Frankincense plant ∗ The 10 best care tips

origin

the Frankincense plant belongs to the large genus of the 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 terms of growth and habit.

Harp shrubs come mainly from tropical to subtropical areas of Africa and the Far East, some species are also native to parts of Australia and New Zealand as well as the Middle East. Depending on the species, they colonize very different habitats from warm, humid forests to cooler, maritime climates such as the South African Cape region. Most of the Plectranthus species here are not winter hardy.

Basically only the cultivars of the two common species Plectranthus glabratus and Pectranthus forsteri are referred to as frankincense. The P. coleoides is one of them, but is rarely found in its pure form. The species P. glabratus is native to the tropical Far Southeast, parts of India, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, the species P. forsteri, on the other hand, is native to the southwestern Pacific Islands (Fiji, Vanuatu).

The common collective term 'frankincense plant' can be attributed to the spicy, ethereal scent that these species give off. It is reminiscent of that of the real frankincense tree (botanically Boswellia carterii), to which the frankincense plant is not remotely related. Nevertheless, frankincense plants with their fragrance character have a very high value for the sensory design of balconies and terraces. They are also said to be moths and Repel mosquitoes. However, not only the frankincense plants, but also most of the other Plectranthus species smell quite intense and ethereal, some are also used as aromatic 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, these come from tropical Southeast Asia and the southwestern Pacific Islands
• No botanical relationship with real frankincense tree, just a similarly spicy, ethereal fragrance

growth

Plectranthus species usually grow as perennials, some are only annual or form a semi-shrubby habit. There are also succulent varieties. The upright to overhanging stems form long shoots and are hairy.

The frankincense plants in particular develop a more hanging than upright habit - they become altogether only about 20 to 30 cm high, but develop very long hanging gears that have a lot of space claim. This must be taken into account when it comes to balcony culture. Frankincense plants also grow very quickly.

Growth characteristics in brief:

• Plectranthus species mostly perennials, less often annual, sometimes semi-shrub-like
• Hairy, upright to drooping stems
• Frankincense plants show a clearly drooping habit with a height of 20-30 cm and long shoots
• Rapid growth

leaves

From an ornamental horticultural point of view, the leaves are the main thing in frankincense plants. With their shape and color, they have a lot more aesthetically than the inconspicuous flowers offer - frankincense plants are therefore clearly part of our local gardening culture Ornamental foliage plants.

As with most Plectranthus species, the leaves of frankincense plants are opposite to the richly branched stems. They are short stalked and have an egg-shaped contour with softly notched leaf margins. Characteristic of the varieties sold in specialist shops 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 fragrance, which is particularly intense when touched.

Blade properties in brief:

• Leaves on frankincense plants are the main decoration
• Start in opposite directions
• Short-stalked, ovate, notched leaf margins
• Nice variegation in cultivars
• Essential oils give off a spicy scent

blossom

As I said: the flowers play a secondary role in frankincense plants. They are small, inconspicuous, paniculate inflorescences in a whitish tone that appear between May and August.

Which location is suitable?

Frankincense plants need a sunny, warm location, but they can also do well in partially shaded places. In any case, you should guarantee a few hours of sunshine if you value vital, compact growth and a beautiful development of the leaf variegation. in the Penumbra the plant can become a bit sparse and lacking in leaves. Because of their lush overhanging growth with long shoots, cultivation in the hanging basket is very advisable. So the plant not only has enough space downwards, but also comes into its own with its hanging habit.

The frankincense plant can also be kept in the room all year round. You should give her a bright window seat there. With a comfortable living temperature of 18 to 20 ° C, it gets along well.

To note:

• As sunny, warm location as possible, but partial shade also possible
• Growth and variegation are best when there is plenty of light
• Ideal in hanging baskets

balcony

A frankincense plant on the balcony makes it very nice, where it not only accompanies the rather narrow seats their leaves, which are very pretty in detail, but also with their scent that flows out intensely when touched can. In addition, a balcony often offers good conditions for an incense plant due to its close-to-home and protected character. It is best, of course, if it faces south. In the case of balconies in residential complexes, the next higher-up neighboring balcony can also be used to hang a planting light.
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What soil does the plant need?

When it comes to substrate, frankincense plants are not very picky. It should only be reasonably rich in nutrients and permeable. You can do a universal one best Potting soil use and upgrade them with some leaf compost. In 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 frankincense plant

Frankincense plants are relatively thirsty and require your constant attention, especially in summer and when they are standing / hanging in the sun. If the weather is very warm and sunny, you will be asked to go to the watering can at least once a day. Make sure that the soil always remains moist, but avoid waterlogging. In addition, it is also good for the tropical plant to get a refreshing shower from the water dispenser 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 that Hydroponics.

To note:

• Water a lot, especially on hot summer days
• But avoid waterlogging
• In addition, occasional overspray
• Use soft, lukewarm water

Fertilize the frankincense plant properly

During the main vegetation phase, from May to August, you can provide the frankincense plant with some liquid fertilizer for balcony or green plants about every 14 days. There is no fertilization in winter. You should not have a freshly bought or repotted specimen until after about 6 weeks at the earliest fertilize.

Hardy

Like most Plectranthus species, the frankincense plants from the tropical warm areas of Far Asia are of course not prepared for our Central European winters. Long-term outdoor cultivation is therefore not possible.
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Overwinter

If you keep a frankincense plant outside in summer, because of its sensitivity to cold, you will have to bring it indoors in autumn as soon as the first frosts appear. Although she is not used to the seasons in her home country, you should adjust the surrounding conditions a little in winter - after all, deprivation of light cannot be avoided. The corresponding pause in vegetation must also be accompanied by a slightly lower ambient temperature and less watering. The winter quarters should be around 12 to 16 ° C, watering should be reduced to a minimum - just enough so that the root ball does not dry out completely.

From March, when the amount of light increases noticeably, start watering more intensively and can also start with the first fertilizers.
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Cut the frankincense plant correctly

Actually, incense plants do not need pruning - if they are sunny and warm, they form one beautiful, compact growth and if it is kept in the hanging basket, the long hanging drives make their typical appearance Character out. Nevertheless, they can of course be too long for one or the other. In that case, they can be shortened without any problems. You should also clean out any bald or dried-up shoots, if they occur at all.

Use as sharp a cutting tool as possible for cutting measures so as not to squeeze the somewhat sensitive stems and do not cut into the lignified lower areas.

Propagate the frankincense plant

Frankincense plants are best propagated using cuttings. To do this, cut cuttings about 7 cm long from healthy shoots in spring, preferably directly under a leaf base. Remove the leaves in the lower area and put the cuttings prepared in this way in a planter Potting soil. Place this in a bright, warm place - the ambient temperature should be around 20 ° C. Keep the soil evenly moist, the cuttings have good growth chances in an evenly warm, humid microclimate under a film or in Mini greenhouse.(€ 25.14 at Amazon *) As soon as the cutting starts to grow, you can place it in a larger planter with more nutrient-rich soil.
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Is frankincense poisonous?

The frankincense plant is not poisonous. Even if the varieties of Plectranthus glabratus and forsteri are not suitable as aromatic plants, they are not dangerous for curious small children or pets.
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sorts

In specialist shops you will find many crossed breeds, especially of the varieties Plectranthus glabratus and forsteri. Above all, these differ a little in the color of the leaves.

The best known and best-selling is probably the variety Plectranthus forsteri 'Marginatus'. It shows itself attractively multicolored with the typical creamy white border 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 P. f. 'Nico'. Its leaves have no variegation, but are no less attractive with their fine-edged, pointed contour and the combination of dark green top and purple underside.