Grower Facts

Plectranthus Emerald Lace (Plectranthus oertendahlii)

Germination
- Cover seeds lightly.
- Light is required for germination.
- Germination takes 6 to 9 days.

Plug Production
Media:Use a well-drained, disease-free, soilless medium with a pH of 5.5 to 6.1 and a medium initial nutrient charge (ECless than or equal to 0.75 mmhos/cm with a 1:2 extraction).
Sowing:Plug tray sizes from 406 to 288 cells are recommended. Cover seeds lightly. Germination takes 6 to 9 days.

Temperature
Germination (Stage 1): 68 to 74°F (20 to 24°C)
Cotyledon Stage (Stage 2): 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C)
True leaves (Stage 3): 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C)
Hold plugs (Stage 4): 64 to 68°F (18 to 20°C)

Light
Stage 1: Light (10 f.c./108 Lux or more) is required for germination.
After germination: Maintain light level between 1000 to 2500 f.c. (10,000 to 30,000 Lux). As seedlings mature light levels can be increased up to 5,000 f.c. (54,000 Lux).
Humidity:Maintain 95% relative humidity through cotyledon emergence.

Soil Moisture
Keep soil moisture high until radicle emergence, then reduce moisture levels after the radicle penetrates the medium. Do not allow the seedlings to wilt.

Fertilizing
At radicle emergence: 50 to 75 ppm N from 14-0-14 or 13-2-13, alternating with 20-10-20 type fertilizer.
As cotyledons expand: Increase to 100 to 150 ppm N.
Growth Regulators:Not needed.

Growing On to Finish
Media:Use a well-drained, disease-free, soilless medium with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2 and a medium initial nutrient charge.

Temperature
Nights: 64 to 66°F (18 to 19°C)
Days: 66 to 72°F (19 to 22°C)
Light:Provide shade if light level is over 5,000 f.c. (50,000 Lux).
Irrigation:Grow plants on the dry side. Mature plants are very tolerant to drought.
Fertilizer:200 ppm N once a week, alternate between 15-5-15 and 20-10-20 type fertilizers.
Growth Regulators:Not needed. Plants are naturally compact.
Pinching:Pinching is not needed.
Common Problems:No major problems have been observed.