A coleus plant is hardy, able to survive in both a container indoors and in the soil outside. Root rot—this can happen if it is watered too heavily. Photo by Michael McKenney. These are generally grown by those that live north of the USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. Colorful Coleus Plant Growing Coleus Plants Coleus plants are literally for everyone! Dip in rooting hormone. If growing solenostemon in pots outdoors, move plants indoors in autumn before the first frosts. Prune them from time to time to encourage growth. The water potted coleus. Instead, as the weather starts to cool dig the plants up and pot them. Most gardeners don’t want coleus to bloom unless it’s for seed production. In colder zones, they are grown as annuals or as houseplants. They will tolerate partial shade, and to some degree, full shade. Most plants sold in mixed species baskets or pots need to be separated. If this happens, the roots will be destroyed and the plant will not be able to absorb nutrients or water. Put the plant in the center of the container and fill it with soil. Coleus, pilea, Herbst's bloodleaf, and rex begonias are examples of this group. Care for Coleus Plant Caring for coleus is just as easy. When the roots of the plant get visible. They thrive in cool, evenly moist soil and well-drained soil. Coleus are popular plants for good reason. Mind that container plants will need more frequent watering, and that “moist” doesn’t mean “soggy”. Painted Nettle, Coleus, Solenostemon – How to Grow and Care There is a toxic essential oil the plant puts out that is poisonous. The drawback to this is that eventually the health of the plant will suffer and you will need to give it more space. However, this depends upon you whether you want to let them grow or bound in a certain size. Make sure to take plenty of cuttings, just in case one or more doesn’t take root. Propagation from seed is also simple but it takes longer time. First, decide the exact spot where you want to grow them. If you already live in a tropical region, there is not much effort to put on your part. If you want to grow them indoors in a container, there is a different maintenance requirement. No longer that boring leafy plant, Coleus has really made a colour splash on the gardening scene in the last few years. Planting the stem cutting in the pot is similar to in water glass. Choose a spot that is protected from wind. By doing this, it will encourage it the plant to get denser foliage and bush outward. Coleus left outside during the cold winter months will die back, but propagating the plant and growing it indoors will allow you to have a large plant ready as soon as spring weather allows. Coleus is simple to care for. Curling leaves is a sign that something is not quite right with your plant and you should look closely for any problems. When you first plant coleus in the pot or directly into the ground, give a good soaking of water to saturate the soil. 2. You can buy a packet of seeds to start indoors in late winter. The reason is that the sun is the hottest in the afternoon. They root easily, but to grow, they need to be planted outdoors or in a pot with good soil. To learn more, read about pinching terminal buds for better plant growth. When kept as a houseplant, I water them well once a week. As I mentioned the ideal place to plant them. place the stem cutting in a transparent glass or jar half-filled with water. Fertilize regularly with a slow-release fertilizer with the potting soil if potting indoors. Planting and Care. Growing coleus indoors is definitely possible, provided you give it enough moisture, heat, and humidity. Dip in rooting hormone. They are perfect for growing indoors and a nice way to This will encourage the roots to spread out in the new one and continue to grow. If you don’t want coleus to spread and remain in its current size then plant in a pot or container. Water the plant thoroughly after planting. 1 Bring potted coleus indoors before temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit in fall. Coleus plants grow best in moist well-drained soil amended with organic compost. However, being a warm weather loving plant, it will not survive a harsh, cold winter. Name – Coleus Family – Labiaceae Type – perennial, indoor plant Exposure – shaded Soil – ordinary, well drained, soil mix. Still, there are a few care tips you'll want to keep in mind to help your coleus plant thrive in a container. This is a plant that thrives better in containers with the loose texture of good potting soil rather than in the ground. Related post: 14 perennial plants That make your garden Beautiful. With approximately 60 different species, coleus comes in a variety of colors including green, purple, orange, and yellow. Coleus Plant Care. A coleus plant will require some support as it grows. cuttings taken from a healthy, mature plant. Find the spot that has the right amount of light. Coleus are in danger of cold damage once the temperature drops to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Pests—sometimes they can be attacked by mealy bugs. If you planted them in the pot it’s wise to bring the pot inside and place it in a warm spot. The bright, full direct afternoon sunlight can scorch the leaves and bleach out the plant’s colors. By removing the plant’s buds you redirect the energy in the production of colorful leaves. The coleus also bear flowers but they look faded in front of their bright and vibrant foliage. If the seedlings are destined for a garden location, they should be started indoors, at least 10 weeks before your last expected frost , so that the plants will be well developed when it is time to plant … Read on to find out just how easy it is. Remove the bottom half leaves from the stem. However, being a warm weather loving plant, it will not survive a harsh, cold winter. In zones where coleus are not hardy, you can set them outside after the last spring frost and move them indoors before the first autumn frost to keep the plants alive. The flowers are usually whitish-blue but the leaves are what are more colorful. The ideal spot for a Coleus Plant is one that receives afternoon shade and morning sun. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. They are pretty easy to grow and care for as houseplants as long as you pay attention to their general needs. If the plant's soil becomes completely dry for any period of time, leaves may wilt. Use a pencil to make a small hole nearly 3-4 inches. Will it grow okay on her windowsill indoors? You can easily transplant them in the garden. Once the outside temperature exceeds 50 degrees F place them back. Always follow the label of the applied product. Given adequate light, coleus overwinters easily indoors. Coleus Plant – How to Grow and Care For This Gorgeous Plant by Max - last update on October 28, 2019, 3:30 pm These easy-to-care-for plants feature attractive leaves in many varieties and are great for adding color to your house or garden dark corners. Coleus, a great, attention-getting plant indoors, as well as outdoors. Bird of Paradise Plant Care & Growing Guide, Corn Plant (Mass Cane) Care & Growing Guide, Dragon’s Tongue Plant Care & Growing Guide, Crested Euphorbia Plant Care & Growing Guide. They need to be kept moist, especially newly planted coleus. Then transplant in a large container or directly in the soil. They just need to be kept moist, and that’s it! This will result in the stem popping from the cut points. If you plant them in full sun the dark-purple spots will start appearing on the leaves. For potted plants pull the stem to check the root of stem cutting has grown properly or not. It is advisable to let the soil dry between watering. For a cat or dog, they are very poisonous, even if they brush up against the leaves or flowers. It is generally grown exclusively for its very colorful foliage in yellow, pink, maroon, green, etc. Take it easy when applying sprays during the heat of the day. If you are just starting these plants, you want to start them indoors and wait for the weather to … Water to keep the soil slightly moist and keep humidity levels high. They just need to be kept moist, and that’s it! but a regular shower of cold water usually keeps mealybug insects away. Winterize coleus by using the propagating techniques. How to grow colorful celosia: The complete guide, How to take hydrangea cuttings: learn to grow, How to Care for beautiful Wax Begonia Indoors [Easily]. Also, these fade flowers need the energy to grow which slows down the growth of the foliage. Overwatering can cause root rot. Feel free to bring them indoors. So do your research and choose the variety accordingly. 1. Eventually, the plant died. Choose a spot that is protected from wind. Mostly planting them has no issues. To prevent this do not overwater. Bring potted coleus indoors before temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit in fall. Otherwise, increase the pot size by one for a new home. Alternatively, grow as a conservatory houseplant. If you want to keep it at the size it is, then you just keep it in the same pot. Coleus grown in containers can be placed indoors or out. Place the container in a warm bright place in shade. Avoid overly damp soils, which can cause leaf drop and encourage disease. For ground planted you have to regrow them in the spring season. The Coleus plant is a tender annual so in the winter it has to be brought indoors for overwintering. Always cut the stem from the node. Home » Plants » Coleus Plant Care & Growing Guide. From stem cutting, you can easily propagate coleus in water. There are varieties or hybrids that grow in shade, particle shade, and even in the full sun. Coleus plants will adapt to a wide range of temperatures above 55 degrees, but will grow best when they are kept between 70 and 85 degrees. Coleus branches break easily. If the plant resists then it means roots have grown. From seeds, it can take ten to twenty days to germinate and at first, they start growing slowly. If you want to decorate your garden with colorful foliage plants then Coleus should be on the top of your list. Coleus care is super-easy, and gardeners far and wide love it. Debug houseplants for winter The first thing I do is to rinse the plants with water from the hose. Coleus is a magnificent tropical plant, noted for the beauty of its colorful, mottled foliage. If the plant is root-bound, then it will stop growing. You need to plant them in suitable soil and provide the required environment for their better nourishment. The Coleus plant is rare and unique. Give some weak compost tea about once a month in winter, twice a month in the growing season. Related post: 25 Best Perennial Fall Flowers for the beautiful garden. A bit of cotton on a matchstick dipped in alcohol will kill those pests who do appear. Sep 11, 2018 - Overwintering coleus is easy! Caring for the plants is pretty easy once you set them up in a good spot. To prevent this, keep it out of direct sunlight and in the shade during the hottest part of the day. Because of this, they are gaining popularity as indoor-grown container plants. Winter temperatures should be cooler, but don’t expose the plant to temperatures below 50 F. (10 C). #2 – Staking Your Coleus Tree. They are non-toxic to humans. Generally, they prefer shade but some modern coleus hybrids or variety also grow well in full sun. They can be planted indoors or outdoors. Follow these step-by-step instructions to overwinter coleus plants, and learn how to care for coleus indoors over the winter. If you do not do this regularly, it can cause them to become leggy and unattractive. This means that they are hardy only in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 13, though they may survive in sheltered locations protected from frost in USDA zone 9b. Toss the plant out and plant in a suitable spot. I had one that grew more like a tree than a bush. 14 perennial plants That make your garden Beautiful. The leaves range from one to six inches long. If using as bedding plants, you could transfer to pots and move to a sheltered indoor area. Set plants out after all danger of frost is past. The color of the leaves will depend on the type of Coleus plant. Acclimated to having most direct sun blocked by trees up above buds you redirect the energy in the and. Are plenty of factors that affect them and vomiting for adding color indoors or.. Plant 's container … coleus plant grows best from 65 to 90,. 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