Coleus or Plectranthus scutellarioides is a flowering plant in the family of Lamiaceae. The plant usually grows up to 24-30 inches tall. They have highly variegated leaves available in different varieties. Leaf margins are divided and hairs on both side of the leaf. Leaves of coleus are available in white, cream, yellow, pink, red, maroon and dark purple.
Contents
Coleus is often used as ornamental plants because of their beautiful variegated color leaves in different combinations and patterns. They grow well with other good compatible plants. Plant it with other bushy plants that have colorful foliage such as hostas, impatiens, sweet potato vine, ferns, verbena, begonias, and fuchsias to ensure faster growth in less time.
Gardeners often breed these plants for new color combinations by considering the factors such as sun tolerance, prolific branching, and delayed flowering. Coleus plant varieties are based on its growing climatic conditions and are classified as…
| Sun | Shade |
| Stained glassworks | Color blaze series |
| Wizard series | Fairway series |
| Versa series | Main street series |
| Marquee series | Kong series |
Here is the list of some factors that are necessary to grow coleus plants in pots from seed indoors…
Seed Variety:
Choose a hybrid seed variety to grow them in pots that can thrive and bloom flowers quickly. You can buy the seeds from nursery or online store that you would like to grow in your home.
Pot & Soil:
Choose a clay or ceramic pot of size 8-12 inches tall. Now check the soil ph before planting and adjust if it is too acidic. Fill the pot with well-drain fertile soil with pH between 6 & 7 or above. Spacing should be 12-18 inches long between each plant when you prefer landscape method.
Water & Sunlight:
Plant coleus when the frost has passed. They grow well in warm climatic conditions and water the plant thoroughly to provide sufficient nutrients. When the coleus plant root develops increase the amount of water supply. Also, provide sunlight for a minimum of 8 hours a day to thrive. So the best temperature to grow coleus is 60 F.
The seedling may germinate within 10-12 days and when the plant matures reaches to a height of 12-18 inches tall. They produce beautiful fragrant flowers available in yellow, orange and red color combinations that bloom in the winter season.
Pollination:
Pollination can be done in 2 ways i.e. self-pollination or cross-pollination to produce tasteful fruits. To attract insects for pollination purpose place the plant outdoors. These insects may transfer pollens from stamen to stigma for fruit set.
Pruning:
Pinch off the growing tips or back stem leaf node of coleus plant where there is a spindle growth. Cut the damaged, dead leaves or stems using scissors or shears to promote faster growth by establishing new shoots. If the plant is too long then cut at the back and propagate it from cuttings.
Nutrient Deficiency
| S. No | Element | Deficiency Symptom |
| 1 | Nitrogen | Yellowish green leaves, curled, wrinkled |
| 2 | Phosphorus | Light green color leaves and dried petals |
| 3 | Potassium | Dark green and erected leaves, interveinal chlorosis |
Pests & Diseases
| Pests | Diseases |
| Mealybugs | Root rot |
| Whiteflies | Downey mildew |
| Aphids | Damping off |
| Spider mites | Leaf curling and brown/ black stems |
| Slugs and snails | Anthracnose |
Fertilizers:
Plants require fertilizers to bloom flowers with continuous harvests. If you wish to fertilize the plant then prefer homemade organic fertilizers or Neem oil and insecticidal soaps to deter insects and also provides nutrients to the plants. You can also use N-P-K (10-10-10) fertilizers, compost or manure for healthy roots, colorful blooms and to promote faster growth.
Propagating from cuttings is equal to coleus growing from seeds. You can adopt this method by choosing a mature coleus plant in a suitable condition. This method is most suitable for landscaping or outdoors. Here is the step by step procedure to propagate coleus plants from cuttings….
Another method is to take the stem cuttings and place them in a glass of water. Provide bright indirect sunlight to the cuttings and change water for every 2-3 days. Once the root develops you can transplant outdoors to promote faster growth.
Coleus plant care is easy as it requires low maintenance in right growing conditions. Here are some tips helps the plants to thrive quickly…
Coleus is tropical plants that are grown as annuals because of its hardness property. They like warm (full sun to partial shade) soil with proper drainage but cannot survive in extremely dry conditions.
Coleus contains essential components that are non-toxic to humans but are toxic to pets like cats and dogs. It may result in skin irritations and burns if not diagnosed. If your pets eat any of this plant part there may be chances of gastrointestinal problems.
Coleus plants are native to South Asia, Australia and abundantly seen in Srilanka, China, Burma, countries. They can be added to beds and borders as per your interest. The well drain soil is preferred and usually perform best in areas with partial shade. Many of these plant varieties can also tolerate full sun.
Coleus forskohlii plant contains a compound called forskolin used in medicines since ancient times to treat heart disorders such as chest pain, high blood pressure and respiratory disorders like asthma.
Start growing these wonderful coleus plants in pots or containers that produce beautiful fragrant flowers and monitors your health. If you have amazing ideas about growing coleus in your home, please share your experience with us.
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