Apple Mint

Apple Mint prefers moist, well-drained soils and should be watered regularly during the flowering season, as the plant is sensitive to any extremes. The soil should be allowed to dry between the watering sessions. Regular check of the soil moisture is advised, as over-watering may cause root and stem rot. During cold periods the plant should be given less water while keeping the soil damp but not soggy.

Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight, however, can tolerate different lighting conditions. In shade, the leaves would become darker; in full sun, they become lighter and delicate. Plant can also tolerate limited sunlight with less dense growth. It is also important to avoid extreme hot and humid conditions and intense direct light, as it might cause the wilting of the leaves.

Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) prefers moderate temperatures throughout the year, between 59-61°F (15-16°C) and 72-77°F (22-25°C). Too cold temperatures may curb the growth of the plant, while higher temperatures may cause the wilting of the leaves. It is advised to provide some winter protection to the Apple Mint during the colder months of the year.

Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) prefers humid environment, however, it can tolerate normal humidity levels. It is important to try avoiding extreme low humidity levels, as it might cause the drying of the leaves. Mist the plant occasionally during the summer months or when the environment is dry. The plant benefit from extra humidity, such as using a pebble tray filled with water.

Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) prefers moist, well-drained soils. Regular potting mixes are suitable, however, mix the soil with some perlite or some other material, like coarse sand top improve drainage. Adding some slow-release fertilizer might be beneficial as it encourages growth and blooming. The plant performs best when the soil pH stays between 6.0 and 6.8.

Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) should be regularly fertilized in order to maintain a good health and encourage blooming. It is important to avoid fertilizers that containing high amounts of nitrogen as it will lead to excessive leafage, and not enough flowers. Fertilizing should be done once every two weeks during the spring and summer periods. Slow-release fertilizer is the best for Apple Mint, however, liquid fertilizers can be used as well. Make sure to dilute it, following the instructions provided on the packaging.

Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) is quite the resistive plant, however, the most common pests are aphids, spider mites, twig borers, and caterpillars. Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects that usually cluster on the new stems or leaves. Spider mites are also small, but they have more spider-like shapes. Twig borers are larvae of moths and they feed on the inner tissues of the stems or twigs, causing the weak-growth of the plant. Lastly, caterpillars have a wide range of shapes and colours and they feed on the developing buds or young leaves. To get rid of any of the aforementioned pests, it is important to isolate the infected plant and to employ different biological control methods, like introducing beneficial insects (ladybugs, green lacewings). Other traditional pesticide sprays and insecticides might be also used in serious cases.

Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) must be repotted every year or biennially, choosing a slightly bigger pot when applicable. Repotting should be done in early spring, before the blooming runs in order to reduce the shock of the plant. Use a new pot with enough drainage holes, and if possible use fertilizer-free soil. It is also important to avoid overly-frequent repotting, as the plant might get weakened or suffer from transplant shock.

Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) is a freely branching plant so regular pruning is necessary. Pruning is recommended in order to maintain a good shape, increase blooming, and enhance the appearance of the plant. Pruning should be done early in the spring, removing any weak, dead, or damaged branches. Shear the sides and the top of the plant in order to keep the shape of the bush. Cut the older branches to the ground and remove any dead or diseased leaves.

Mulching of Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) with some organic material, like compost is beneficial to the plant. Mulch helps to retain moisture and protect the roots from excessive temperatures. Furthermore, mulch reduces the growth of weeds and prevents from the nutrient deficiencies. It is important to assure proper layering in order to avoid the plant from suffocating.

Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) can be easily propagated by stem cutting or division of the plant. For stem cutting, use a sharp pair of shears and make 4-5 inches long cuttings. Make sure to remove the lower leaves and plant the cuttings in the moist potting mix. You can also propagate the plant by division, splitting the branch with some soil, preferably in early spring. For both propagation methods, it is important to keep the soil moist and placed in a shady spot.

Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) rarely needs additional support, however, some plants may require it. If this is the case, provide the stake, bamboo stick or other support onto the pot and gently tie the stem of the plant at three to four positions on the stake. The tying should done gently, preventing any harm to the stem or leaves.

Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) does not have any rest period. The plant remains actively growing during the entire year, however, some methods to reduce the growth can be employed. Cutting some of the stem or removing the flowers, encourages the Apple Mint to produce new branches. Avoiding fertilization also helps to slow the growth when necessary.

Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) is not toxic to pets or humans. The plant is likely to cause some skin irritation, however, it is under normal circumstances quite safe.