The millionaire plant, Plectranthus verticillatus o money plantconsists of a plant that is part of the Lamiaceae family, being a genus made up of around 350 different species.
This plant is native to Africa, especially the southeast of the country; its name derives from the Greek words “plektron” which translates as spur and “anthos” which means flower. What’s more, in certain countries it is usually called the dollar plant.
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Nowadays it is very common to find this plant of a quite attractive green tone and in multiple balconies, as within numerous homes; This plant, as we have already mentioned, is popularly called the money plant or dollar plant, which is generally not only grown, but is also marketed as an indoor plant.
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Pickranthus
Tradition
Plant Plectranthus verticillatus It is preceded by a very old tradition, which was widely spread around many cities worldwide.
This tradition affirms that the money plant has the peculiarity of being capable of attracting both luck and fortune to householdsas long as you have the foresight to keep it perfectly cared for.
Currently, there are several countries in the world that have the custom of honoring this tradition giving him a copy with a coin buried inside the pot, not only to his loved ones, but also to those who move to a new home.
Features
The millionaire plant has among its main characteristics, with the fact of being both a perennial plant and a species that offers the opportunity to get a lots of really aromatic essential oils.
In addition, it is a plant that does not reach a great height, so does not exceed 30 centimeters. Its roots are characterized by being remarkably fibrous and from them sprout branches that can be considered succulent, which are usually greenish to purple in color.
Although one of the vulgar names that have been given to the money plant is “swedish ivy“The truth is that it is not a climbing plant and it is not part of the ivy family. So in order to better define it, it would be possible to say that it is a hanging plant.
It has fleshy and thick leaves, reason why they are defined as succulentsin addition to being petioled; they have an oval shape, practically round, like a coin.
In the same way, it should be mentioned that this plant has small inflorescences of a hue ranging from blue to purplein addition to blooming throughout the year.
Cultivation of Plectranthus verticillatus
In order to cultivate the money plant and have a beautiful ornament within the homes, it is possible to do it with cuttingswhich must be taken directly from a mother plant; in this way it can be guaranteed that the same genetic code will be repeated in the new plant.
It is possible to place the cuttings in a pot, which It must be located either hanging, on a height or on the ground; since what is really important is to place the millionaire plant in a space where it can have shade, in order to maintain humidity.
Throughout the first week after planting the cuttings, apart from offering shade, it will be necessary to make sure to water it every day preventing water from accumulating. At the end of this week, it will be possible to place the money plant in a place where it can receive natural light, being inside a warm environment.
It should be noted that this plant it usually grows with great speed.
Care
The money plant does not need much care and it turns out to be a great alternative to wanting an indoor plant; as usual found inside pots or hanging basketsbecause it is usually creeping and by not placing it high, its branches would end up crawling around the ground.
As it is a hanging plant, it is essential to place it in a high place so that as its leaves grow they can fall without dragging on the ground.
The railing in the balconies and the walls on the terraces are usually very suitable spaces for these plants; Do not forget that when you leave it on the ground, its branches will end up scattered around the ground like a vine.
The Plectranthus verticillatus usually withstands high temperatures; However, the most convenient thing is to place it in a space where it is not directly exposed to sunlight, that is, it is best to place it in places where it obtains shade and light at the same time, such as behind windows, since You will be able to receive clarity without fully exposing yourself to the sun.
When living in a country with seasons, it will be necessary to be aware that during the winter the millionaire plant will have to be removed from the outside and kept inside the home, because if it is exposed to a temperature lower than 10º it is possible that the plant dies.
During the hottest time of the year it will be necessary to water it three times a week and throughout the winter a small watering every five or seven days will suffice. When the dollar plant is getting excess irrigation develops small black spots around its leaves.
It is possible to nurture the money plant soil monthly by adding to it mineral fertilizersIn this way you can grow in better conditions, being much healthier and stronger.
Plagues and diseases
Fungal diseases are the main ones that affect the Plectranthus verticillatussince it is usually quite prone to them; they are generally produced as a result of excess humidity and they can severely harm them.
Although it is an undemanding plant, it is possible that this problem is due to the fact that the millionaire plant does not have enough mulch. However and when it is properly fertilized and still does not flowerpossibly it is a consequence of its exposure to sunlight; so it will be necessary to offer it more lighting to achieve a more optimal and traditional flowering.
When its leaves show spots, it must be because the plant experiences an excess of humidity, in such a way that it will be necessary to control the risks.
