Plectranthus coleoides, commonly known as false frankincense or incense plant, is an ornamental and aromatic plant noted for its green leaves with white edges and its pleasant minty scent. Widely used as a hanging or border plant in window boxes, this variety of Plectranthus not only gives us a decorative touch, but also acts as a natural insect repellent, especially helps us to get rid of the hated mosquitoes.

Easy to care for, vigorous and hardy, it is ideal for balconies, patios, terraces or even bright interiors. If you like to have plants that smell good, decorate and also help keep insects at bay, this one is for you. Stay and learn how to take care of it and bring out its best version at home.

Moderate watering, let the surface layer of the substrate dry out between waterings. Avoid waterlogging.

Plenty of natural light. Tolerates mild direct sun, but in summer it is better to protect it from the hottest hours.

Careful manual watering. Ideal to water by the base if it is in hanging pot.

Easy to grow, ideal for beginners.

Ideal temperature between 15 °C and 30 °C. Does not tolerate frost.

By cuttings. It roots easily both in water and directly in soil.

Care of False Incense

Soil Requirements

False frankincense grows well in light, well-drained soils. The ideal is to use a universal substrate mixed with perlite or coconut fiber to improve aeration and avoid waterlogging. It appreciates a substrate somewhat rich in organic matter, although it is not demanding.

Soil Preparation

To grow it in pots we must, as we have already mentioned, use a universal substrate to which we can add 20-30% of perlite, coconut fiber or coarse sand. This will help us to improve the soil structure and avoid excess moisture that could damage the roots of our plant.

On the other hand, if we want to plant it in the garden, we must make sure that the soil is not clayey or easily waterlogged. In this case, enriching the soil with mature compost or worm castings will provide organic matter without making the substrate too heavy.

Light Requirements

When it comes to growing it we can do it both indoors and outdoors, as long as it receives a lot of indirect light or a few hours of soft sunshine a day, specifically about 4 – 6 hours of light preferably at dawn or dusk. Of course always avoiding the central hours of intense sun, especially in warm climates.

Irrigation

Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings. In addition, false frankincense is sensitive to excess water, so it is advisable to avoid waterlogging, especially in pots without good drainage.

During spring and summer, it should be watered 2 to 3 times a week, especially if the plant is exposed to the sun or outdoors. On the contrary, in winter we will have to reduce the frequency of watering, limiting it to once a week or even every 10 days, depending on the environmental humidity. This change is due to the fact that the plant’s growth slows down with the lower temperatures and less sunlight, which causes it to absorb less water.

Pest Protection

Although the false frankincense is a fairly resistant plant and not very prone to attacks, it is advisable to monitor its health, especially if it is grown outdoors or in very humid environments, where it is more vulnerable to certain pests, such as:

Mealybug

The cottony mealybug is a common pest of indoor and outdoor plants, easily recognizable by its appearance: small white, cottony masses that usually appear in the axils of leaves, young stems or protected parts of the plant. They feed on the sap, weakening the plant and causing slow or deformed growth. In addition, they secrete honeydew, which not only attracts other pests such as fungi (e.g., black mold), but can also affect photosynthesis if it covers the leaves.

To keep the cottony mealybug at bay, it is essential that we frequently check the state of our plant. In the case of indoor plants, since they do not have natural predators, if we detect a slight infestation we can eliminate the pest with the help of a cotton swab, paying special attention to the axils of the leaves and young stems. In more serious cases, where the previous action would be insufficient, we can use potassium soap or neem oil.

If, on the other hand, we grow our false frankincense outdoors, the way to get rid of mealybugs would be to combine visual inspection with preventive measures, such as keeping the plant aerated and removing fallen leaves or accumulated plant debris. If the infestation is severe, it is advisable to carry out selective pruning, removing and discarding the most affected parts to prevent the pest from spreading to other plants in the environment. In addition, growing it outdoors we can take advantage of biological control by means of natural predators such as ladybugs or lizards, which will help us to keep the population of this pest under control.

How to Reproduce the False Incense

Reproduction by Cuttings

The simplest and most common way to multiply false frankincense is by cuttings. To do this, simply cut a healthy stem about 10-15 cm long, just below a node (the point where the leaves grow). Once this cutting is cut, it can be placed directly in water or in a humid and well aerated substrate.

False frankincense has a very fast and effective rooting capacity, especially in the warm seasons of spring and summer, when light and temperature conditions favor root development.

To ensure optimal rooting, it is advisable to keep the substrate always slightly moist, avoid direct exposure to strong sunlight and provide a stable temperature of around 20-25 °C. In addition, covering the cutting with a transparent plastic bag or placing it in a homemade mini greenhouse will help to conserve humidity and create a favorable environment.

Transplant

Once the false frankincense cuttings have developed a solid root system, with roots approximately 2 to 5 cm in length, it is the ideal time to proceed with transplanting. This step is essential to ensure that the young plants continue their healthy growth and adapt well to their final environment.

At the time of transplanting select a container that has a suitable size so that the plant can grow comfortably, with at least 15-20 cm in diameter and several drainage holes at the base. Once selected, place a light layer of compost on the bottom, make a small hole in the center, and carefully place the cutting, avoiding damaging the roots. Fill in around it with more soil and press lightly to secure the plant. Afterwards, moderate watering is crucial to settle the soil around the roots and keep the substrate moist, as well as avoiding sudden exposure to temperature changes or cold air currents that can cause the plant to suffer stress.

This transplanting technique, although simple, is key to preserving all the original characteristics of the false frankincense, such as its characteristic aroma and vigorous growth. A well-carried out transplant guarantees that the plant will continue to develop strongly, ensuring healthy, fragrant foliage that will maintain the beauty of the parent specimen.

Associations

When choosing which plants are best and which are not to accompany our false incense, it is important to select companions that have similar needs to facilitate their care and avoid common problems such as pests or stress due to inadequate conditions.

Now that you know all the care, benefits and uses of false incense, you just need to take the step to have it at home. So that you do not miss anything, we have prepared a small selection of products that can facilitate the cultivation and maintenance of your plant.