Africa . In addition to this uncertainty of its origin, what is clear is its purpose that we now tell you.

THE TWO VIRTUES OF COLEUS CANINA

The first of them (the least important) is its aroma , which we do not know if it is pleasant or unpleasant but what we do know is that it is intense , especially if the plant is shaken. We have found that it has an aroma that may be reminiscent of marijuana mixed with a citrusy air but we cannot confirm this.

The second and for which this plant is known, is that this intense aroma can have a repellent effect on dogs and cats . It does not seem that there are scientific studies that demonstrate this quality but it is sold for that purpose.

In the city of Valencia a few years ago they wanted to do tests in the flowerbeds and tree pits of the city to avoid the depositions of the dogs in these places. The news regarding such an attempt places this plant as something positive. I quote: In the first place, the plant has achieved its climatic adaptation, in the absence of spending the winter “and, secondly,” the effectiveness of its repulsive action has been demonstrated in its strictest proximity.

We leave you the link of the news

IF YOU WANT TO PLANT COLEUS CANINA WE WILL TELL YOU ITS NEEDS

It is a silver that does not require excessive care. Here are a few little notions.

TEMPERATURES AND SUN EXPOSURE

It is a temperate-warm climate plant. Too hot summer temperatures can spoil this canine-feline barrier. Winters do not endure well in cold places. If the weather is very hot, it will be better in semi shade . There are no specific thermal references.

In the news they mention that the plant does not know how it will behave during the winter (Valencia) and there is no further data. It is best for everyone to try and see the results wherever they live. Anyway, we don’t think it can handle cold winters.

IRRIGATION

This plant does require a certain amount of water. A weekly frequency in winter will be more than enough, a frequency that will increase as the heats arrive. In summer you may need water every 2 or 3 days.

MULTIPLICATION

It is very possible that you have to get some seed but once you have it, reproduction by cutting will be the simplest. We cannot tell you much more about this peculiar plant. We will have to get one and try it with the house dog or cat!

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