Watch the plant closely. A large coleus will reach 2 to 3 feet in height. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a canvas of foliage against which the larger thriller plants stand out. cuttings taken from a healthy, mature plant. Coleus likes fertile and well-draining soil. They need to be kept moist, especially newly planted coleus. tolerate partial shade, and to some degree, full shade. During the growing season—April to September—water whenever the top 1” (2.5 cm) of the potting mix is dry. Growing coleus indoors is definitely possible, provided you give it enough moisture, heat, and humidity. Coleus plant leaves come in shades of red, green, white and yellow. When you first plant your Coleus, whether it be in a container pot or directly into the ground, give it a good soaking of water to saturate the soil. A coleus plant is hardy, able to survive in both a container indoors and in the soil outside. Coleus is ideal for anyone who wants color in a hurry – in the garden, around the patio or as an indoor plant. Most gardeners don’t want coleus to bloom unless it’s for seed production. To do so, use blunt tweezers and pull the plant out of the gel by the base. Coleus will sometimes become lanky when grown indoors, so don't be afraid to pinch and prune your indoor Coleus to keep it tidy and prevent flowering. How to Plant an Indoor Coleus Put some potting soil in the planter, put your little seedling in the pot, and cover the roots with potting soil. Flowers: Late spring through to early autumn. An often overlooked aspect of coleus care is the humidity. Foliage – evergreen Flowering – June to September. Step 1 - Bring It Indoors (Never let the bottom of the pot stand directly in water.). If the plant goes into flower, snip off the flowers to encourage vitality, and pinch off growing tips to encourage bushiness. Coleus іѕ a tоugh аnd аttrасtіvе plant thаt іѕ available іn a wide rаngе of ѕіzеѕ аnd colors. How to Grow and Care for Coleus in Containers. Curling leaves is a sign that something is not quite right with your plant and you should look closely for any problems. Curling leaves is a sign that something is not quite right with your plant and you should look closely for any problems. Conclusion. If the plant goes into flower, snip off the flowers to encourage vitality, and pinch off growing tips to encourage bushiness. Warmer zones can grow coleus as garden perennials, where they can grow to resemble small shrubs with thick woody stems. Coleus plants need an excellent light source without scorching sun to retain the markings and because the leaf markings are the sole point to this attractive plant, it's essential that you get the light requirements correct. Choose a spot that is protected from wind. Intro: Coleus is a colorful container plant for shadier balcony gardens. Coleus plants produce spiked flowers during summer. If the plant's soil becomes completely dry for any period of time, leaves may wilt. Most gardeners pinch off the non-spectacular flower spikes to help keep plants bushy and vigorous. Growing coleus indoors is definitely possible, provided you give it enough moisture, heat, and humidity. In fact, coleus plants respond well to potted environments. The perfectly moist soil is not good for it, the cause of the fall of the leaf, and may encourage disease. Watch this video to learn how to pinch annuals and tropical perennials. Painted Nettle, Coleus, Solenostemon – How to Grow and Care Painted nettles (Solenostemon) have a spectacular foliage in colours and colour combinations no other plant species has to offer. They also look great planted directly in the garden in groups, or as borders. A person who wishes to start out gardening indoors will find a coleus plant a good choice. They may come in yellows, greens, reds, and some even come in pinks or purples. However, being a warm weather loving plant, it will not survive a harsh, cold winter. Excellent for either container gardening or for adoring garden beds, they offer amazing color in partial shaded areas. Coleus іѕ a tоugh аnd аttrасtіvе plant thаt іѕ available іn a wide rаngе of ѕіzеѕ аnd colors. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Coleus Care Guide Light. Coleus as an indoor plant performs best in temperatures between 60 and 75 F. (16-24 C). Although coleus is typically grown outdoors as an annual, its vibrant leaves provide many months of enjoyment indoors if growing conditions are just right. Indoor Garden Coleus Collections. Coleus branches break easily. If the plant starts to lose its leaves, the environment is probably too dark or cold. Check this post on 30 low maintenance houseplants or this one on 25 flowering indoor plants. Although it’s not required, the plants can be given a boost of half-strength liquid fertilizer during their active growth in spring and summer. These plants should be taken care of by regularly maintaining their size and shape by trimming the tips. Coleus plant leaves come in shades of red, green, white and yellow. Coleus plant care indoors: Provide bright indirect sunlight, temperatures of 65-75°F, and moderate to high humidity levels. Feed the plant once every week or two during spring and summer, using a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength. If you are wanting to use coleus in the garden next year, consider taking several cuttings to grow indoors during the winter, then replanting them in the garden during the spring (see propagation tips below). Today, we’re going to narrow in on ornamental coleus plants. Coleus plants mix well with other shady annual plants such as impatiens and wax begonias. It may seem counterproductive to cut back a plant that you want more of, but pinching many annual and tender perennial plants—like coleus—encourages branching and full, bushy growth. Too much moisture around the roots may flatten your Coleus plant, resulting in root rot and irreversible damage. Coleus plants are grown almost exclusively for their colorful foliage. If the plant gets too scraggly, it may be time to start fresh with a new plant. No need to apply a fertilizer; coleus … Sitting directly in a North, East or West facing window will be perfect, you may get away with a South facing window if the sunlight is filtered. Plant coleus close together as bedding plants or tuck them into baskets and containers for a fast growing and spectacular addition. Jon VanZile is a Master Gardener and the author of "Houseplants for a Healthy Home.". Hybridizing work within this group has been extensive—there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of cultivars. They just need to be kept moist, and that’s it! Winter temperatures should be cooler, but don’t expose the plant to temperatures below 50 F. (10 C). Although it loves warm climates, coleus light requirements are minimal. When growing a coleus indoors, keep the soil evenly moist, watering the plant whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Sometimes called painted nettle, they are multi-hued, stunning plants grown for their leaves rather than flowers. Water the new plant thoroughly. The 60 species of coleus are native to Asia and Malaysia. If growing solenostemon in pots outdoors, move plants indoors in autumn before the first frosts. The blooms can be trimmed back. However, virtually all of the coleus available are derived from the single C. Blumei species, crossed with a few other species. Mind that container plants will need more frequent watering, and that “moist” doesn’t mean “soggy”. What’s the best tip for growing coleus indoors? With just a few simple hints, anyone can grow this ornamental! Light. Place the pot on a tray with a layer of wet pebbles if the air in your home is dry. However, being a warm weather loving plant, it will not survive a harsh, cold winter. When the weather begins to turn cold you will need to take some precautions to ensure a healthy coleus in the spring. How to Grow and Care for Coleus in Containers. Coleus has few needs and enemies. If you choose to grow coleus for more than one season, you might consider trimming the plant back after winter, refreshing the soil, and keeping it in the same pot. When the weather begins to turn cold you will need to take some precautions to ensure a healthy coleus in the spring. Coleus likes bright light, but be careful of intense sunlight. Coleus plant care and propagation steps are easy. Painted Nettle, Coleus, Solenostemon – How to Grow and Care Jul 23, 2017 - Can I grow coleus indoors? Coleus Plant Care. Find specific plants with our Plant Finder & Plant Selector. How to Care for a Coleus Plant. Coleus are in the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. For both indoor and outdoor growing, Coleus plants will respond well if you add some mulch to their planting soil. Coleus can easily be started from seed indoors about 10 weeks before the last frost date in your region. Water the plant thoroughly after planting. By: Mary H. 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This ornamental a sign that something is not quite right with your plant and you should closely! Require attention to maintain large container can grow to resemble small shrubs with thick woody.... Hardy and attractive plants available in a good plant to temperatures below 50 F. ( 10 )!
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