Cuban oregano care guide
Coleus amboinicus
Also known as: Cuban oregano, Plectranthus amboinicus
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Essential oils in the leaves and stems are known to cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian if it is eaten.
How often to water Cuban oregano
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 5 days
- The fleshy leaves store water, so water thoroughly once the soil has dried through, about every 4 to 7 days as a guide, and less in the rainy season.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- The soil dries slowly as it cools; as a guide, wait two or three days after it dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 14 days
- Keep it dry in winter, giving a little water about a week after the soil dries, as a guide.
Light and placement for Cuban oregano
Likes sun and moving air: a bright window indoors, or outdoor sun in the warm months, as a guide; midsummer sun can scorch the leaves, so move it to bright part shade then.
Overwintering Cuban oregano
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
Tender and killed by frost: as a guide, bring it to a sunny window indoors when nights drop below 10°C and keep it above 5°C, moving it back from cold glass at night.
Fertilizing and repotting Cuban oregano
Fertilizer
It grows well on little food: from May to September, diluted liquid feed about once or twice a month or a little slow-release fertilizer as a guide; too much weakens the scent, and none in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Cuban oregano
- Overwatering blackens the stem base and rots the roots.
- Left outdoors or by a cold window in winter, the leaves turn mushy from the cold.
- Too little light makes it leggy with small, thin leaves.
Tips for growing Cuban oregano
- Cutting back long stems brings side shoots and a fuller plant.
- Cuttings root readily in soil from spring to early summer.
- Free-draining soil reduces losses from wet roots.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
