Plant your coleus in a sturdy container that won’t tip over if it does get to be 2 feet tall. Fill your container with well-draining soil and fertilize moderately. Be careful not to over fertilize, though, or your coleus in pots may lose their brilliant color. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist.
How quickly does coleus grow?
Coleus can benefit with bottom heat. Seedlings emerge in 12-21 days. As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night.
Is mayana same as coleus?
Coleus plants are also known as Mayana and the painted nettle with their bright colors, a wide variety of foliage colors, leaf shapes and forms are easy to grow and durable. Previously, Coleus belonged to the mint family Lamiaceae.
Is coleus a sun or shade plant?
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.
Does coleus need a lot of water?
Coleus needs to be kept moist, and those planted in containers will need water more frequently than those in gardens. Where outdoor plants should be watered daily, especially in high heat or dry weather conditions, indoor plants should be watered every few days.
Should I let my coleus bloom?
Coleus plant flowering signals the end of the plant’s life cycle, and plants usually die soon after they are allowed to produce blooms. You can just leave them on and enjoy the plant as an annual, or take steps to encourage thicker growth and continued life in a greenhouse or cold frame.
How often do you water coleus?
Coleus in containers may need watering twice a day during hot weather. Outdoor containers may require water twice a day. Indoor plants need water only once every two or three days, or a bit more if you live in a dry climate.
Do coleus like to be misted?
Unlike other tropical houseplants that require daily misting, you should avoid spritzing your coleus leaves. The water can leave marks on the velvety foliage and spoil the plant’s appearance.
Does coleus need lots of sun?
Coleus require little maintenance. They tolerate wide-ranging soil types or pH, but need excellent drainage. Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at least dappled shade and direct sun limited to morning hours.
How tall and wide does a Coleus plant get?
They’re vigorous growers and leaf size ranges from 1- 8 inches or more, and plants can grow up to 36 inches tall. They have endless variations in color, shape and patterns, and work well as a focal point or a compliment to other plants. Most coleus plants should be grown in bright, indirect light or in partial shade.
What kind of leaves do coleus plants have?
The leaves can be lacy, ruffled, smooth, twisted, solid colors, have contrasting edges, or a kaleidoscope of colors, big, little, round, pointed. In other words, something for everyone! Coleus ( Solenostemon scutellarioides) have a tough constitution but are easy to grow.
How long does it take Coleus to grow from seed?
The plant is often started from seed around a month and a half before the last frost. It will grow rather quickly, often reaching mature, robust size in six to nine months. Their unique appearance and ease of care make them a popular houseplant choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
How many species of Coleus are there in the world?
There are over 60 species of coleus, most native to Asia and Malaysia. However, virtually all of the coleus available are derived from the single plectranthus scutellarioides species, crossed with a few other species. Hybridizing work within this group has been extensive—there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of cultivars.