Lamiaceae
Vicks Plant (Plectranthus ornatus)
Plectranthus ornatus
Easy-care aromatic groundcover. Thrives in full sun to partial shade with moderate watering and well-draining soil. Grows quickly and tolerates drought once established.
Every 3 days
Partial shade
10° - 30°C
30% - 60%
Categories
What is Vicks Plant?
Vicks Plant (Plectranthus ornatus) is a easy-care plant from the Lamiaceae family. Plectranthus ornatus, commonly known as the Vicks Plant, is a fast-growing aromatic groundcover native to East Africa (Ethiopia and Tanzania). Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, it is widely grown as both a medicinal herb and ornamental plant, prized for its menthol-like fragrance and digestive heal...
Vicks Plant grows up to 40cm, with spread of 60cm, watering every 3 days, 10°C â 30°C, 30â60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Vicks Plant tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Vicks Plant is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 7 days.
How to Care for Vicks Plant?
TLDR: Vicks Plant needs Partial shade, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between 10-30°C with 30-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Vicks Plant?
Water every 2-3 days during warm seasons, reducing in winter. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
How Much Light Does Vicks Plant Need?
Prefers full sun (at least 4-6 hours daily) or bright indirect light. In very hot climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
What Is the Best Soil for Vicks Plant?
Use well-draining, organically rich soil. A mix of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite works well. Ideal pH 6.0-7.0. Avoid heavy clay soils.
What Pot Should You Use for Vicks Plant?
Terracotta or ceramic pots with drainage holes are ideal, allowing good airflow to roots.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Misting
Every 7 days
Rotate
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Vicks Plant and Where Does It Come From?
Plectranthus ornatus, commonly known as the Vicks Plant, is a fast-growing aromatic groundcover native to East Africa (Ethiopia and Tanzania). Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, it is widely grown as both a medicinal herb and ornamental plant, prized for its menthol-like fragrance and digestive health benefits.
How to Propagate Vicks Plant?
Stem Cutting
Use clean, sharp scissors. This plant roots very readily â one of the easiest cuttings you can propagate. If rooting in water, change it every 3-4 days.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem 4-6 inches long with 2-3 leaf pairs
- 2 Remove lower leaves leaving only the top 1-2 pairs
- 3 Place in moist potting mix or water until roots develop
- 4 Keep in bright indirect light until rooted
Materials needed:
How Big Does Vicks Plant Grow?
TLDR: Vicks Plant can reach up to 40cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
40cm
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Medicinal Uses
- Digestive aid â leaf tea relieves nausea, indigestion and bloating
- Natural anti-inflammatory used in traditional medicine
- Mild expectorant for coughs and colds
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Vicks Plant?
TLDR: Vicks Plant is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Fun Facts
Native to East Africa, the Vicks Plant arrived in Brazil as a popular medicinal herb
Its leaves release a powerful menthol-like aroma when touched, similar to Vicks VapoRub
It grows so rapidly it can cover large garden areas like a living carpet
Traditionally used as a natural insect repellent in herb gardens
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water the Vicks Plant?
Does Vicks Plant need full sun?
How do I use Vicks Plant medicinally?
Is Vicks Plant toxic to pets?
How do I propagate Vicks Plant?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | â ïļ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | â ïļ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | â ïļ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | â ïļ |
