Product Description:
Easy-to-grow coleus aren’t just shade plants anymore. Heat and sun-tolerant varieties are widely available, making them a popular choice for many areas, and their bold and beautiful foliage make them the center of attention no matter where they’re planted. Sunny or shady, you want your garden to be full of vibrant colors, and coleus plants deliver that impact! Coleus is one of those plants that can thrive in many conditions. Planted outdoors in early spring, coleus quickly grows to full size in a single season. Coleus comes with lots of color combinations and is ideal for anyone who wants color in a hurry in the garden, around the patio or as an indoor plant.
Light:
Coleus performs best with filtered morning sun and shade in the afternoon, especially in hot climates.
Soil:
Coleus prefers consistently moist, rich, loose soil. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or another organic material.
Water:
Coleus plants grow best in soil that is consistently moist but not soggy. The soil should not remain wet all the time, but long dry spells will slow the plants.
Humidity:
The plants will like some humidity from a humidifier or a bathroom environment.
Fertilizer:
If you have rich soil, you may not need to feed coleus plants at all. If you have poor soil, give the plants a monthly feeding with a balanced fertilizer mixed at half strength.
Temperature:
Overwintering coleus plants as houseplants is another way to get more plants. Temperatures near 70 degrees F. are required.
How to Propagate:
- Cut off a 6- to 8-inch section from a healthy coleus plant.
- Remove lower leaves from the stem.
- Pinch off the tip from the cutting. (Removing the tip allows the plant to produce two branches later as it develops.)
- Set the cutting in a cup of water.
- Expect root growth within just a few weeks.
- Transplant the rooted cutting into a well-draining pot with soil.
- Water the plant generously at planting, and again every few days, or as needed.
Pruning:
Remove inner branches to produce larger leaves on a plant. Or make a tree-shaped plant by removing the lower branches on the plant.
