How long do coleus plants live?
Coleus will quickly die if they’re exposed to freezing temperatures and frost. Overall, expect outdoor plants to last about a year, and indoor plants can keep you company for up to 3-5 years if properly cared for. The transition back to outdoor plant after spending the winter indoors is not a difficult one for coleus. This is a plant that thrives outside, and, as soon as the heat and humidity return, it’s in its element. Avoid taking it outdoors until you are 100% sure that the risk of frost has passed.Though coleus plants grow well indoors, they will do their best outside. Depending on where you live, you can move these plants outdoors for summer, giving them a boost before they come back inside for the colder months.Coleus is comfortable in most indoor lighting conditions and doesn’t require much space, rarely growing to much more than a few feet tall and wide. With proper watering, coleus plants thrive in typical indoor surroundings.Come winter, it’s time to bring your Coleus inside before the mercury falls below 60°F. They can handle a light frost, but prolonged cold is a no-go. Indoors, they’ll need bright, indirect sunlight to thrive—think sunny window, not dark corner.
How do you take care of coleus in the winter?
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. Gardening tips for growing coleus, including pinching off flowers to promote bushy growth and allowing seeds to form for new plants.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 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.Incorporate a granular general-purpose fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium into the soil at time of planting. After planting, coleus should be fertilized monthly using a fertilizer with equal ratios again to promote foliage growth and not flowering.You can make coleus bushy by routinely pinching the stems and leaves from the plant.
How do you take care of a coleus plant?
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. 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.Use high-quality all-purpose potting soil and make sure containers have adequate drainage holes. Houseplants: Coleus can be grown as a houseplant. Place in a window that receives bright indirect light or under grow lights. Provide adequate humidity and keep plants in temperatures of 60 degrees F or higher.It is the perfect plant for the north side of the home or any area that only has indirect light. A little early morning sun will be tolerable but don’t plant coleus in the direct sun. This trait makes coleus an invaluable plant in the outdoor shady garden, but it also makes coleus a great houseplant.Coleus will benefit from being cut back if they stay outdoors for winter, while there are also great reasons to cut back coleus if you want to overwinter plants indoors. When you move plants indoors and trim them for winter, you can also propagate coleus for next year by taking cuttings.If you keep them outdoors, where you live will be a crucial factor. If you keep them indoors and in the right conditions, it should live for several years. Coleus is a perennial plant when it has the right environment.
Is a coleus an indoor or outdoor plant?
Coleus is another indoor-outdoor favorite of mine. Just like with begonia, you can bring your entire coleus plant indoors when the temperatures dip or just take a cutting to overwinter inside. Remember, they grow quickly. Don’t be tempted to crowd your coleus as they grow and spread out quickly! Don’t crowd your coleus and instead plant them a good 6 inches apart.In addition to being easy to grow, coleus plants are one of the best low maintenance plants, making them an excellent choice for busy plant parents. Unlike some indoor plants that require frequent pruning and grooming, coleus plants are relatively carefree.House Plant Lovers Addicts discuss how to make a coleus plant less leggy and grow more bushy, with suggestions including providing more light, pruning, and pinching off growth points. You cut right above a set of leaves. It will grow two stems, then pinch off the second set of leaves each stem grows and etc.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.
Where is the best place to plant coleus?
The best place to plant coleus is in an area with well-draining soil and bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight. Coleus grows well in containers. They typically require part to full shade. Jane Jackson thank you very much. I did just so.Coleus is comfortable in most indoor lighting conditions and doesn’t require much space, rarely growing to much more than a few feet tall and wide.