PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in bright, direct sunlight for most of the day; tolerate light afternoon shade in hot climates
Watering
Water deeply when top 5–7 cm of soil is dry; tolerate mild drought; avoid waterlogging
Temperature
Hardy to light frost; best grown in 15–28°C; protect from temperatures below 5°C to prevent leaf damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, lanceolate leaves with serrated margins; fuzzy green texture
- Flower: Dense whorls of tubular orange blooms stacked along upright stems
- Stem: Square, hairy stems typical of the mint family
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
Fertilization
Diluted balanced fertilizer once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy, weak growth
Banana peel tea：Soak 2–3 chopped banana peels in 4 L water for 3 days; strain and use to water the base of the plant to avoid foliar contactPruning
- Prune back by one-third in late winter to encourage bushy, compact growth
- Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the flowering period
- Remove damaged or diseased stems as needed to maintain airflow and plant health
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; no harmful effects for cats
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; traditional medicinal use in some Southern African cultures
