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Coleus plants bring vibrant foliage into gardens. Easy to care for and propagate via cuttings, Coleus thrives in warmer conditions.
Coleus are highly susceptible to frost damage and should be brought indoors or covered on nights when frost warnings are in effect. Also, coleus doesn't tolerate intense sun very well so be sure to find them a shady location!
Coleus plants offer vibrantly colored foliage throughout the growing season. Though often considered perennials in tropical environments and USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11, most gardeners treat Coleus as annuals because even light frost damage will kill it quickly.
These brightly-hued plants thrive in well-draining, rich soil. Furthermore, they prefer partial shade over full sunlight exposure as too much direct sun can burn their leaves.
For new plantings, try dipping green cuttings in rooting hormone and planting them directly in containers filled with potting soil. Water regularly to keep the cuttings even dampness but not soggy. If you plan on overwintering coleus plants indoors during fall pruning will allow them to start another colorful growing season when spring arrives - these cuttings can even be propagated from single cuttings as houseplants!
Coleus is an easy-care plant that requires little attention or care, thriving both in full sun or partial shade environments. For garden planting, organic matter-rich soil that's moderately to slightly acidic works best; containers should use loose, well-draining potting mix instead. Water Coleus regularly without oversaturating its soil. Deeply water whenever necessary before repeating. Allow one inch of top layer soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Coleus plants can be propagated easily via cuttings. Wearing gardening gloves, cut a 6-inch section of stem from an established plant in spring or summer; place this cutting into room-temperature water until all its leaves have submerged; set this jar aside in direct sunlight until tiny roots appear.
Coleus plants can be considered perennials in hardiness zones 10 and 11, yet are more often treated as annuals due to frost sensitivity. Fertilize with slow-release all-purpose fertilizer at planting, then supplement with balanced water-soluble fertilizer once every month after that. Regular pinching will promote branching and bushiness.
Though coleus is technically perennial, according to North Carolina State extension service it typically lives only one year when grown as container plants. Coleus makes an ideal addition for brightening up shady containers, bedding or in combination with other warm season annual flowers such as petunias. Outdoor coleus plants may survive mild winter conditions if kept outside until just prior to frost date when brought indoors for overwintering.
Indoor coleus plants make great houseplants, with some varieties providing additional advantages as houseplants. For instance, those with darker green leaves may tolerate more direct sunlight than lighter-colored varieties.
Coleus plants are tropical, so they require warm, humid conditions in order to thrive. Even the slightest frost will kill them in temperate climates; therefore, indoor coleus should be moved into a warm room during cold evenings or drafty windows to stay moist but not soggy.
Coleus plants can do well indoors if brought inside before temperatures begin to drop in fall, as their foliage quickly declines if exposed to colder conditions, making reviving them after they die difficult.
Reproducing coleus from cuttings is an easy and cost-effective way to ensure its continued presence year after year. Simply don gardening gloves, cut three to four-inch stem cuttings from healthy plants with at least two sets of leaves, submerge them in water until just an inch remains submerged, place in warm environment, and update as the water evaporates away.
Coleus plants thrive in moist, rich soils; however, they don't tolerate drought conditions well. Drainage should be sufficient, while it would also be wise to add balanced liquid fertilizer once every month or so for best results. To promote branching and keep them full and bushy look pinch off growing tips frequently to promote branching; additionally cut back any flower stalks so energy goes towards foliage development rather than flower spikes growth.
