- origin
- growth
- leaves
- blossom
- Which location is suitable?
- balcony
- What soil does the plant need?
- Water incense plant
- Fertilize frankincense plants properly
- hardy
- hibernate
- Properly cut frankincense plant
- Propagate frankincense plant
- Is frankincense plant poisonous?
- sorts
Although the frankincense plant is not related to the real frankincense tree, it exudes a very similar, wonderfully ethereal-spicy scent. A true pleasure for the senses on sunny seats on the balcony, the terrace or in the living room!
The frankincense plant not only smells good, it also looks very attractive
Table of Contents
Show all- origin
- growth
- leaves
- blossom
- Which location is suitable?
- balcony
- What soil does the plant need?
- Water incense plant
- Fertilize frankincense plants properly
- hardy
- hibernate
- Properly cut frankincense plant
- Propagate frankincense plant
- Is frankincense plant poisonous?
- sorts
- Plectranthus species commonly native to much of tropical to subtropical Africa, the Far East and Australia
- Only the cultivated varieties of the species P. glabratus and P. forsteri are referred to as 'frankincense plants', these come from tropical Southeast Asia and the southwestern Pacific islands
- No botanical relationship with real frankincense tree, just a similarly spicy-ethereal scent
- Plectranthus species mostly perennials, less often annuals, sometimes semi-shrubs
- Hairy, erect to pendulous stems
- Frankincense plants show a clearly hanging habit with a height of 20 - 30 cm and long shoots
- Rapid growth
- Leaves in frankincense plants main decoration
- Start opposite
- Short-stalked, ovate, crenate leaf margins
- Pretty variegation in cultivars
- Essential oils give off a spicy scent
- If possible, a sunny, warm location, but partial shade is also possible
- Growth and variegation are best with a lot of light
- Ideal in hanging basket
- Water quite a lot, especially on hot summer days
- But avoid waterlogging
- Additional occasional overspray
- Use soft, lukewarm water
origin
The frankincense plant belongs to the large genus of harp shrubs, botanically Plectranthus, within the mint family. This genus includes an impressive number of over 350 species, some of which differ in growth and habit.
Harp shrubs come mainly from tropical to subtropical areas of Africa and the Far East, some species are also native to parts of Australia and New Zealand and the Near East. Depending on the species, they inhabit quite different habitats from warm, humid forests to cooler, maritime climate zones such as the South African Cape region. With us, the vast majority of Plectranthus species are not hardy.
Basically, only the cultivated varieties of the two common species Plectranthus glabratus and Pectranthus forsteri are referred to as frankincense plants. P. coleoides is also one of them, but is less common in its pure form. The species P. glabratus is native to the tropical Far Southeast, parts of India, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, while the species P. forsteri is native to the southwestern Pacific Islands (Fiji, Vanuatu).
The trivial collective name 'frankincense plant' is due to the spicy-ethereal scent that these species exude. It is reminiscent of that of the real frankincense tree (botanically Boswellia carterii), with which the frankincense plant is not remotely related. Nevertheless, frankincense plants with their fragrant character have a very high value for the sensual design of balconies and terraces. They are also supposed to drive away moths and mosquitoes. However, not only the frankincense plants, but also most other Plectranthus species smell quite intense and ethereal, some are also used as spice plants.
Origin at a glance:
growth
Plectranthus species usually grow as perennials, some are only annual or form a semi-shrub habit. There are also succulent varieties. The upright to overhanging stems form long shoots and are hairy.
The frankincense plants in particular develop a more hanging than upright habit - they only grow to a height of around 20 to 30 cm overall, but develop very long hanging shoots that take up a lot of space. This must be taken into account, especially with the balcony culture. Frankincense plants also grow very quickly.
Growth characteristics in keywords:
leaves
From an ornamental gardening point of view, the leaves are the main thing in the incense plants. With their shape and colour, they have much more to offer aesthetically than the inconspicuous flowers - frankincense plants are therefore clearly among the ornamental foliage plants in our local garden culture.
As with most Plectranthus species, the leaves of frankincense plants are opposite on the richly branched stems. They are short-stalked and have an ovate contour with softly notched leaf margins. Characteristic of the varieties sold in specialist shops is the pretty variegation, which usually shows in a fresh green center and irregular creamy white edges. The essential oils contained in the leaves are of course responsible for the incense-like scent, which is particularly intense when touched.
Sheet properties in brief:
blossom
As I said: The flowers play a supporting role in frankincense plants. These are small, inconspicuous, whitish paniculate inflorescences that appear between May and August.
Which location is suitable?
Frankincense plants need a sunny, warm location, but they can also do well in partially shaded places. In any case, you should ensure a few hours of sunshine if you value a vigorous, compact growth and a beautiful development of the leaf variegation. In partial shade, the plant can become somewhat sparse and sparse in leaves. Because of its overhanging growth with long shoots, cultivation in a hanging basket is highly advisable. So the plant not only has enough space below, but also comes into its own with its hanging habit.
The frankincense plant can also be kept indoors all year round. There you should treat her to a bright window seat. It gets along well with a pleasant living temperature of 18 to 20°C.
To remember:
balcony
The one incense plant on the balcony is very nice, where it can enhance the rather narrow seats not only with its leaves, which are very pretty in detail, but also with the scent that escapes intensely when touched. In addition, a balcony often offers good conditions for an incense plant due to its close-to-home and sheltered character. Of course, it is best if it faces south. In the case of balconies in residential complexes, the next higher neighboring balcony can also be used to hang up a hanging basket.
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What soil does the plant need?
When it comes to substrate, frankincense plants are not very picky. It should only be reasonably nutritious and permeable. You can best use an all-purpose potting mix and upgrade it with some leaf compost. This is how you provide your frankincense plant with good, organic fertilizer over the long term. Loosen the soil with some sand to ensure good water drainage. A certain mineral content also helps to store water.
Water incense plant
Frankincense plants are relatively thirsty and require your constant attention, especially in summer and when they are sunny. If the weather is very warm and sunny, you will be asked to water the can at least once a day. Make sure that the soil stays moist at all times, but avoid waterlogging. In addition, it is also good for the tropical plant to get a refreshing shower from the water disperser every now and then. This is especially recommended if you keep them indoors all year round. It is best to use soft, lukewarm water. The frankincense plant is also suitable for hydroponics.
To remember:
Fertilize frankincense plants properly
During the main vegetation phase, from about May to August, you can provide the frankincense plant with some liquid fertilizer for balcony or green plants about every 14 days. In winter there is no fertilization. You should only fertilize a freshly bought or repotted specimen after about 6 weeks at the earliest.
hardy
Like most Plectranthus species, the frankincense plants, which originate from the tropically warm regions of Far Asia, are of course not prepared for our Central European winters. Permanent outdoor cultivation is therefore not possible.
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hibernate
If you keep an incense plant outside in the summer, you must bring it inside in the fall as soon as the first frosts appear because of its sensitivity to cold. Although they are not used to any seasons like ours in their homeland, you should adjust the environmental conditions a little in winter - because deprivation of light is unavoidable. The vegetation break that occurs accordingly must also be accompanied by a slightly lower ambient temperature and less watering. In the winter quarters, the temperature should be around 12 to 16 °C, reduce watering to a minimum - just enough so that the root ball does not dry out completely.
From March, when the amount of light increases noticeably, you start watering more intensively again and can start with the first fertilizer applications.
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Properly cut frankincense plant
In fact, frankincense plants do not need to be pruned - if they are sunny and warm, they develop a beautiful, compact growth and if they are kept in the plant basket, the long hanging shoots make up their typical character. Nevertheless, they can of course be too long for one or the other. If so, they can easily be shortened. You should also clean out any bare or dried-up shoots, if they occur at all.
Use the sharpest possible cutting tool for pruning measures so as not to crush the somewhat delicate stems and do not cut into the woody lower areas.
Propagate frankincense plant
Frankincense plants are best propagated by cuttings. To do this, cut about 7 cm long cuttings from healthy shoots in the spring, preferably directly under a leaf base. Remove the leaves in the lower area and put the prepared cuttings in a planter with potting soil. Place this in a bright, warm place - the ambient temperature should be around 20°C. Keep the soil evenly moist, the cuttings have good growth chances in a uniformly warm and humid microclimate under foil or in a mini greenhouse.
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Is frankincense plant poisonous?
The frankincense plant is not poisonous. Even if the varieties of Plectranthus glabratus and forsteri are not suitable as spice plants, they are not dangerous for curious small children or pets.
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sorts
In specialist shops you will find many crossed breeds, especially of the Plectranthus glabratus and forsteri varieties. These differ a little in the coloring of the leaves.
The best known and best-selling variety is probably Plectranthus forsteri 'Marginatus'. It is attractively variegated with the typical creamy-white margins around a fresh green heart.
The variety P. f. 'Aureus Variegatus' has slightly yellowish, green leaves and is characterized by long, beautifully hanging shoots.
The P. f. 'Nico' variety is also relatively popular. Its leaves have no variegation, but are no less attractive with their fine-edged, pointed contour and the combination of dark green upper side and violet lower side.