Indian Borage

Indian Borage Care

Coleus amboinicus

Other names: Caribbean Oregano, Cuban Oregano, French Thyme, Indian Borage, Indian Mint, Big Thyme

What is the plant

If you're ready to embark on a fragrant and flavorful indoor gardening journey, Coleus amboinicus, aka Indian Borage or Cuban Oregano, is the perfect companion. This aromatic herb promises a touch of greenery to your home and a wealth of culinary and medicinal potential.

Coleus amboinicus is a versatile herb from Southeast Asia and belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which means it is closely related to plants like Mint, Lavender, or even Basil. These relative ties become apparent in its taste, combining Basil and Oregano's aniseed notes with the refreshing aromas of mints and thymes.

Typically growing to 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) and spreading to a similar width, creating a bushy appearance, the size of Indian Borage can vary depending on growing conditions and care. The leaves are boastful, fleshy, and aromatic in a vibrant shade of green and are covered in essential oil-bearing trichomes, giving them a slightly glossy appearance. The plant's color may vary slightly depending on light and moisture levels, but it generally remains within the green spectrum.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

18°C - 20°C

Hardiness zone

10 - 11

Difficulty

Easy

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
The herb thrives on regular watering but despises waterlogged soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the soil's top inch (2.5 cm) feels dry. Use room temperature water and aim to water at the base of the plant to avoid splashing the leaves.
Pruning
Regular pruning is not necessary for Indian Borage. However, trimming the plant to promote bushier growth is advisable. Pinch off the tips of the branches to encourage lateral branching, resulting in a fuller, more productive plant.
Fertilizer
Feed every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer with an NPK index of 10-10-10. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent over-fertilization. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season, typically from spring through early fall.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Indian Borage enjoys bright, indirect light. Place it near a window that can receive dappled sunlight but protect it from harsh, direct sun exposure. Inadequate light can lead to leggy growth, so ensure it gets 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight daily.
Soil
For optimal growth, plant your Indian Borage in a well-draining potting mix with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It appreciates rich, organic soil that provides essential nutrients. Mixing potting soil and perlite or sand can help create the ideal growing medium.
Propagation
You can easily propagate Indian Borage through cuttings. Simply take a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) cutting from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a pot filled with a well-draining rooting medium. Keep the cutting moist until roots develop, then transplant it to a larger container.

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Temperature
Indian Borage thrives between 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). Protect it from drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, as it's sensitive to cold. Grown as a houseplant or in containers, especially in regions with colder climates, as outdoor cultivation is generally suitable for USDA hardiness zones 10-11. In these zones, the climate is warm enough to support the growth of Indian Borage year-round and promotes pink flower development. In regions with colder climates, it can be grown as an annual or brought indoors during the winter months to protect it from frost and cold temperatures.
Container
When growing indoors, choose a container with a minimum depth of 6 inches (15 cm). Opt for a well-draining pot to prevent waterlogging, ensuring excess moisture doesn't harm the plant.
Fun fact
Indian Borage adds zest to your dishes and has remarkable healing properties. It is renowned for its ability to soothe respiratory issues and digestive discomfort. Its pleasant fragrance makes it an excellent choice for herbal teas and potpourri.