How to grow the Piss-off plant (Plectranthus caninus) from cuttings

Piss-off plant cutting

Piss-off plant

The propagation of the Piss-off plant (Plectranthus caninus) with cuttings is easy. They grow well if there is at least one pair of leaves on each cutting, but also leafless shoots will root.

The pot does not need to be covered.

Plectranthus caninus cutting
A rooted Plectranthus caninus cutting

This plant can be grown from

Stem cuttings

Piss-off plant cutting
An unrooted stem cutting

Timing

At 15 °C/59 °F to 30 °C/86 °F the Piss-off plant can be propagated the year round.

Plectranthus caninus
The leaf axils of Plectranthus caninus with leaf buds.

Lighting

Bright to part shaded with morning, evening and winter sun.

Soil

Mixes for indoor plants, herbs, vegetables or bird sand. Propagation in a water glass is also possible.

Temperature

15 to 30 °C (59 to 86 °F)

New growth after

At 17 to 22 °C (63 to 72 °F) the first roots and leaves appear after 2 to 4 weeks.

More infos

Plectranthus caninus is a semi-shrub originating from South Africa. This member of the mint family is sold as Piss-off plant or Scaredy Cat Plant. The intense smell of the leaves and shoots is said to keep cats and other mammals away.