One plant that is often mistaken for a coleus is Plectranthus oertendahlii, also known as Creeping Coleus. This plant is frequently sold synonymously with coleus in the gardening industry, leading to confusion among gardeners.
Plectranthus oertendahlii has purple-toned foliage similar to coleus, but there are distinct differences that set it apart. The first noticeable difference is the size and shape of the leaves. P. oertendahlii has smaller leaves compared to coleus, giving it a more delicate appearance.
Another distinguishing feature of P. oertendahlii is the prominent silver veins that stand out on the purple-green leaves. This silver veining adds an interesting touch to the plant’s overall coloration. In contrast, coleus typically has more uniform, solid coloration without prominent veining.
In my personal experience, I have seen many instances where nursery labels mistakenly identify P. oertendahlii as coleus. This can be misleading for gardeners who are specifically looking for true coleus plants. It’s important to pay attention to the leaf size and veining to correctly identify the plant.
To summarize the differences between P. oertendahlii and coleus:
1. Leaf size: P. oertendahlii has smaller leaves compared to coleus.
2. Leaf coloration: P. oertendahlii has purple-green leaves with prominent silver veining, while coleus has more uniform coloration.
3. Overall appearance: P. oertendahlii has a more delicate and intricate leaf structure compared to coleus.
It’s important for gardeners to be aware of these differences to avoid confusion when selecting plants for their gardens.
