Millionaire plant (Plectranthus verticillatus)

The millionaire plant, Plectranthus verticillatus or money plant, consists of a plant that is part of the Lamiaceae family, being a genus made up of around 350 different species.

This plant is native to Africa, especially the southeast of the country; its name derives from the Greek words «plektron» which translates as spur and «anthos» which means flower. Also, in certain countries it is often called the dollar plant.

Image – Wikimedia/ Digigalos

Nowadays it is very common to find this plant with a quite attractive green tone and on multiple balconies, as well as inside many homes ; This plant, as we already mentioned, is popularly called the money plant or dollar plant, which is generally not only grown, but is also marketed as an indoor plant.

Tradition

The Plectranthus verticillatus plant is preceded by a very ancient tradition, which was widely spread around numerous cities worldwide.

This tradition affirms that the money plant has the peculiarity of being able to attract both luck and fortune to homes, as long as you have the foresight to keep it perfectly cared for.

Currently, there are several countries in the world that have the custom of honoring this tradition by giving them a copy with a coin buried inside the pot, not only to their loved ones, but also to those who move to a new home.

characteristics

The millionaire plant has among its main characteristics, with the fact of being both a perennial plant and a species that offers the opportunity to obtain a large amount of truly aromatic essential oils.

In addition, it is a plant that does not reach a great height, so it does not exceed 30 centimeters. Its roots are characterized by being remarkably fibrous and from them sprout branches that can be considered succulents, which are usually greenish to purple in color.

Although one of the common names that have been given to the money plant is » Swedish ivy «, the truth is that it is not a climbing plant and it is not part of the family made up of ivy. So in order to better define it, it would be possible to say that it is a hanging plant.

It has fleshy and thick leaves, which is why they are defined as succulents, in addition to being petiolated; They have an oval, practically round shape, like a coin.

In the same way, it should be mentioned that this plant has small inflorescences of a shade that varies between blue and purple, in addition to blooming throughout the year.

Plectranthus verticillatus cultivation

In order to cultivate the money plant and have a beautiful ornament inside the homes, it is possible to do it with cuttings, which must be taken directly from a mother plant; in this way it can be guaranteed that the same genetic code will be repeated in the new plant.

It is possible to place the cuttings inside a pot, which must be located either hanging, on a high or on the ground ; since what is really important is to place the millionaire plant in a space where it can have shade, in order to maintain humidity.

Throughout the first week after planting the cuttings, apart from offering shade, it will be necessary to make sure to water it every day avoiding the accumulation of water. When this week ends, it will be possible to place the money plant in a place where it can receive natural light, being inside a warm environment.

It should be noted that this plant usually grows with great speed.

Care

The money plant does not need much care and it turns out to be a great alternative to wanting an indoor plant; It is usually found inside pots or hanging baskets, because it is usually creeping and by not placing it high, its branches would end up crawling around the ground.

As it is a hanging plant, it is essential to place it in a high place so that as its leaves grow they can fall without dragging on the ground.

The railing on the balconies and the walls on the terraces are usually very suitable spaces for these plants; Do not forget that when you leave it on the ground, its branches will end up scattered around the ground like a vine.

The Plectranthus verticillatus usually withstands high temperatures ; However, the most convenient thing is to place it in a space where it is not directly exposed to sunlight, that is, it is best to place it in places where it obtains shade and clarity at the same time, such as behind windows, since You will be able to receive clarity without fully exposing yourself to the sun.

When living in a country with seasons, it will be necessary to be aware that during the winter the millionaire plant will have to be removed from the outside and kept inside the home, because if it is exposed to a temperature lower than 10º it is possible that the plant die.

During the hottest time of the year it will be necessary to water it three times a week and throughout the winter a small watering every five or seven days will suffice. When the dollar plant is receiving excess watering it develops small black spots around its leaves.

It is possible to nourish the soil of the money plant monthly by adding mineral fertilizers, in this way it will be able to grow in better conditions, being much healthier and stronger.

Plagues and diseases

Fungal diseases are the main ones that affect Plectranthus verticillatus, since it is usually quite prone to them; They are generally produced as a result of excess humidity and can severely damage them.

Although it is an undemanding plant, it is possible that this problem is due to the fact that the millionaire plant does not have enough mulch. However, when it is properly fertilized and still does not flower, it is possibly a consequence of its exposure to sunlight; so it will be necessary to offer it more lighting to achieve a more optimal and traditional flowering.

When its leaves show spots it must be due to the fact that the plant experiences an excess of humidity, in such a way that it will be necessary to control the risks.