Coleus

Coleus

Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at least dappled shade and direct sun limited to morning hours. Too much sun or intense midday rays leave foliage scorched and faded; too little light causes weak growth. A balance is important for coleus beauty and health.

Does a coleus come back every year?

Do coleus come back? Hardy in USDA zones 10-11, coleus is a tender perennial but is most often grown as an annual. Since coleus are sensitive to cooler temperatures, they will only come back the following year in the warmest regions.

Where is the best place to plant a coleus?

Plant coleus in a sunny or partly shaded spot, in moist but well-drained soil. Coleus are low growing, so they look best at the front of a border, combined with other bedding plants, or in pot on a patio. If you're growing coleus as a house plant, grow it in a bright spot that gets a little direct sun.

Is coleus toxic to humans?

Coleus is not edible, the leaves are mildly toxic, and eating the foliage can cause gastrointestinal distress. Touching the plant can cause a slight allergic reaction in the form of dermatitis or a red rash.

Does coleus do better in pots or the ground?

Coleus can grow well in pots or the ground, making them a versatile addition to an outdoor space. The colorful foliage of Coleus will brighten up a patio, porch, or balcony. When grown in a container, the plant can easily be moved to a spot in need of color or an area that provides more favorable conditions.

How long do coleus plants live for?

The average lifespan of a coleus plant is one year. It's not uncommon for indoor plants to live between 3-4 years if they are properly cared for, which means proper watering, sunlight, the right soil, and the right plant food to keep it green, and healthy.

Can I leave coleus outside in winter?

Coleus is very frost-sensitive, so bring the plants inside if cold nights threaten. By mid-May, the plants should be ready for your garden or containers. Cuttings may also be taken from a large, healthy plant in late spring.

Should you deadhead coleus?

Removing flower buds allows the plant to refocus that energy into new foliage. If you decide to keep the flowers, you can deadhead the plant or remove the spent flowers.

Should you let your coleus flower?

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.

Do coleus need big pots?

As a minimum, you'll want a pot that's eight inches wide and deep for a single plant. If you want to plant more than one, or add some colorful annual flowers, then consider a large planter. Make sure your container has draining holes on the bottom.

Should I cut back my coleus for winter?

There are a couple of methods you can try to overwinter a coleus. As your coleus gets larger later in the summer, pinch off longer portions of the stem for cuttings, leaving two leaves at the base for continued growth. Plants can be pinched back up to a third of the plant height.

Will coleus spread?

Height/Spread Coleus vary from smaller types that will reach only 1 foot tall to tall bushy types of 3 feet. Sprawling types suitable for hanging baskets and wall plantings may spread more than 3 feet wide.

What is special about coleus?

Coleus is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae. Like other members of the mint family, it has square stems and opposite leaves. This plant is native to the tropics of Asia but grows well in just about any environment. Unlike most annuals, coleus cultivars are grown for their foliage, not their flowers.

Is coleus OK indoors?

Light Requirements. Though they prefer the shade outside, coleus plants will grow their best indoors with lots of light. Place the pot in a sunny window where it will get plenty of bright, but indirect sunlight.

What bugs do coleus attract?

Coleus plants in greenhouses are very susceptible to infestation by mealybugs. White cottony masses appear on leaf surfaces, in leaf axils and sheaths. These insects damage plants by sucking plant sap.

How do I keep my coleus bushy?

It's easy: you just need to pinch them. It may seem counterproductive to cut back a plant that you want more of, but pinching many annual and tender perennial plants—like coleus—encourages branching and full, bushy growth.

How often should you water coleus?

Coleus in containers may need watering twice a day during hot weather. Outdoor containers may require water twice a day. Indoor plants need water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Is Miracle Grow good for coleus?

Best Fertilizer For Coleus We recommend a balanced all-purpose fertilizer for Coleus. Any of the 10-10-10 formulas is a good choice. Miracle Grow is good for Coleus, but make sure to follow the instructions before applying. You can use a slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil if you find that easier.

Will coleus regrow if cut back?

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.

Are coleus hard to maintain?

Care for Coleus Plant Caring for coleus is just as easy. They need to be kept moist, especially newly planted coleus. Container plants also require more frequent watering than those grown in the garden.

11 Coleus Images