Plectranthus....whats that?

[ABCarve]

This is another tree I've posted in other threads but thought I would create it's own. If someone else actually has one maybe we could compare notes.

I got this 5 growing seasons ago as a cutting with a caliper no bigger than my index finger. The base is now over four inches and grown entirely in a bonsai pot. It is not hardy so it spends the winter in my quasi-greenhouse. The leaves are quite nice while growing in the summer, having a deep green color with purple margins and purple flower spike continually blooming through the season and into winter. Cutting it back hard 2 to 3 times per year keeps it compact and renewing those purple flower spikes.
It does have a fairly odd growth habit of the trunk and branches being segmented. I thought of giving this thing away a number of times simply for that odd growth habit. But over the years it has grown on me . Segments big and small can be cut off and rooted with little effort.

These photos are from last year showing it growing out with flowers, the cut back and approx. a month later flowering again.

 

[ABCarve]

So this is current and probably the best time for it looking like a bonsai. It was cut back approximately 2-3 weeks ago. It pushing new small leaves and filling out. There will flower spikes starting in another week or two. The first photo "was" my front but now I've reversed it as it has much nicer negative space formed by pockets a missing foliage. It won't be long before this is one big green canopy.

 

[penumbra]

Its very bizarre and very cool. I believe it is related to Swedish Ivy. If it is what I believe there is a golden variegated form that is planted as an annual.
Yours is very very cool.

 

[ABCarve]

Its very bizarre and very cool. I believe it is related to Swedish Ivy. If it is what I believe there is a golden variegated form that is planted as an annual.
Yours is very very cool.

That doesn't surprise me. I have another variety that seems well suited for kusamomo that has very deep green leaves and deep purple flowers.
Show us your plectranthus!!

 

[penumbra]

That doesn't surprise me. I have another variety that seems well suited for kusamomo that has very deep green leaves and deep purple flowers.
Show us your plectranthus!!

I don't have one anymore but after seeing yours it is on my list. So cool looking. I love odd plants.

 

[ABCarve]

I don't have one anymore but after seeing yours it is on my list. So cool looking. I love odd plants.

I know the feeling about odd plants. I'm mostly have "unconventional" plants. It's my contrarian nature .

 

[penumbra]

I know the feeling about odd plants. I'm mostly have "unconventional" plants. It's my contrarian nature

I hear you brother. I have been known as the Devil's Advocate. But I am calming down a bit as I am 70 now.

 

[pweifan]

I have one I got from another member of the bonsai club in November. All I've done so far is keep it with the tropicals under grow lights It seems to be planted in typical nursery soil. Do you have any recommendations? I'm really not sure what to do with it yet. I like what you have done with yours a lot!

 

[JoeR]

With some adjustments I think the back of the tree is a nicer front than the current. Very cool, I want to try one now too

 

[Forsoothe!]

Leggotree?

 

[ABCarve]

I have one I got from another member of the bonsai club in November. All I've done so far is keep it with the tropicals under grow lights It seems to be planted in typical nursery soil. Do you have any recommendations? I'm really not sure what to do with it yet. I like what you have done with yours a lot!

Mine is in soil similar to APL. It is a bit of a water hog so you could probably add a bit of organics. Mine does well with what it’s in but I’m vigilant about watering, every day even in winter. It really can’t be wired so it’s clip and grow for styling. I let mine grow out quite a lot before I chose a design plan. It’s a fun plant even when it’s shaggy and ungroomed.

 

[ABCarve]

One other thought. When I originally got the small cutting I put it in a 9” bonsai pot simply because it was around. My pals laughed at me and were concerned about over potting. Two growing seasons later it was put into its current pot. It didn’t mind over potting because of its water needs.

 

[penumbra]

Just bought 3 small ones on eBay. I am looking forward to working with them. There are several varieties. Many are variegated but as much as I love variegated plants I don't generally like variegated bonsai.

 

[pweifan]

Mine is in soil similar to APL. It is a bit of a water hog so you could probably add a bit of organics. Mine does well with what it’s in but I’m vigilant about watering, every day even in winter. It really can’t be wired so it’s clip and grow for styling. I let mine grow out quite a lot before I chose a design plan. It’s a fun plant even when it’s shaggy and ungroomed.

Thanks for the info

I don't have akadama but I have a blend with pumice, DE and pine bark. I'll give that a shot. Do you repot yours in the summer like tropicals?

 

[ABCarve]

Thanks for the info

I don't have akadama but I have a blend with pumice, DE and pine bark. I'll give that a shot. Do you repot yours in the summer like tropicals?

Yes, but this one has never been root pruned and only slip potted once into its current container.

 

[ABCarve]

This is the other variety I have. This is winter color. When it goes outside the leaves will get darker and the flowers more purple. I just took cuttings from this to give to our study group.

 

[penumbra]

Received mine today. They are small, in 2-1/2 inch pots, but I was surprised how nicely swollen the trunks are. I am just going to pot them up in larger pots with pro mix and napa 8822.

 

[ABCarve]

Flower spikes emerging.

 

[MrWunderful]

Really interesting.

 

[leatherback]

My plectrantus is in my office at work. Where I last was 8 weeks ago. Guess when September comes, and I am allowed back to the office, I will find out how much of a desert plant they are..
Happy I took a cutting home with me just before the covid lock-down.

Yours is nice. How do you manage the growth?