Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months or when the plant is dormant.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Also known as Cliff Spurflower · Komarzyca · Purple Swedish Ivy
Plectranthus purpuratus is a low-growing, spreading perennial herb with decorative, velvety, purplish-green leaves and small white flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some partial shade, but may become leggy.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Well-draining
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in average room temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months or when the plant is dormant.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Prune Plectranthus purpuratus to maintain a bushy shape and encourage more foliage. Pinch back the tips of stems regularly. Remove any leggy or overgrown shoots.
Pruning can be done anytime during the growing season to control size and shape.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy stems, remove the lower leaves, and insert them into moist potting mix or water. Roots will typically form within a few weeks.
Plant cuttings in well-draining soil once rooted.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Repotting is best done in spring before the active growing season begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Plectranthus Purpuratus (Plectranthus purpuratus)
Where Plectranthus Purpuratus (Plectranthus purpuratus) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Plectranthus |
| Species | Plectranthus purpuratus |
Similar in genus Plectranthus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data