How I Care My Lemon-lime Plectranthus Plants

How I Care My Lemon-lime Plectranthus? Do you know which lemon lime you have to care about? According to my research, many species from the Lamiaceae family and the Plectranthus genus are considered lemon-lime due to their same physical properties, such as lime green and variegated leaves.

Lemon lime Plectranthus is not a scientific term, but rather, it is a common name used in trade to identify easily.

In this context, we will explore popular species from the Lamiaceae family, especially the Plectranthus genus, which has properties like lemon-lime.

Here you can the google results in the following image;

Is Lemon Lime Plectranthus a Specific Species?

As lemon-lime is just a common name used for all species, having lime-green leaves with citrus and lemony scents, I hope you are unfamiliar with the original scientific name for your lemon-lime Plectranthus.  

There are many Plectranthus species known as the lemon-lime:

1. Plectranthus ciliatus ‘Lemon Leaf Variegated’
2. Golden Lemon Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus ‘Golden Lemon’)
3. Plectranthus forsteri ‘Lemon & Lime’
4. Plectranthus madagascariensis ‘Lemon Twist’
5. Plectranthus oertendahlii ‘Lime Light’
6. Plectranthus amboinicus ‘Variegated Lemon’ (also known as Cuban Oregano)
7. Hemizygia ‘Lemon Lime’ (Cousin of Plectranthus from Syncolostemon genus)

All of these species, which share the name “Lemon Lime” look similar due to their bright and shiny leaf color (lime green or yellow-green), slight variegation, and radiant light reflection. Most are either trailing vines or ground covers, making them ideal for ornamental use. Some species also have a light herbal scent, but the most striking similarity shows their shiny leaves and fresh, vibrant appearance.

Which Lemon Lime Plectranthus Do You Have?

I haven’t found a distinctive lime Plectranthus specifically. Still, The word lemon-lime is not only used for Plectranthus species but is also applied to other genera, such as Hemizygia lemon-lime from the Syncolostemon genus.

Here, I am sharing some hints to help you identify which lemon lime plectranthus you have.

By the way, I do not have these plants, but the following information about the texture of each species is based on online resources. So, reality can vary!

1-Plectranthus ciliatus ‘Lemon Leaf Variegated’

Lemon Leaf Variegated cultivated from Plectranthus ciliatus, having oval leaves with serrated edges.

The leaves are dark green inside and have a light yellow or creamy tinge on the edges.

Its surface feels slightly rough and velvety because it has fine hair.

2-Golden Lemon Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus ‘Golden Lemon’)

Golden Lemon is a special variant of Plectranthus verticillatus, recognized by its distinctive leaves, with light green to golden yellow, having a prominent yellow tinge along the edges.

The leaves are soft with rounded or slightly oval, while the surface feels slightly shiny.

3-Plectranthus forsteri ‘Lemon & Lime’

Lemon lime is from Plectranthus forsteri along oval leaves with light creamy-white or yellow edges and a light green or bright green center.

The texture of the leaves is slightly soft and slightly velvety, which feels pleasant to the touch.

4-Plectranthus madagascariensis ‘Lemon Twist

Lemon Twistsy is a variety of Plectranthus madagascariensis, consisting of round and oval with slightly wavy edges, which are smooth but feel slightly fuzzy.

A variegated texture, where the edges of the leaves are a light creamy white or yellow while the center is dark green.

5-Plectranthus amboinicus ‘Variegated Lemon’

Variegated lemon is a variety of Plectranthus amboinicus with thick and succulent leaves along creamy white or pale yellow edges and a dark green center, making it unique.

Its oval and heart-shaped leaves have a velvety fuzz, and when touched, they release a strong oregano-like aroma.

6-Plectranthus oertendahlii ‘Lime Light’

Lemon light from Plectranthus oertendahlii piece of Plectranthus has a light-green color and bushy growth.

Its leaves can be heart-shaped, medium to large, with a bright lime color.

The leaves have a soft, velvety feel, while the stem becomes redder or more purple as they mature.

How do I care for My Lemon Lime Plectranthus Plants? Care Guide for Each Cultivator Which Have Similarities to Lemon Lime

Indeed, each variety requires specific care and maintenance. However, I have written down a general care guide for those species.

I would like to hear about your authentic experience with the above plectranthus species and their cultivators, which have properties like lemon-lime.

Just understand that your opinion ensures accurate information for all of us.

Creating The Right Environmental Conditions for Lemon Lime Plectranthus Plants

First, we will consider environmental factors that directly affect any plant to understand which climate conditions are best for the above seven popular varieties of Plectranthus species.

Generally, all above plectranthus cultivators prefer warm temperatures between 15C and 29C (15 to 21C during the day and 21C to 29C at night). The maximum tolerance is 32C, and the minimum is 10C.

However, Plectranthus oertendahlii ‘Lime Light’ can manage the temperature at 5C. Too high or too low can cause wilting, heat stress, and darkening.

Lemon lime Plectranthus plants need bright, indirect sunlight for 4 to 6 hours daily. They should be kept near the window during winter and under a shaded area during summer.

Look for heat-stress signs and protect them from too much sunlight, which can burn their leaves or change their vibrant color. For indoor and greenhouse, use LED lights to provide proper sunlight.

Well-drainage, loam soil with 6.0 to 7.0 pH is ideal for Lemon lime plectranthus plants.

If the soil feels soft, sticky, and muddy when wet and forms tough, tight clumps when dry, it can be acidic, ideally below 5.0. Use calcium carbonate (Ag) to balance its acidity.

Also, check signs of poor soil, such as yellowing leaves, wilting, slow growth, and watering drainage issues.

Generally, plectranthus species thrive between 50 to 80% humidity. However, some lemon-lime plectranthus plants prefer moderate, ideally between 50 to 60%.

I can say 80% is the maximum to prevent fungus or mold issues and 50% minimum to protect them from rot in their roots.

Use a humidifier, pebble tray, water misting, or damp cloth in a greenhouse or indoor setup to maintain proper humidity levels.

Plectranthus lemon lime plectranthus plants require moderate and consistent watering. Water them if the top 1 inch of soil feels dry! Explore difference between moist and wet soil!

Avoid over-watering to prevent rot, which can lead to wilting their leaves. Reduce watering during winter! And check the soil conditions regularly. Otherwise, you can check signs of water depletion in your any plant.

A balanced and water-soluble fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio or 10-20-10 plant fertilizer is enough for these lemon lime plectranthus plants. Before using, always dilute fertilizer to improve strength.

Fertilize them in the active growing season from mid-spring to fall every 2 to 4 weeks.

If the leaves are turning yellow, growth is slowing, the leaves are small or weak, there are no flowers, or the leaves are wilting, the plant may need fertilizer.

Common Problems and Their Solutions: Lemon Lime Plectranthus Plants

Some growth issues can occur in plants of the Plectranthus genus that are light green or yellow in color, such as lemon-lime. Their bright leaf, soft texture, and ability to absorb and store water make them prone to certain problems. Here are the issues;

It is a common problem and several factors contribute to this;

• Overwatering
• Poor drainage
• Salt buildup in the soil
• Nutrient Imbalance

Establish a proper watering schedule. Water only when topi1 t 2 inch of soil is dry. Check the drainage holes of the pot.

If water is stagnant, change the soil or move the plant to a room with good drainage.

Apart from this, freshen the soil after two to three months so that salts do not accumulate and maintain a balanced amount of food.

Feeding too much or too little can cause the leaves to turn yellow.

This growth issue appeared due to direct sunlight, water difficulty, and over-fertilizing.

Direct sunlight for 4 to 6 hours can burn their leave edges.

Keep lemon lime plectranthus plants under partial shade and filtered light.

Increase water amount in summer and decrease it during winter to balance hydration.

Avoid over-fertilizing, as compounds, especially nitrogen cause leaves to burn, so always use a water-soluble fertilizer.

When the temperature suddenly changes, plectranthus species like lemon-lime feel heat or cold shock immediately.

They can also start to shed leaves if there is a significant change in the environment.

Provide constant temperature between 15C to 25C. Check soil conditions before watering; if wet, wait for dryness about 1 to 2 inches top.

If the climate is too cold, below 5C to 0C, move them indoors and use organic mulch to provide warmness for root protection.

Plectranthus lemon lime plants rely on adequate light for vibrant-colored leaves. If these plants are kept in dark and low-light locations, their leaves dull and turn a plain green color.

Keep your plectranthus lemon-lime in a spot where it can receive enough filtered light for 6 to 8 hours.

If you have placed it indoors, use an LED grow light to maintain its lush and vibrant color. Also, protect from direct light!

Since lemon lime plectranthus plants have soft and juicy leaves, they become more susceptible to pest attacks.

Common pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids hide under their leaves and start sucking the sap, causing the leaves to become weak and yellow.

Spray lemon lime Plectranthus plant with neem oil or soapy water once a week.

Cut off the damaged leaves, if if the infestation is severe to prevent further affection.

Provide proper ventilation indoors to maintain moderate humidity so that pests and diseases can’t attack.

Root rot issues occur when you give too much water mistakenly or unknowingly. The roots of lemon-lime plectranthus are very sensitive, leading to rot if water remains for a long time in the roots.

To solve this, always water when the top layer of soil is dry. Use well-draining pots and mix perlite and sand in the soil so that water does not stagnate.

If their roots are already rotten, move them into a new pot with dry soil and cut off the damaged leaves.

Plectranthus species, having lemon lime properties, are accustomed to retaining moisture, if air becomes too dry and light is too low, their leaves start to curl and shrivel.

But, high humidity above 70% is also not good as it leads to mold or fungus issues.

Keep a humidifier near the lemon-lime plectranthus plant. If indoors, spray water on the leaves.

You can also use a damp cloth, water misting, or pebble tray to maintain humidity in the air.

Intense light draws moisture from the plant, so take care of the matter of light.

How to Grow New Lemon Lime Plectranthus Plants Through Their Non-Reproductive Parts

Do you want to expand your plants, especially the Plectranthus species, with the same properties as lemon-lime? If yes, this section is for you!

Stem cutting is mostly used for Plectranthus species. However, some species propagate through division propagation.

The Plectranthus species that we have mentioned in the content is mainly propagated through stem-cutting. But for some varieties from them, division propagation is also used.

How to Propagate Through Stem-Cutting

For best results in stem cutting of Plectranthus lemon lime plants, follow these steps:

1-Choose a healthy stem

Each Plectranthus species has different growth and stem structures, so you need to choose stems according to their characteristics.

Some lemon lime plectranthus plants root easily from soft, fresh cuttings, while for others, semi-hard or hard cuttings are more effective.

Species Name	Recomanded Cutting Type	Best Season for Propagation
Plectranthus ciliatus ‘Lemon Leaf Variegated’	Semi-Hardwood Cutting	Late Summer to early Fall
Golden Lemon Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus ‘Golden Lemon’)	Soft-Wood Cutting	Spring to early Summer
Plectranthus forsteri ‘Lemon & Lime’	Semi-Hardwood Cutting	Late Summer to early Fall
Plectranthus madagascariensis ‘Lemon Twist’	Softwoood Cutting	Spring to Early Summer
Plectranthus oertendahlii ‘Lime Light’	Semi-Hardwood Cutting	Late Summer to Early Fall
Plectranthus amboinicus ‘Variegated Lemon’ (Cuban Oregano)	Herbaceous cutting	Spring to Late Summer
Hemizygia ‘Lemon Lime’ (Syncolostemon genus)	Semi-Hardwood or Hardwood	Late Summer to early Winter

2-Prepare the Cutting

• Cut a 4 to 6 inches long cutting from the selected branch.
• Remove the lower leaves where you will plant in water or soil.
• If the species is succulent (such as Cuban Oregano), air dry the cutting for 1-2 days to harden the surface of the cutting.
• If necessary, use rooting hormone to help root quickly.

3-Plant in the soil or water

• Softwood cuttings (Swedish Ivy, Lemon Twist) can also root in water.
• Potting mix + perlite is best for semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Plant herbaceous cuttings (Cuban Oregano) in well-drained soil.
• Protect cuttings from direct sunlight and maintain moisture.

4-Provide ideal conditions for cuttings.

• Keep constant temperature between 20C to 25C.
• If the air is dry, use a plastic bag or humidity dome.
• Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent cutting damage.

Check out a general guide on the ideal environment for cuttings!

5-Wait for the root formation.

• Roots usually form in 2-3 weeks.
• When the roots are well developed, transplant the plant into a pot.
• Swedish Ivy and Lemon Twist root quickly even in water, while Hemizygia ‘Lemon Lime’ may take a little longer.

Want to learn cutting propagation?

Discover our 1 part of cutting propagation with basic concepts including benefits and limitations, and scientific secret facts. If you want to learn about types of cutting propagation, here explore the part 2!

Also, check how to analyze ability of a plant for cutting propagation.

More parts of the cutting propagation series are being ready. It will take some time, so make sure to read our other section of the series.

Share Your Idea! Thank you!

If you have any idea about lemon lime Plectranthus, please share it with me so that I can make this content purely accurate. It will help all confused gardeners!