The frankincense plant is not related to the real frankincense tree, but it exudes a very similar, wonderfully ethereal, spicy scent. A true sensory delight in sunny seating on the balcony, terrace or even in the living room!
What are the care requirements of an incense plant?
The frankincense plant, botanically referred to as Plectranthus species, is a decorative foliage plant with a pleasant, ethereal-spicy scent. It requires a sunny, warm location, regular watering and nutrient-rich soil. In winter it is not hardy and has to overwinter indoors.
Origin
The frankincense plant belongs to the large genus of harp bushes, botanically Plectranthus, within the mint family. This genus includes an impressive number of over 350 species, some of which differ from one another in their growth and habit.
Harp bushes come primarily from tropical to subtropical areas of Africa and the Far East; some species are also native to parts of Australia and New Zealand and the Middle East. Depending on the species, they inhabit very different habitats, from warm, humid forests to cooler, maritime climate zones such as the South African Cape region. In our country, the vast majority of Plectranthus species are not hardy.
Basically only the cultivars of the two common species Plectranthus glabratus and Pectranthus forsteri are referred to as frankincense plants. P. coleoides is also one of them, although it is rarely found in its pure form. The species P. glabratus comes from the tropical Far Southeast, from parts of India, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, while the species P. forsteri is native to the southwestern Pacific Islands (Fiji, Vanuatu).
The common collective name 'incense plant' is attributed to the spicy, ethereal scent that these species exude. It is reminiscent of that of the real frankincense tree (botanically Boswellia carterii), to which the frankincense plant is not remotely related. Nevertheless, incense plants, with their fragrant character, have a very high value for the sensory design of balconies and terraces. They are also said to repel moths and mosquitoes. However, not only the frankincense plants, but also most other Plectranthus species have a very intense and ethereal scent, some are also used as spice plants.
Origin at a glance:
- Plectranthus species generally native to large parts of tropical to subtropical areas in Africa, the Far East and Australia
- Only the cultivars of the species P. glabratus and P. forsteri are referred to as 'incense plants'; these come from tropical Southeast Asia and the southwestern Pacific Islands
- No botanical relationship to real frankincense tree, just similar spicy-ethereal scent
Growth
Plectranthus species usually grow as perennials, some are only annual or have a semi-shrub habit. There are also succulent varieties. The upright to overhanging stems form long shoots and are hairy.
The frankincense plants in particular have a more hanging than upright habit - they only grow to a height of 20 to 30 cm, but develop very long hanging shoots that take up a lot of space. This must be taken into account, especially when it comes to balcony culture. Frankincense plants also grow very quickly.
Growth characteristics in keywords:
- Plectranthus species mostly perennials, rarely annual, sometimes semi-shrub-like
- Hairy, erect to drooping stems
- Incense plants have a clearly hanging habit with a height of 20 – 30 cm and long shoots
- Rapid growth
leaves
From an ornamental gardening perspective, the leaves are the main thing in incense plants. With their shape and coloring, they have much more to offer aesthetically than the inconspicuous flowers - incense plants are therefore definitely decorative foliage plants in our local garden culture.
As with most Plectranthus species, the leaves of frankincense plants are attached opposite each other on the richly branched stems. They are short-stemmed and have an ovoid contour with softly notched leaf edges. A characteristic feature of the varieties sold in specialist retailers is the pretty variegation, which is usually shown in a fresh green center and irregular edges in creamy white. The essential oils contained in the leaves are of course responsible for the incense-like scent, which is particularly intense when touched.
Leaf properties in brief:
- Leaves of incense plants main decoration
- Place oppositely
- Short-stalked, ovate, notched leaf edges
- Pretty variegation in cultivated varieties
- Essential oils exude a spicy scent
Bloom
As I said: The flowers play a secondary role in incense plants. They are small, inconspicuous, paniculate inflorescences in a whitish tone that appear between May and August.
Which location is suitable?
Incense plants need a sunny, warm location, but can also thrive in partially shaded places. However, you should definitely ensure a few hours of sunshine if you value vigorous, compact growth and beautiful leaf variegation. In partial shade, the plant can become somewhat sparse and lacking in leaves. Because of its overhanging growth with long shoots, cultivation in a hanging basket is highly advisable. This means that the plant not only has enough space at the bottom, but also looks best with its hanging habit.
The frankincense plant can also be kept in the room all year round. There you should give her a bright window seat. It copes well with a pleasant living temperature of 18 to 20°C.
To remember:
- As sunny, warm location as possible, partial shade also possible
- Growth and variegation best when there is plenty of light
- Ideal in hanging baskets
Balcony
The frankincense plant looks very nice on the balcony, where it can enhance the rather narrow seating areas not only with its leaves, which are very pretty in detail, but also with the scent that exudes intensely when touched. In addition, a balcony often offers good conditions for an incense plant due to its close-to-the-house and protected character. Of course, it is best if it faces south. In the case of balconies in residential complexes, the next higher neighboring balcony can also be used to hang a hanging basket.read more
What soil does the plant need?
Frankincense plants are not very picky when it comes to substrate. It should just be reasonably nutrient-rich and permeable. The best thing you can do is use a universal potting mix and amend it with some leaf compost. This way you can permanently supply your frankincense plant with good, organic fertilizer. Loosen the soil with a little sand to ensure good water drainage. A certain mineral content also helps to store water.
Water the incense plant
Frankincense plants are relatively thirsty and require your constant attention, especially in summer and when they are sunny. If the weather is very warm and sunny, you will be asked to water at least once a day. Make sure that the soil always remains moist, but avoid waterlogging. In addition, it is good for the tropical plant to get a refreshing shower from the water disperser every now and then. This is especially recommended if you keep them in the room all year round. It is best to use soft, lukewarm water. The frankincense plant is also suitable for hydroponics.
To remember:
- Watering relatively a lot, especially on hot summer days
- Avoid waterlogging
- Additional occasional overspray
- Use soft, lukewarm water
Fertilize the incense plant properly
During the main vegetation phase, around May to August, you can supply the frankincense plant with a little liquid fertilizer (€14.00 on Amazon) for balcony or green plants about every 14 days. There is no fertilization in winter. You should only fertilize a freshly purchased or repotted specimen after about 6 weeks at the earliest.
hardy
Like most Plectranthus species, the incense plants that come from the warm tropical regions of Far Asia are of course not prepared for our Central European winters. Long-term outdoor cultivation is therefore not possible.read more
Wintering
If you keep an incense plant outside in summer, you have to bring it indoors in autumn as soon as the first frosts appear because of its sensitivity to cold. Although it is not used to seasons like ours in its homeland, you should adjust the environmental conditions a little in winter - because the deprivation of light cannot be avoided. The resulting vegetation break must also be accompanied by a slightly lower ambient temperature and less watering. The temperature in the winter quarters should be around 12 to 16 °C, reduce watering to a minimum - just enough so that the root ball does not dry out completely.
From March, when the light availability noticeably increases, you start watering more again and can also start with the first fertilizers.read more
Cut the incense plant correctly
In fact, pruning is not necessary for frankincense plants - if it is sunny and warm, it develops a beautiful, compact growth and if it is kept in a hanging basket, the long hanging shoots give it its typical character. Nevertheless, they can of course be too long for some people. In this case they can be shortened without any problem. You should also clean out any bare or dried shoots, if they appear at all.
When cutting, use the sharpest cutting tools possible so as not to crush the somewhat delicate stems and do not cut into the woody lower areas.
Propagate incense plant
The best way to propagate frankincense plants is through cuttings. To do this, cut approximately 7 cm long cuttings from he althy shoots in spring, ideally directly under a leaf base. Remove the leaves at the bottom and place the prepared cutting in a planter with potting soil. Place this in a bright, warm place - the ambient temperature should be around 20°C. Keep the soil evenly moist; the cutting has a good chance of growing in a uniformly warm, humid microclimate under foil or in a mini greenhouse. As soon as the cutting forms new shoots, you can place it in a larger planter with more nutrient-rich soil.read more
Is frankincense plant poisonous?
The frankincense plant is not poisonous. Even if the varieties of Plectranthus glabratus and forsteri are not suitable as spice plants, they are not dangerous for curious small children or pets.read more
Varieties
In specialist shops you will find many crossed breeds, especially of the varieties Plectranthus glabratus and forsteri. These differ a little in the color of the leaves.
The variety Plectranthus forsteri 'Marginatus' is probably the best known and best-selling. It has attractive, colorful leaves with the typical creamy white edges around a fresh green leaf heart.
The variety P. f. 'Aureus Variegatus' has slightly yellowish, green leaves and is characterized by long, beautifully hanging shoots.
The variety P. f. 'Nico' is also relatively popular. Its leaves have no variegation, but look no less attractive with their fine-edged, pointed contours and the combination of dark green upper side and purple underside.
