Coleus typically begins flowering in late summer or early fall, usually in September or October.
coleus
Plectranthus scutellarioides hybrids & cvs. ( syn. Solenostemon )
Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides hybrids & cvs. (syn. Solenostemon)) is a wonderful, easy-to-grow plant with its characteristic brightly colored foliage in rainbow shades of red, pink, purple, and yellow. It's perfect in containers, borders, and mass plantings. It thrives in shady areas and is even fairly drought tolerant once established. This plant is best known for its narrow, pointed leaves that have striking coloration, and grows to about 10 to 18 inches tall. Best of all, the blooms are a bonus - they appear in the form of purple spikes during the warmer months. A truly stunning houseplant, coleus can fill any room in your home with colorful life.
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings,Stem Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
9
Flowers:
Not showy, Blue Flowers In Summer
Sun:
full sun,part sun/part shade
Soil:
Well-drained
Fruits:
green,red,yellow,orange,violet,magenta,coral,mauve Fruits Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
bronze,green,purple,burgundy
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Moderate
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Indoors:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Coleus should be watered when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry. Depending on conditions, it should be watered once or twice a week, with an approximate amount of 1-2 cups of water per plant. If possible, use lukewarm water instead of cold, as cold water can shock the plant and cause it to become stressed. Also, try to water near the soil rather than the leaves to help avoid fungal problems.
sunlight
Coleus plants prefer bright indirect sunlight, and will do best in a bright window transition or outdoor spot with a few hours of direct sun per day. Coleus plants enjoy 6-8 hours of sunlight, so a well-lit window in the morning or afternoon is ideal. If the coleus is placed too close to a sunny window, it can become scorched or get sunburn, which is why it is important to keep the plant away from the direct sunlight and filter the light with a sheer curtain or blind. Giving the coleus bright, indirect light will keep it growing and flowering for a long time.
pruning
Coleus plants require very little pruning, but light pruning to maintain their shape may be necessary. It is advisable to prune in late spring to early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Trim slightly to neaten the plant and remove any dead, wilted or diseased foliage. During the late summer prune back for a final shaping and remove any additional dead or diseased foliage. This will help keep the Coleus tidy and prevent disease.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Harvest Fruit
The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Plectranthus scutellarioides hybrids & cvs. (syn. Solenostemon) is usually in the months of July and August.
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Is coleus a suitable plant for indoor gardening?
Coleus is an excellent choice for indoor gardening. It does best in bright, indirect sunlight and needs moderate water and fertilizer. It is an easy to maintain plant with a low-maintenance growth habit and is highly tolerant of changing light conditions. Furthermore, its colorful foliage can liven up any indoor space. It is also an ideal choice if you are looking for a drought-tolerant plant.
Should coleus plants be grown from seeds or cuttings?
Coleus plants can be grown from either seeds or cuttings, depending on the desired results and the availability of materials. Growing from seeds will require more time since it will need to go through the germination process before the plant can be put into soil. Growing from cuttings is a quicker process since all that is needed is to cut a piece of the plant and let it take root in soil. However, if you grow from cuttings you will need a healthy, mature plant to get a cutting from. Cuttings also have the tendency to have a more consistent look and flower development than growing from seeds. Additionally, since they are clones of the parent plant they will be more resistant against diseases.
Is coleus a suitable plant for vertical gardening?
Coleus is a great choice for a vertical garden! Its bright, attractive foliage comes in a variety of colors, making it a great design element in vertical gardens. It is easy to care for and will grow well in most soil conditions. It can also tolerate shade and bright light, meaning it can be placed almost anywhere in your vertical garden. In addition, Coleus can be planted directly into containers or other structures for your vertical garden, making it a great, low-maintenance choice for your unique space.
Is coleus suitable for growing in hanging baskets?
Yes, coleus is an excellent choice for growing in hanging baskets. It is a tropical plant that prefers bright to partial shade and moist soil. Its colorful, variegated leaves are an attraction. It grows quickly and does not require much maintenance. The long trailing stems are ideal for hanging baskets. When growing in hanging baskets, be sure to water regularly and fertilize every 4-6 weeks.
Could coleus plants be grown hydroponically?
Yes, coleus plants can certainly be grown hydroponically. Coleus is a low-maintenance plant that accepts moisture well, making it an ideal choice for hydroponic systems. To grow coleus hydroponically, choose a nutrient solution specifically designed for this type of plant and place the plant in a container with holes for drainage and aeration. Be sure to provide adequate light and monitor the water temperature, pH and nutrient levels to ensure the plant is given proper care.
Is coleus a suitable plant for terrariums?
Coleus is definitely a suitable plant for terrariums, as it is a low-maintenance and hardy plant. Its colorful foliage and broad leaves add visual interest to any terrarium, while its low-light requirements make it perfect for displaying in a glass vessel with limited access to light. It is highly tolerant of indoor temperatures and requires only minimal watering to thrive. It can be propagated easily from pieces of the stem or leaves, making it very easy to care for and maintain. Thus, overall, it is a suitable plant for terrariums.
Is coleus a good choice for edging or bordering gardens?
Coleus is a great choice for edging or bordering gardens. Its attractive foliage and cheerful colors add life to the edges of walkways or planters. Plus, since Coleus is a fast-growing plant, it won’t take long to fill out the area. Coleus is low-maintenance and easy to care for in most climates, as long as it has partial shade and regular watering. Its bright colors and bold foliage make Coleus a great choice for adding a touch of personality to gardens and walkways.
Is coleus a suitable plant for indoor air purification?
Yes, coleus is a suitable plant for indoor air purification. This plant is particularly adept at removing formaldehyde, which is commonly found in a wide range of household products. Coleus is very low-maintenance, requiring only minimal watering and some shade to thrive indoors. It is an easy-to-find and affordable plant that will add a beautiful, vibrant pop of color wherever it is placed. Not only will it help to clean the air of pollutants, but the aesthetic of coleus makes it an attractive addition to any home décor.
