Care and Propagation Information
General Care for Plectranthus amboinicus "Comfort Plant"
Plectranthus amboinicus "Comfort Plant" is a fast-growing, mounding succulent. It spreads out as it grows, making it excellent ground cover. It can also be grown indoors. If grown in a pot, it will trail over the edges.
It is easy to grow and propagate. Its flowers attract bees.
Watering
Plectranthus amboinicus "Comfort Plant" has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Be careful no to get the leaves of "Comfort Plant" too wet as you are watering.
And be sure to get our FREE watering cheat sheet so you can learn how to tell if your succulents are getting too much water (and how to save them if needed).
Where to Plant
"Comfort Plant" is not cold-hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 20° F (-6.7° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a planter that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.
Plant in an area that gets plenty of light, but also offers some shade during the heat of summer.
Also known as
Coleus amboinicus
How to Propagate Plectranthus amboinicus "Comfort Plant"
Plectranthus amboinicus "Comfort Plant" can be propagated by cuttings or division.
Cuttings
Plectranthus amboinicus "Comfort Plant" grows easily from stem cuttings. Using a sterile, sharp knife or pair of scissors, remove a leaf from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing it on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.
If you live in a four-season environment, and are growing "Comfort Plant" in the ground, it will die off, but you can take a cutting from it to grow again in the spring.
Division
In the spring when "Comfort Plant" is actively growing, you can remove the plant from the soil, taking care not to break off the stems. Dig around the plant, and lift the root ball from the soil using a sterile gardening trowel.
Using a sharp, sterile knife, divide the plant into several sections and replant in well-draining soil.
Uses
"Comfort Plant" has edible leavs, and is reported to be anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and an analgesic. It is traditionally used to treat skin conditions, headaches, coughs, colds, asthma, insect bits, burns, and more.
Its leaves can also be used as a tea or in salads.
Always consult a physician before ingesting any plants. While Plectranthus amboinicus is generally considered non-toxic, some people may experience adverse reactions. See more about poisonous succulents here.
If you have an allergy to the Aloe vera plant, there is a possibility that you may have an allergic reaction to “Comfort Plant”.
