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Pink Fly BushPlectranthus fruticosus

Also known as Forest Spur-Flower

  • Category: Ornamental
  • Type: Shrub
  • Sunlight: Prefers bright, indirect light.
  • Water: Water when the top soil is dry.
  • Temperature: Prefers average room temperatures.

Plectranthus fruticosus, the pink fly bush, is a fast-growing shrub prized for its attractive foliage and clusters of delicate, pink-purple flowers.

Photograph © riana60 · CC-BY-NC

Pink Fly Bush Care Summary

At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data

Light

Prefers bright, indirect light.

75% intensity

Can tolerate partial shade, but may flower less.

Watering

Water when the top soil is dry.

50% intensity

Avoid overwatering, ensure good drainage.

Soil

Well-drained

50% intensity

Temperature

Prefers average room temperatures.

50% intensity

Ideal range is 18-24°C. Avoid frost.

Fertilizer

Feed during growing season.

50% intensity

Use diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks in spring/summer.

Pink Fly Bush Toxicity

Safety information from plant toxicity data

Toxicity details for Pink Fly Bush
AttributeValue
Toxic for humansNo

0/5 intensity

Toxic for petsNo

0/5 intensity

EdibleNo

Non-toxic

Pink Fly Bush Quick Facts

Key traits and growing stats from plant data

Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Category
Ornamental
Plant Place Type
Garden, Pot
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Height
0.6-1.5 m
Spread
0.6-1.5 m
Growth Rate
Moderate
Dormancy
None
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Simple
Flower Size
small
Optimal Sunlight Lux
60000

Care guide for Pink Fly Bush

Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data

Water

Water regularly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Plectranthus fruticosus prefers consistently moist soil but dislikes waterlogged conditions. Reduce watering slightly in cooler months to prevent root rot.

Ensure good drainage to avoid issues.

Pruning

Prune Plectranthus fruticosus regularly to maintain a bushy shape and encourage more flowers. Trim back leggy stems by about one-third to one-half.

Pruning can be done any time, but is most effective in spring before the main growth flush.

Propagation

Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 10-15 cm cuttings from healthy stems in spring or summer. Remove lower leaves and insert into moist potting mix. Roots will form within a few weeks in a warm location.

Repotting

Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Repot in spring, just as new growth begins to emerge.

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Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths96
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JanPeak fruit · Jan
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths9966

Pink Fly Bush Names & Synonyms

Common names and botanical synonyms

Common Names

  • Forest Spur-Flower
  • Pink Fly Bush

Synonyms

  • Germanea urticifolia Lam.
  • Plectranthus arthropodus Briq.
  • Plectranthus behrii Compton
  • Plectranthus charianthus Briq.
  • Plectranthus galpinii Schltr.
  • Plectranthus peglerae T.Cooke
  • Plectranthus urticifolius (Lam.) Salisb.

Pink Fly Bush Taxonomy

Botanical classification

Taxonomic classification of Pink Fly Bush
RankName
kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderLamiales
familyLamiaceae
genusPlectranthus
speciesPlectranthus fruticosus

Pink Fly Bush FAQs

Answers based on plant encyclopedia data

What are the light requirements for Plectranthus fruticosus?

Plectranthus fruticosus thrives in full sun to partial shade. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial.

How often should I water my pink fly bush?

Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

What kind of soil does Plectranthus fruticosus prefer?

It prefers well-draining soil. A loamy or sandy loam is ideal.

Can Plectranthus fruticosus be grown indoors?

Yes, Plectranthus fruticosus can be grown indoors as a houseplant, provided it receives adequate light and is not overwatered.

How do I prune Plectranthus fruticosus?

Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinch back stems to promote branching, and trim after flowering to encourage repeat blooms.