The Scaredy Cat Plant: An Indoor Companion

The Scaredy Cat plant, or Coleus Canina, is a flowering perennial native to southeastern Africa. It is a member of the mint family and emits a strong, unpleasant odour that is thought to repel cats, dogs, and other animals. Despite its odour, it is an attractive garden plant with grey-green oval leaves and unusually dark violet-blue flower spikes that blossom in late spring through summer. This plant is easy to grow and care for and is drought-tolerant, making it a great addition to any garden or indoor space.

Scaredy Cat Plant Care

The Scaredy Cat plant, or Coleus canina, is a member of the mint family and is native to southern Asia and eastern Africa. It is a perennial herb with grey-green oval leaves and blue flowers. The plant emits a strong odour, which is thought to repel cats, dogs, and other animals, although there is no scientific proof of this. Here are some tips on how to care for a Scaredy Cat plant:

Planting

Scaredy Cat plants can be planted by seed or from a potted nursery start in the spring after the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They thrive in full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Space the plants about two feet apart and avoid planting them near pathways or other pedestrian areas, as they give off an unpleasant scent when brushed against.

Watering

The Scaredy Cat plant is drought-tolerant and does not require supplemental watering except during hot summer temperatures. Water it as you would succulent plants, such as sedums. In prolonged drought situations, a one-inch soaking every two to three weeks is usually sufficient.

Temperature and Humidity

The Scaredy Cat plant is hardy in zones 10 and 11 and may survive winters in zones eight and nine with mulching. It thrives in relatively arid conditions and has no preference for humidity.

Fertilizer

Apply a diluted balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Withhold feeding in the winter months in regions where the plant grows as a perennial.

Pruning and Deadheading

To encourage fuller growth, pinch back the leaves early in the season. Deadheading spent flowers will stimulate more blossoms and extend the bloom period. Deadheading also prevents the plant from self-seeding, which can be a problem in warmer regions.

Propagating

Scaredy Cat plants are easy to propagate by rooting stem cuttings. Use sharp pruners to snip a three- to five-inch stem tip and remove the leaves from the bottom one-third of the cutting. Plant the cutting in a small pot with a standard potting mix blended with sand or perlite and keep the mix moist. Roots will develop in a few days. After a few weeks, the rooted cutting can be transplanted to the garden or grown indoors.

Potting and Repotting

The Scaredy Cat plant will grow in any well-draining pot with a porous potting mix, such as a mixture of standard potting soil and perlite or sand. Repotting is usually not necessary, as the plants are typically discarded after the growing season. If you wish to grow the plant year-round, prune back the stems and reduce watering in the fall, and repot every two to three years.

Overwintering

In regions where the plant is not hardy, pull the plants from the ground and discard them in the fall after they die back. For overwintering a potted plant indoors, place it near a sunny eastern or southern-facing window, away from drafty spots, and in a location where its aroma won't be a problem.

Scaredy Cat Plant Propagation

The Scaredy Cat Plant, or Coleus Canina, is a member of the mint family. It is a perennial herb native to southern Asia and eastern Africa. It is an attractive plant with grey-green leaves and light blue flowers. The plant is also known for its distinctive skunk-like smell, which is said to repel cats, dogs, rabbits, and other small mammals. However, there is no proof that the scent alone will keep these animals away.

Propagating a large number of Scaredy Cat Plants is a simple process. First, cut healthy leaves in half and plant them cut-side down into fresh potting soil. Keep the soil moist, and within a few weeks, you will have a large batch of rooted plants. Transplant the baby plants in full sun or partial shade, spacing them about 2 feet (61 cm) apart. The Scaredy Cat Plant can also be grown in containers for portability.

When pruning your Scaredy Cat Plant, it is recommended to wear gloves as the act of cutting will cause the plant to emit a strong odour. Pinching out the tips will encourage bushier growth. This plant is easy to care for and drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

To propagate Scaredy Cat Plants from cuttings, use a sharp, clean knife or scissors to take 4-6 inch cuttings from the tip of a stem. Remove the lower leaves so that the bottom 2 inches of the cutting are bare. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone, if desired, and then place it into a moist potting mix. Keep the soil moist, and the cutting should root within a few weeks.

The Scaredy Cat Plant is a unique and interesting addition to any garden or indoor plant collection. With its pest-repelling properties and easy propagation, it is a useful and attractive plant to grow.

Scaredy Cat Plant Potting and Repotting

The Scaredy Cat plant, or Coleus canina, is a member of the mint family and is native to southern Asia and eastern Africa. It is a drought-tolerant plant that is relatively easy to grow and care for.

When it comes to potting and repotting your Scaredy Cat plant, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, this plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial sun as long as it gets some hot afternoon sun. It is important to note that too much shade will cause the plant to become leggy and reduce flowering.

For potting, choose a well-draining pot and fill it with a porous potting mix. A mixture of traditional potting soil, peat moss, and sand or perlite will ensure that the plant's roots don't get waterlogged. Keep in mind that the Scaredy Cat plant prefers dry soil, so allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.

Repotting is usually not necessary for the Scaredy Cat plant, as they are typically treated as annuals and discarded after the growing season. However, if you wish to grow it year-round as an outdoor patio plant, you should prune back the stems and reduce watering in the fall. In this case, repotting should be done every two to three years.

If you are repotting, use a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one, as these plants thrive in slightly confined spaces. Fill the new pot with fresh potting mix, leaving enough space so that the plant sits at the same depth as before. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, trying to keep as much of the existing soil intact as possible. Place the plant in the new pot and fill in the sides with the remaining potting mix. Water the plant thoroughly after repotting.

The Scaredy Cat plant is known for its ability to deter cats and other unwanted pests from entering your garden due to its strong, unpleasant odour. However, this odour is barely noticeable to humans unless the plant is touched or brushed against. This makes the Scaredy Cat plant a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance and attractive plant to add to their garden or outdoor space.

How to Get Scaredy Cat Plant to Bloom

The Scaredy Cat plant, or Coleus canina, is a flowering perennial native to southeastern Africa. It is a member of the mint family and is characterised by its grey-green oval leaves and unusually dark violet-blue flower spikes.

To get your Scaredy Cat plant to bloom, follow these steps:

Sun Exposure

Ensure your plant receives adequate sun exposure. Scaredy Cat plants require at least six hours of direct sunlight to bloom optimally. Place your plant in a sunny spot, preferably in full sun but partial shade is also acceptable, as long as it gets some hot afternoon sun.

Fertilizer

Provide your plant with a balanced fertilizer on a monthly basis during the growing season. This will ensure your plant receives the necessary nutrients to support robust blooming.

Soil and Drainage

Plant your Scaredy Cat in well-drained soil with good drainage. Sandy soils are suitable, and a mixture of traditional potting soil, peat moss, and sand or perlite can be used to ensure the roots don't become waterlogged.

Watering

The Scaredy Cat plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, during summer temperature rises, provide supplemental watering, similar to how you would water succulent plants like sedums. In prolonged drought conditions, a one-inch soaking every two to three weeks is usually sufficient.

Temperature and Humidity

Scaredy Cat plants thrive in relatively arid conditions and have no specific humidity requirements. They are reliably hardy in zones 10 and 11. In zones 8 and 9, they may survive winters with mulching around the base of the plant.

Pruning and Deadheading

To encourage fuller growth and stimulate more blossoms, pinch back the leaves early in the season. Deadhead spent flowers to extend the overall bloom period and prevent self-seeding in the garden, which can be an issue in warmer regions.

By following these guidelines, you can create the optimal conditions for your Scaredy Cat plant to bloom abundantly.

Common Problems with Scaredy Cat Plant

The Scaredy Cat Plant (Coleus canina) is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but there are a few common problems to look out for. Here are some issues you may encounter when growing a Scaredy Cat Plant:

• Leggy and Sparse Growth: If your Scaredy Cat Plant is planted in a shady location, it may not receive enough sunlight. As a result, it can develop long, thin stems with sparse leaves, a condition known as "leggy" growth. To prevent this, ensure your plant receives full sun or partial shade, and space plants about two feet apart to allow for adequate airflow and light penetration. Regularly pruning or cutting back the stems can also help maintain a full and bushy shape.
• Unpleasant Odor: The Scaredy Cat Plant is known for its distinctive skunk-like smell, which is more noticeable when the plant is brushed against or bruised. While this odor may be offensive to some, it is considered a beneficial feature by those who wish to deter cats, dogs, and other animals from their gardens. However, it is important to note that there is no scientific proof that the plant's smell effectively repels these animals.
• Self-Seeding: The Scaredy Cat Plant, like other members of the mint family, can self-seed and spread aggressively in warm-winter zones with long growing seasons. While this may not be an issue in regions with winter frost, where volunteer seedlings rarely reach flowering maturity, it can become invasive in warmer climates. To control self-seeding, deadhead spent flowers regularly to prevent the plant from spreading throughout your garden.
• Lack of Bloom: Insufficient sun exposure and inadequate fertilisation can lead to reduced blooming. Ensure your plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily and provide monthly feeding with a diluted balanced fertilizer to encourage more blossoms.

Remember, Scaredy Cat Plants are generally resilient and easy to care for. However, being aware of these potential issues will help you identify and address any problems that may arise, ensuring the healthy growth of your Scaredy Cat Plant.

Frequently asked questions