Coleus Care - Information On Growing Coleus

Coleus has long been considered a shade plant but the best leaf color is achieved with morning sun and some degree of afternoon shade. Many varieties do well in both shade and part-sun. Some can take quite a bit of sun as long as they are not allowed to dry out.

Does coleus like sun or shade?

Coleus thrive in cool, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture is good, but soggy conditions cause root disease. Watering should complement available sun. Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at least dappled shade and direct sun limited to morning hours.

How do you take care of a coleus plant?

Plant your coleus in a sturdy container that won't tip over if it does get to be 2 feet tall. Fill your container with well-draining soil and fertilize moderately. Be careful not to over fertilize, though, or your coleus in pots may lose their brilliant color. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist.

How often do you water coleus?

In hot months, coleus plants grown in pots outdoors will need watering once or twice a day. If grown indoors, watering every two or three days is usually sufficient unless the air inside your home or grow space is especially dry.

How long will coleus last?

In a frost-free area, coleus normally lives for several years. In USDA zones 10 through 11, the winter is mild enough to plant coleus in the ground. Coleus appreciates moist soil that drains well. Keep it out of intense sun, as it easily scalds.

What is the best fertilizer for coleus?

At the early stages of growth, coleus root development can be affected by high salts. A good target for EC in the root media is below 1.0 mS/cm. Keep ammonium nitrogen levels in the root zone less than 10 ppm by choosing high-nitrate-based fertilizers like, 13-2-13, 16-2-15 or 15-5-15.

Should I cut the flowers off my coleus?

Pinch just above a set of leaves or branching junction for the best appearance; don't leave a stub. Some gardeners leave the small flowers, but it's best to pinch them off to direct more energy into stem and foliage growth. Coleus left to flower may lose vigor as the plant puts energy into seed production.

Can coleus be a houseplant?

Coleus is a petite houseplant grown almost exclusively for its bold, colorful foliage.

How do I make my coleus more colorful?

Answer: Coleus to retain its bright color must have three things. #1 – It should have some direct sunlight (morning sun) for at least part of the day and as much indirect light as possible all of the time. These flowers grow in the sun very well!

Why are the leaves falling off my coleus plant?

Coleus Problems

Several things can cause the leaves on the Coleus to drop off suddenly. This is normally a result of not watering enough, cool draughts or cold temperatures in general. Moist soil is essential for a healthy Coleus, but this is not the same as wet soil which will encourage the roots and stems to rot.

How do you revive a dying coleus plant?

Coleus over watering or coleus planted in waterlogged soil will suffer from root rot, which can kill your coleus. If your coleus has developed yellow leaves from too much water, it may be too late to save the plant. If your plant is dying, try saving some cuttings and propagating a new plant.

Why is my coleus losing color?

Too much sunshine can make the colors fade, but older leaves tend to lose their colors, as well. Pinching your coleus plants back to encourage healthy new leaf growth will help you maintain that bright, vibrant color. To test this theory, pinch out several of the oldest leaves on the backside of the plant.

Can you root coleus in water?

As coleus plants have grown in popularity their prices have increased accordingly, but coleus plants are easy to propagate and grow in water, allowing you to create a colony of the handsome houseplants. Take a six-inch cutting, and remove the leaves from the bottom four inches.

Do coleus plants spread?

Do not crowd coleus close together. They spread out to about 16 inches across, so keep the leaves from shading each other by planting at least 12 inches away from each other in the garden. Some coleus prefer bright sun, but most do best and achieve the most vivid color in partial shade.

Do coleus come back each year?

Coleus is a perennial, a tropical shrub, that is not hardy except in warm, frost-free zones.

Is Coleus poisonous to dogs?

Causes of Coleus Poisoning in Dogs

The cause of coleus poisoning is exposure to or consumption of any part of the coleus. The essential oils are toxic to dogs and other small animals and children and are quickly absorbed through the skin, causing intense irritation and central nervous system abnormalities.

How big do coleus plants get?

They were originally a shade plant, but hybrids have been developed that can tolerate partial and even full sun. Coleus comes in three forms: upright, rounded and trailing. They range in height from 6 inches to 3.5 feet and grow 1 to 3 feet wide.

How do you propagate coleus?

How to propagate coleus from cuttings

Step 1: Take a coleus cutting. Take a cutting from a mature coleus plant: Look for stems that are 4 to 6 inches in length. ...
Step 2: Remove extra leaves. ...
Step 3: Put coleus cuttings in water. ...
Step 4: Watch the coleus root. ...
Step 5: Plant rooted cuttings.

Do coleus like to be misted?

Unlike other tropical houseplants that require daily misting, you should avoid spritzing your coleus leaves. The water can leave marks on the velvety foliage and spoil the plant's appearance.

Does coleus reseed?

Annuals – popular annuals that reseed include forget-me-nots, coleus and marigolds.

Are coleus poisonous to cats?

Coleus contains an essential oil toxic to cats and dogs, which can cause skin irritations and burns if not diagnosed and treated right away. Additionally, if your cat eats any part of this plant, it will also develop gastrointestinal symptoms.