The so-called moth king (Plectranthus) is often also referred to as incense nettle or fairy gold. The frost-sensitive plant is not hardy outdoors in this country, but under the right conditions it can be successfully cultivated for several years.
How can I properly hibernate the moth king?
In order for the moth king to overwinter successfully, the plant should be protected from frost and stored in a bright and cool place. Make sure that the root ball does not dry out, but also that it is not kept too moist so that it can sprout vigorously in the spring.
Winter the Moth King brightly and frost-free
Because of its special smell, this plant is often planted in the garden to deter various types of vermin or cats and dogs. Before the first night frosts, you should plant the moth king in a pot and take it into the house. Similar to the indoor azalea, the king moth can also overwinter in heated rooms in the house, but a rather cool but still bright room would actually be better. The root ball of the moth king should not dry out in winter, but it should not be kept too moist either.
If it has overwintered properly, the moth king will sprout vigorously in the second year
The question of location when overwintering is particularly important if the moth king is to be planted out again in spring. Once he has gotten used to the constant heat, he can no longer tolerate the outdoor climate very well. However, if the incense nettle was overwintered cool and bright, there is a good chance of particularly strong new growth after planting and pruning. You can support this with:
- a sunny location
- extensive watering
- suitable liquid fertilizer
Tip
Similar to the dragon tree, the leaves of the moth king have attractively colored variegated leaf structures. Between May and August, with good care, extremely impressive inflorescences can also form.
