🇿🇼 Habitat and Ecology
​Coleus venteri (formerly Plectranthus venteri) is a rare, semi-succulent herbaceous perennial belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native and endemic to South Zimbabwe. In the wild, it is found growing on exposed, rocky ledges and cliffs (lithophytic) in montane grasslands at high elevations. This species is adapted to a cool-growing regime with distinct seasonal dry periods, utilizing its succulent stems and thickened leaves to store water and survive in harsh, exposed environments.
​🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
​This plant is a small, slow-growing, succulent shrublet highly valued for its unique texture and highly aromatic foliage.
​Foliage & Stems: It produces rigid, thick, and highly fleshy semi-succulent stems that are often woody at the base, forming a compact, erect to spreading shrublet. The leaves are small, thick, rounded to broadly ovate, and have scalloped (crenate) margins. The most defining feature is the dense covering of soft, silvery-white or grey-green velvety hairs (pubescence) on both the leaves and stems, creating a distinctive felted appearance. The leaves are notably aromatic when rubbed or crushed, releasing a pungent, herbal scent.
​Flowers: The inflorescence is a terminal raceme of small, tubular flowers. The blooms are typically pale lavender, purplish-blue, or white, appearing sporadically.
​Ethnobotany: The Coleus genus is renowned for its culinary and medicinal uses. Its close relatives are used globally as flavouring herbs and in traditional African medicine as antiseptics or for treating minor ailments.
​Differentiation: C. venteri is distinguished from similar African Coleus species:
​Versus C. prostratus: C. prostratus (Pillow Plant) has a sprawling, cascading habit and smoother leaves, whereas C. venteri is a compact, erect shrublet with densely felted, aromatic foliage.
​Versus C. madagascariensis: C. madagascariensis has larger, thinner, and less succulent leaves, while C. venteri is defined by its thick, small, intensely woolly, succulent leaves.
​💧 Cultivation and Care
​Coleus venteri is a fascinating, rare, cool-to-intermediate growing succulent that is highly valued for its tolerance of high light and its unique texture.
​Light: Requires bright light to maintain its compact form and dense woolly indumentum. It tolerates direct morning or evening sun but should be shaded from intense, harsh midday sun.
​Substrate: Use a mineral-rich, extremely gritty, and fast-draining succulent/cactus mix.
​Watering: Water sparingly during the growing season; allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter. Avoid excessive moisture on the leaves to prevent rot.
​Temperature: It is a cool-intermediate grower.
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 18-25 C (64-77 F).
​Minimum Winter Temperature: Should not drop below 5 C.
​Humidity: Tolerant of average household humidity but requires excellent air circulation.
​✨ Unique Features
​This rare Zimbabwean endemic is a highly prized collector's plant due to its compact, miniature shrublet form and its dense, silvery-white, woolly indumentum (felted hairs). The aromatic quality of the foliage adds a sensory dimension, making it a distinctive and rewarding specimen.
​🏷️ Specifications
​Plant Size: as seen in the picture
Plant Family: Lamiaceae
Plant Passport: A Coleus venteri B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB