Coleus Plant Has Flower Spikes What To Do With Coleus Blooms

Over time, new leaves will sprout from the cut area and fill in the space left by the spike. Alternately, you can let the blooms grow and produce seeds. If a coleus plant has flower spikes, simply wait until the petals fall off and a small fruit is formed.

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.

How do you deadhead coleus?

Some Varieties Still Bloom Prematurely

Pinching off coleus flowers is a snap: just squeeze the spike between the thumb and forefinger until it comes free. Or cut it off with pruning shears. It only takes a second.

How do you take care of coleus flowers?

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 do I make my coleus bushy?

Pruning. Without regular pruning, coleus plants can become "leggy" and unattractive. If you prune and cut them back faithfully, your coleus should stay bushy and full. Shear the tops of plants that grow too tall to encourage outward growth and denser foliage.

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 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 long do coleus plants live for?

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.

Are there any perennial coleus?

Although technically an evergreen perennial, coleus are usually grown as annuals because these tender tropicals can't handle even the slightest frost.

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.

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!

What is Coleus good for?

When taken by mouth, coleus is used to treat allergies, dry eye, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, obesity, painful menstrual periods, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), urinary tract infections (UTI), bladder infections, advanced cancer, blood clots, sexual problems in men, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and ...

Can coleus be a houseplant?

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

Is Coleus toxic 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.

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.

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.

What plants grow well with coleus?

Companion Plants to Throw into the Mix Include:

Lantana.
Impatiens.
Begonias.
Heliotrope.
Cordyline (spikes)
Dusty miller.
Sweet potato vine.
Ornamental grasses like purple fountain grass.

Will my coleus come back?

Coleus is a very hardy plant and can handle the cutting. In fact, it will come back even bushier and more colorful than before.

Do coleus like to be root bound?

A root-bound plant will stop growing, so if you want to your Coleus at its current size, then you can keep it in its pot for an extended period, but eventually, its health will suffer, and you will need to give it more space to spread out its roots.

How do you revive a coleus plant?

You can actually revive the plant by cutting away the clearly dead portion of the plant, and then plopping the plant into a new pot. Water the new plant thoroughly. No need to apply a fertilizer; coleus is very hardy.

Why is my red coleus turning green?

In spring, when the soil temperature stays above 55 degrees F, it's time to plant in part-sun and well-drained soil. ... Most have “solar” or “sun” in their names, and sport brighter reds and more vivid greens in their foliage. Coleus with variegated leaves of white, cream or yellow will turn green in too much sun.