Coleus is an eye-catching plant that’s easy to care for. It’s perfect for gardeners who want colorful foliage in their gardens and containers, and is also a great filler for shade gardens.
Whether you’re growing coleus from seeds or seedlings, it’s important to choose a variety that thrives in your growing conditions. For example, some newer varieties can tolerate full sun, while others need part or partial shade.
Watering
Watering is an important part of caring for coleus. The plants will wilt and droop if they don’t receive adequate moisture.
To prevent these conditions from happening, check the soil and make sure the top 1 inch is dry before watering. This is especially true of potted coleus that might not be getting the same amount of water as a garden-grown plant.
Aside from watering, a mulch can help keep the plant moist. It can also help to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
In addition, a light fertilizer can help your coleus thrive. You can add cow manure or a chemical fertilizer high in nitrogen.
You can also root your coleus from cuttings. You can take cuttings from mature plants and root them in prepared potting soil. Just be sure to dip them in rooting hormone before planting them. The plants will take root quickly and grow in their new home over time.
Soil
Coleus is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in most areas. It performs equally well as a container plant or as an annual bedding or garden perennial.
To grow coleus as a container plant, use a quality potting mix that’s slightly acidic to neutral. Make sure the soil has plenty of drainage holes.
Water the plant regularly and never overwater, as this can rot the roots. You can also mulch to help keep the soil moist longer.
Pinch growing shoots of young plants frequently to promote branching and a full bushy habit. In cooler regions, take cuttings from your coleus before the first frost in the fall and place them in water to root.
In warmer zones, start coleus seeds indoors about 8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Sow the seeds in a seedling tray or flat of potting mix and keep them at 70-75degF. Germination takes about 12 to 21 days. Once the plants emerge, give them lots of light.
Light
In order for your coleus plant to thrive, it needs adequate light. This is especially true if you plan to grow yours outdoors.
The best way to ensure your plant gets enough light is by choosing the right variety for its location. Some newer cultivars are more tolerant of full sun, while others need part shade.
If you decide to plant yours in the garden, choose a spot that receives two to six hours of sunlight each day. You can also try using fluorescent lighting, which is a great option for areas without sufficient natural light.
If your coleus is getting too little light, the first symptom you should notice is the leaves becoming less vibrant and fading in color. Other signs include plants leaning toward the light source, leaves curling upwards, and slow or stunted growth.
Temperature
The temperature of the room where your coleus is growing can have a dramatic effect on its growth. If the temperature is too cold, it may not survive and will begin to shrivel up.
A warm room will help your coleus grow well and stay healthy. This is especially important in the warmer months when your plant is going through its growth phases.
In addition, cold temperatures can harm your plants by causing ice crystals to form on their stems and leaves. These can disrupt their normal physiological activity, which can lead to rot and death.
If you live in an area where there is always a risk of frost, be sure to move your plant inside as soon as the weather cools down. If you have a greenhouse or an enclosed porch, you can also protect your plant during the winter.