Why Plectranthus amboinicus (Cuban oregano) smells fragrant when touched, and how to water it

Plectranthus amboinicus is a rather unusual succulent. It is not its appearance that makes it strange: when touched by people it gives off a fragrance, very fresh and pleasant, and for this reason it is deeply loved by many succulent enthusiasts. So why does Plectranthus amboinicus smell fragrant as soon as it is touched? How should it be watered?

1. Why does Plectranthus amboinicus smell fragrant as soon as it is touched?

The principle by which Plectranthus amboinicus releases fragrance after being touched is similar to the reason why Mimosa pudica (sensitive plant) is shy: when its leaves are touched, the external stimulus causes the water within the cells to react, which changes the turgor pressure of the pulvinus. But unlike Mimosa pudica, under the effect of turgor pressure it does not contract; instead its stomata open and let air through, and so the fragrance you smell comes out. In fact, even when it is not touched during normal cultivation, Plectranthus amboinicus still gives off fragrance, only that fragrance is so faint that people cannot detect its presence, whereas the fragrance released when touched is relatively rich, and the hand that touched it will also retain the scent. Some people also say that what they smell is not a fragrance but a bad odor, and this is because the scent is too strong.

2. How should Plectranthus amboinicus be watered?

Plectranthus amboinicus is a plant that rather fears dampness. If its root system stays in moist soil for a long time, its roots rot very easily, and eventually the whole plant dies. Therefore, when watering Plectranthus amboinicus you must pay attention to the method. When watering Plectranthus amboinicus you must be sure to follow one principle, and that is water thoroughly only after the soil has dried out: wait until the soil is nearly dry, then water once, and when you water, water thoroughly. In addition, watering in winter and summer also requires extra care. In summer the temperature is higher and water evaporates quickly, so the watering frequency should be appropriately increased, but do not water too much at one time and cause waterlogging. In winter, what you look at when watering is not the soil but the leaves: if the leaves show signs of wilting, then you may water. Many people probably cannot bear to see the leaves wilt and so water early, which is not very good for getting it through the winter. However, you can rest assured that its wilting does not affect the plant's health; on the contrary, it can also inhibit the plant's leggy growth. If shortly before watering you find there is a possibility of rain, then you can postpone the watering time and let rainwater irrigate Plectranthus amboinicus; this is more suitable for its growth. Since this plant is relatively drought-tolerant, there is no need to worry that postponing watering by a day will have any adverse effect, but note that when watering you should try not to splash water onto the plant's surface.

Summary: The above is the relevant introduction to why Plectranthus amboinicus smells fragrant when touched and how to water it. Friends who like it can place it in the office or at home. We hope it helps friends who need it!