How do you care for a potted coleus?
Coleus love moist and well-draining area, water the plant when the soil is dry on the top and keep it moist. Fertilize it with an all-purpose fertilizer. I put some cow manure on potting soil, and that is usually enough for this plant. You may find coleus listed as annuals in catalogs or on websites, which isn’t technically correct. While most gardeners grow them as annuals, tossing them in the compost heap at the end of the growing season, coleus is a perennial plant in regions where it can grow without frost interruption.Mostly grown as annuals, coleus are low-maintenance plants with attractive foliage. What makes coleus so popular is its versatility: the plants are easy to grow, stay vibrant in both sun and shade, and tolerate almost any soil type.Coleus thrive in cool, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture is good, but soggy conditions cause root disease. Watering should complement available sun. Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at least dappled shade and direct sun limited to morning hours.Quick facts They can be started from seed or from cuttings. They are grown for their colorful foliage, not their flowers, which can be pinched off. Coleus is very cold sensitive and will be the first to be affected by cold overnight lows.
What are the benefits of coleus plants in the home?
Not only does it brighten up the space but also makes your surroundings healthy and full of calmness. If you are someone who enjoys the company of green beauties in your space, adding a coleus plant is a must. Containers: Coleus make excellent container plants, as a stand-alone accent, or as a thriller or spiller element in combination with other plants.Best Companion Plants For Coleus in Containers Combine double-flowering Impatiens and sweet potato vine with multiple colors of Coleus for a container with high visual impact the whole growing season.By propagating coleus plants, you can create new plantlets from your existing plants, allowing you to multiply your collection and share the joy of these colorful foliage plants with others.Coleus Plant Care To keep coleus thriving, plant them in partial shade and rich soil amended with organic compost and sand for drainage. Some varieties actually brighten in sun, which can fade the older hybrids,” Pierson explains.
How to grow coleus indoors?
Coleus plants prefer an average temperature above 60° F in the summer. In winter, they can tolerate a slightly lower temperature, though they should always be kept about 50°F. High humidity is also preferred by the coleus, so try keeping your plant in a typically-humid room of the home, like the kitchen or bathroom. Coleus has high water needs and generally prefers consistently damp soil. Potted Coleus will need to be watered regularly, especially if grown in dry climates or during dry spells. The plant will need to be watered when the top 1 inch of the soil is dry.You can make coleus bushy by routinely pinching the stems and leaves from the plant.They don’t want to be soggy but they don’t want to be too dry either. Care must be taken not to overwater indoor Coleus, nor should they be allowed to get so dry that the plants wilt. They like a higher level of humidity than most houses have so they benefit from daily misting early in the day.The coleus plant can do well in a variety of conditions: In sun, shade and even inside your house.
How long will coleus live as a houseplant?
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. Coleus’ average lifespan is one year — indoors, they can survive up to four years.How long can coleus live? In cold climates, coleus planted outdoors will only live for one season. You can plant coleus in containers, then bring it indoors in fall to overwinter. In warmer climates where coleus doesn’t die off with winter cold, it can live for about three or four years.Overwintering: Coleus plants are typically grown as annuals, but they can be overwintered indoors in colder climates. Before the first frost, take cuttings or dig up the entire plant and transplant it into a container. Place the container in a bright, sunny spot indoors and water sparingly throughout the winter months.Coleus plants are petite and herbaceous, commonly grown as houseplants for their bold, colorful foliage in shades of green, pink, maroon, purple, and more. They grow relatively quickly and can live for several years when kept inside.Coleus have a pretty short lifespan (about 1yr outdoors or 2-3 indoors). However, coleus is super easy to propogate!
What is the 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. The soil in which coleus grows best should be consistently moist but not soggy. Long dry spells slow the plants’ growth, and leaves start to brown around the edges. Let the soil dry out between watering and water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch.My favorite is fish hydroslate, but I also like kelp emulsion and compost tea. Be sure to apply the fertilizer to both the soil and the foliage, as coleus readily absorb nutrients through their leaves.Place the pots in a sunny window, water regularly and pinch back the growing tips throughout winter to promote a fuller shape. In spring, gradually introduce the plants to outdoor conditions. Coleus is very frost-sensitive, so bring the plants inside if cold nights threaten.Being able to control the soil and water conditions makes growing lush looking plants easy. Coleus are a perfect addition to container gardens because they are small, fast growing, and they can grow in a wide variety of sun conditions from full shade to full sun.Soil: Coleus prefers rich soil with good drainage. Compacted, clay or poorly draining soil can lead to root rot. Watering: Coleus plants do best with evenly moist soil. Water when the top 1-2” of soil feels dry to the touch.
Is coleus an indoor or outdoor plant?
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. coleus plants need rich, loose, well-draining soil and ample water while they’re growing. If your plants are losing their leaves, they may be adjusting to the drier indoor environment and the change in light intensity.If your coleus is in a pot, just bring that pot indoors for the winter. Place it in a sunny window or under a grow light. Before you bring pots in, be sure to check them for bugs; spray the plants down with a hose, making sure to wash the undersides of leaves.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.One of the most common problems is drooping leaves caused by a lack of water or overwatering. This is one of the most common problems with coleus. The leaves are hanging down and look really sad and droopy.