If you want to decorate your garden with colorful foliage plants then the Coleus plant should be on the top of your list.
This easy-to-grow foliage plant exists in multiple colors and varieties. They can be planted indoors or outdoors. If you have a vacant corner in-home or a dark spot in the garden then Coleus is the perfect fit.
In this article, I have described every small thing you should know about Coleus. Read the article till the end to get the answer to all your questions.
So, Let’s dive into it.
Quick Guide
| Common Name | Coleus |
| Scientific Name | Plectranthus scutellarioides |
| Plant type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Mature Size | 6 to 36 inches taller and wider |
| Sun Exposure | Full shade to part shade |
| Soil Type | Loose, rich, well-drained soil |
| Soil pH | 6.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic or neutral) |
| Bloom Time | Late spring to early summer |
| Flower Color | Blue to White |
| Hardiness Zones | 10 to 11 USDA (can be grown annually anywhere) |
| Native Area | Asia |
Coleus Plant
Coleus is an annual or perennial herb plant grown for its bright, colorful leaves. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant, sometimes as a succulent. According to Wikipedia coleus belong to the Lamiaceae or mint family characterized by the square stem and opposite leaves.
The plant got popular as a victorian breeding plant, made a comeback during the 1990s, and did not get back into anonymity. This is a low-maintenance plant that gives color leaves in full sun to part sun.
Coleus plants are tender tropical, and native to the equator border in Asia. It loves heat but can grow as an annual in any garden.
Plant it outdoors in early spring, it takes only one season to grow its full size. It can also be grown as a container plant indoors. Place this vividly colored foliage near window boxes, indoor spaces, and patios for a decorative touch.
Coleus Plant Care
Coleus plants are easy to grow plants but there are plenty of factors that affect them. Take care of these factors for the healthy growth of coleus.
Light
Most of people have a question :
How do I make my coleus more colorful?
The one-sentence answer is, you should plant or place (if you are growing in a pot) in the spot where they get morning sunlight and afternoon shade.
This is because:
In the afternoon the sunlight is much stronger than morning and will destroy the plant. So, it’s best to protect them with shade. The foliage of the plant gets directly affected by the light.
If you plant them in full sun the dark-purple spots will start appearing on the leaves. Whereas planting them in full shade fades the leaves’ color.
Before growing them:
First, decide the exact spot where you want to grow them. Many coleus varieties or hybrids grow in shade, particle shade, and even in the full sun. So do your research and choose the variety accordingly.
Related post: 18 Low light houseplants That bring peace to the house
Water
When you first plant coleus in the pot or directly into the ground, give a good soaking of water to saturate the soil.
Water the plant only when the soil looks dry. Your aim should be to keep the soil moist but not wet. Overwatering the plant causes root rot.
Why is the coleus plant dying?
If you’re growing them in a pot then water them once or twice a day. Potted plants need more water as compared to ground plants, especially in summer.
However never overwater them because it causes root rot that destroys the roots and leaves, the plant unable to absorb water and nutrients. Eventually, the plant died.
Temperature & Humidity
This plant likes hot temperatures ideally between 70-100 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate hot temperatures but struggle in cold. Temperatures below 50 degrees F are not good for them.
To avoid this:
If you planted them in the pot, it’s wise to bring the pot inside and warm.
Once the outside temperature exceeds 50 degrees Fahrenheit place them back. For ground planted you have to regrow them in the spring season.
Coleus prefers high humidity as the plant is a habitat for tropical regions. But, that doesn’t mean they only thrive in high humidity. They also grow well in average humidity.
Related post: 25 Best Perennial Fall Flowers for the beautiful garden
Fertilizer
Coleus plants kept in the pot can be fed liquid fertilizer in the growing season.
In the fall or winter fertilizing plants isn’t necessary as the growth of plants is minimal in these seasons. If the plant is in the ground then fed slow-release fertilizer is a good option.
To increase the abundance of leaves and vibrant foliage, choose a high nitrogen-level fertilizer. Nitrogen is an important mineral in the plant’s growth.
Pruning
How do I make my coleus bushy?
Pruning is very important to keep the plant clean and bushy. Especially for coleus, the plant has a habit to get leggy. Prune them from time to time to encourage growth.
Here is what you should do:
Take a sharp shear and sniff off spindly stems, ideally a short distance above the leaf node. This will result in the stem popping from the cut points.
Photo source: Ann Stretton
You can also do pruning to make the plant neat or to stop it from overgrowing. However, this depends upon you whether you want to let them grow or be bound in a certain size.
Should I cut the flowers off my coleus?
The coleus also bear flowers but they look faded in front of their bright and vibrant foliage. So, it’s wise to pluck the buds whenever you notice them in the plant.
Also, these faded flowers need the energy to grow which slows down the growth of the foliage. By removing the plant’s buds you redirect the energy in the production of colorful leaves.
Common Pest & Diseases
Groundhogs and rabbits are primary pests for coleus when planted outdoors. However, if you can protect coleus in the early season, these pests seem to turn their attention to other plants in mid-summer.
Coleus usually does not get bothered with any diseases unless the weather is too cold and damp. In this condition, you can expect signs of fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
When grown indoors in a pot, it is susceptible to scale, whiteflies, and especially mealybugs. You can get rid of them by applying neem oil or spraying organic pesticides. If your plant is infected with the fungal disease; Read how to get rid of powdery mildew.
How to propagate coleus plant
Coleus spread a lot, they need a large space to spread but before you plant them in a larger area first grow them in a small pot.
They are easy to care for in pots, after they grow a few inches transplant them in the garden or plant bed.
Coleus Tricolor by Serres Fortier
Does coleus like to be root bound?
Rootbound will stop the plant’s growth. If you don’t want coleus to spread and remain in its current size then plant in a pot or container. But their health will suffer and eventually, you have to give them more space to spread. So, after they grow a few inches in a pot transplant to a large area.
Related post: 14 perennial plants That make your garden Beautiful.
Propagate Coleus From Stem Cutting:
Propagation from stem cutting is an easy and quick method to grow plants. Using stem cutting you can propagate plants in water pots or directly in the ground.
Can coleus plants grow in water?
Coleus is an annual or perennial plant and is sometimes succulent. They can grow in the water. From stem cutting, you can easily propagate coleus in water.
Here is how to propagate in water:
- Cut a stem from a mature coleus plant. Always cut the stem from the node.
- Remove the bottom half leaves from the stem.
- Dip in rooting hormone. If you want to grow the plant faster then dip the bottom end of the plant into the rooting hormone.
- place the stem cutting in a transparent glass or jar half filled with water.
- Occasionally change the water of the container when it looks dirty.
- You can expect the growth of the roots in 2 weeks, don’t get impatient if it takes a few more days.
- Planting the stem cutting in the pot is similar to in water glass. The only difference is instead of water, plant them in potting mixed soil.
Propagate Coleus Plant From Seeds:
Photo source: Ann Stretton
Propagation from seed is also simple but it takes a longer time.
Here is what you need to do:
- Take fresh or new seeds of the plant.
- Sow the seeds in potting mix soil.
- Use a pencil to make a small hole nearly 3-4 inches.
- Put the 2-3 seeds into the hole.
- Cover the hole with the soil.
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist.
- After 2 weeks, the seeds will start germinating.
Then transplant in a large container or directly in the soil.
Transplant
If you want to grow a healthy and beautiful Coleus plant then you have to give them enough space to grow. You can easily transplant them in the garden.
Photo source: Ann Stretton
By following steps:
The water-potted coleus. When the roots of the plant get visible. Transplant them in the ground.
For potted plants pull the stem to check the root of the stem cutting has grown properly or not. If the plant resists then it means the roots have grown. Toss the plant out and plant it in a suitable spot. (explained in the light section)
In the beginning, you have to water the soil properly. After that only water when the soil looks dry. Overwatering can cause root rot.
Coleus Companion Plants
Companion plants add additional beauty or look great in combination. Planting coleus with fellow companion plants will enhance their beauty.
As coleus is a colorful foliage plant its ideal to plant with other bushy plants that have colored foliage as:
- Hostas
- Sweet potatoes vine
- Ferns
- Impatiens
- Begonia
- Fuchsias
- Dusty miller
- Ornamental grasses like purple fountain grass
Learn how to grow these companion plants by clicking on its name. These plants make a good combination and they all grow in less time.
FAQ
Does coleus like sun or shade?
Generally, they prefer shade but some modern coleus hybrids or variety also grow well in full sun. As I mentioned the ideal place to plant them. They thrive in cool, evenly moist soil and well-drained soil. Moisture is good but soggy conditions cause rot roots.
What is Coleus good for?
Coleus is an annual or perennial plant that grows in both soil and water. They have bright and vibrant foliage that makes the home or garden beautiful.
How long do coleus plants live?
They can live nearly 7 years in the ground if you live in USDA hardiness zone 10-11. The plant cannot tolerate frost. In the cold season, you have to bring your plant indoors.
Does coleus come back every year?
As I mentioned above this plant cannot survive frost. So, if you plant outdoors you have to overwinter them every year. Once the climate gets warmer you can again bring them out.
Is the coleus plant poisonous to cats?
Coleus is poisonous to both cats and dogs when eaten. If you have pets in your home then I recommend don’t plant them. The pets can suffer from anorexia, bloody diarrhea, body tremor, depression, skin redness, and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet immediately visit an animal doctor.
Are coleus plants poisonous?
They are not poisonous to humans if not eaten. They may cause some skin irritation to sensitive people. Mostly planting them has no issues.
Hope your question has been answered, if not ask me in the comment box. If you found this post useful share it with your friends and family.
Hey! I’m Madhuresh, a passionate content creator, and a Plant lover. I created Shiny Plant to explore and learn about new plants. The purpose is to provide simple and effective Gardening Tips. Hope you’ll find this informative.