PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; avoid intense midday summer sun in hot regions
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the substrate to dry out completely
Temperature
Hardy to mild frosts (down to 0°C); protect from hard freezes in cold climates
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small oval leaves (5–10 mm long) with serrated edges, releasing pungent mint scent when crushed
- Flower: Tiny pale purple to pink whorled blooms clustered at leaf axils
- Stem: Square, creeping stems that root at nodes to form dense mats
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; water when the top 1 cm of substrate dries
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth that reduces aromatic oil production
Composted banana peel tea：Fully compost banana peels, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Trim back overgrown stems to maintain compact growth and encourage bushier foliage
- Deadhead spent flower clusters to prevent unwanted self-seeding and extend bloom time
- Remove yellowed or damaged foliage to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, and liver failure
Humans: Contains pulegone; ingestion can cause nausea, abdominal pain, liver damage, and seizures in large doses
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Historically used as a medicinal herb, but modern use is discouraged due to toxicity risks
Usage: Ornamental ground cover; aromatic foliage for sensory gardens
