How To Propagate Coleus From Seed Or Cuttings

Coleus are easy to propagate from cuttings, but I like the grab-bag surprise of planting from mixed seed and seeing what I get. Coleus seeds need light and warmth to germinate. Sow seeds on top of damp soil or seed starting mix, press them gently into the soil and do not cover.

1. Will coleus cuttings root in water?
2. How long does coleus take to grow from seed?
3. How do you plant coleus seeds?
4. How do I make my coleus bushy?
5. Can you divide coleus?
6. Is Coleus a sun or shade plant?
7. Will coleus come back every year?
8. Can coleus be a houseplant?
9. How long do coleus plants live for?
10. Should you cut the flowers off coleus?
11. Can you grow coleus in water?
12. Is Coleus toxic to dogs?
13. Are coleus easy to grow?
14. How do you pinch back a coleus plant?
15. What plants grow well with coleus?
16. Why are my coleus leaves drooping?
17. What is the best fertilizer for coleus?
18. How long does it take cuttings to root?
19. How do I make my coleus more colorful?

Will coleus cuttings root in water?

Alternately, another method for how to root coleus cuttings is in water. After taking your cuttings, place them in a small glass of water and place this in bright indirect light. Change the water every other day. Once you see roots grow, you can transplant the coleus cuttings into soil.

How long does coleus take to grow from seed?

Sowing Seed Indoors:

Keep the soil moist at 65-85 degrees. Coleus can benefit with bottom heat. Seedlings emerge in 12-21 days. As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night.

How do you plant coleus seeds?

1. Tie a colorful string or yarn around one or two of the healthiest coleus plants. ...
2. Harvest seeds when the petals have dropped from the flowers and the remaining seed pods are plump, dry and brown.
3. Snip the seed pod with scissors or garden shears. ...
4. Place the sack in a cool, dry location.

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.

Can you divide coleus?

Coleus grows as a perennial throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. ... Although coleus is not propagated via division, there are times, such as when you want to move coleus plants from a mass planting to another area, when dividing existing coleus plants is necessary.

Is Coleus a sun or shade plant?

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.

Will coleus come back every year?

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

Can coleus be a houseplant?

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

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.

Should you cut the flowers off 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 you grow 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.

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.

Are coleus easy to grow?

Coleus is probably one of the easiest plants to grow and propagate. ... Coleus can be added to beds and borders for interest or grown in containers. They need fertile, well-draining soil and usually perform best in areas with partial shade, though many varieties can also tolerate sun.

How do you pinch back a coleus plant?

To pinch back your coleus, simply cut or pinch off any stem at a point where two stems or two leaves are growing from it. Two new branches will begin to grow from where those other stems or leaves meet the main stem that you pinched.

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.

Why are my coleus leaves drooping?

If you notice your coleus wilting and the soil is dry, most likely it just needs water. ... 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.

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 long does it take cuttings to root?

Rooting will generally occur in 3-4 weeks but some plants will take longer. When the roots are 1-2 inches long or longer the cutting is ready to be potted up. This plant has heavy rooting and is ready to be moved to a pot with potting soil.

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!