Vicks Plant
Plectranthus tomentosa

days to maturity:
plant spacing: 1 plant every 3 feet
sunlight requirements: 6-14 hours
look out for: none
harvest notes: easy to grow, NOT edible
perennial

Vicks plant is one of our most ‘house-planty’ offerings because its super hearty, tolerates very deep shade and can thrive in a pot long term.

Vicks plant can be used for either to make your own version of Vicks Vapor Rub, or as a replacement of it. The leaves can be steeped in boiling water, vaporizing the volatile oils. The steam is then inhaled, helping to clear nasal and respiratory passages. The leaves can also be applied as a poultice or prepared as an ointment. The strong methol aroma of Vicks plant is also great for making your own mosquito repellents. 

Theres lots of confusion online about the difference between Vicks plant and its close relative “cuban oregano” (which we also sell, in 3 different colors) but one sniff of the two plants and you’ll be able to tell them apart straight away. Cuban oregano has much larger leaves that aren’t cupped upwards and are less fleshy, and they smell like oregano. Vicks plant leaves are very small, extra fuzzy and they smell exactly like Vicks vapor rub from the store. 

Vicks plant is a succulent, so it likes cactus-like growing conditions, including well draining soil and not much water. When you do water it, try to water the base of the plant and not get the leaves too wet. If grown in the shade your plant will stretch out and become more wild and sprawling looking, and if you put it in full sun it’ll grow more dense and compact. This plant is very easy to propagate from cuttings so if you want to share it with friends or make yourself a bunch of plants just stick a green stem cutting in water in the shade and in a week or 2 it will sprout roots.