myindoorplants

To be care healthy growth Coleus plant, it requires bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, regular watering, proper temperature and humidity.

Introduction

Are you looking for an indoor plant that is low maintenance and produces colourful foliage, then the Coleus plant is the best for you. New colours and patterns of coleus are introduced regularly including dwarf varieties, trailing types. It is a genus of annual or perennial herbs or shrubs, sometimes succulent, sometimes with a fleshy or tuberous rootstock.

Scientific classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Tracheophytes
• Clade: Angiosperms
• Clade: Eudicots
• Clade: Asterids
• Order: Lamiales
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Subfamily: Nepetoideae
• Tribe: Ocimeae

Prefers

1. Light – Bright, indirect light
2. Soil – Well draining
3. Soil pH – 6-7
4. Temperature – 68 to 100 ℉
5. Humidity – 50–70%
6. Blooming time – Late summer
7. Flower colour – Red, yellow, green and purple
8. Native area – Southeast Asia, Malaysia
9. Toxicity – Human and pets

Coleus plant care with some tips

Proper amounts of water, light, soil, temperature and fertiliser should be obtained for the plant to grow. The problems and benefits of the plant have also been shared in this article. This article will help you with all the essentials you need to grow your plant.

If you want to know Cymbidium orchid plant care.

Light

Coleus plant prefers bright, indirect light and does best in partial shade but some of varieties can tolerate full of Sun. The amount of light can produce plant size and colour. To avoid direct light which can scorch the delicate leaves. It is usually get sufficient light during the Summer but may supplemented with a grow light in winter.

Water

This plant need moist soil and regular watering, when the plant in container get water when the top inches of soil is dry. You can use tap water but mold growth or stunted growth are signs that your plant is overwatered. Provide more water during prolonged heat or dry spells.

Soil

Before planting use well draining soil with pH between 6.0 and 7.0. For potted plant use good quality compost or another organic matter. A blend of peat moss, perlite, and compost is a good starting point. Perlite and vermiculite are improving drainage and water retention. Avoid overly damp soils, which can cause leaf drop and encourage disease. Be sure that your container has adequate drainage holes to ensure the soil isn’t constantly wet, which can lead to root rot. 

Temperature & humidity

The ideal temperature between 60-100 degree Fahrenheit. During Summer seasons, you can provide some shade to protect the plant from excessive heat. It can tolerate a slightly lower temperature in the winter, but should always be kept about 50°F.

Coleus plant prefers 50-70% humidity levels and thrive in hot humid conditions and sensitive to cold temperature. If you can increase humidity level then use humidifier or a pebble tray if grown indoors.

Fertiliser

To make your plants grow faster, apply fertilisers when the plant starts flowering. It may cause plants to produce excessive foliage at the expense of blooms. Feed your plant during their growing season with a balance fertiliser. Its require balance fertiliser with equal amounts of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium to grow well. Mix fertilizer into the soil when you plant the coleus

Propagation of Coleus plant care

Propagation is the process when you want to grow up another plant. The best time to take your plant cutting for propagation is growing season when the plant actively grow healthy. The best way to propagate your plant by stem cuttings. Using sharp and sterilised knife to cut the long stem and make sure the cut below a leaf node. Remove leaves from the lower half of the cutting leaving one or two at the top. You can also use rooting hormone to produce the flowering plant with proper care.

Pruning of Coleus plant care

Spring is the prime time for pruning Coleus, it encourages branching and a bushier shape. Pinch back growing tips when the plant is about 6 inches tall. This period of active growth is ideal for shaping your plant and encouraging a fuller, bushier appearance. Make sure to trim just above a set of leaves and regular pruning will also increase the chances of the plant producing its stunning, fragrant flowers.

Plants are not pruned to get tall and lose their shape.

Types of Coleus plant

• Kong rose: Another variety of Coleus plant, it is extremely large leaves and unique patterns on well branched plants. It is an herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth.
• Copperhead: Another variety of Coleus is copperhead, it is compact coleus features striking red or orange foliage with ruffled leaves and lime green edges.
• Black Dragon: It is compact deep red with purplish black edge and low maintenance plant.It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth.
• Electric lime: Electric Lime Coleus is an herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. Most varieties of coleus grow best in partial shade.

Repotting of Coleus plant

Repotting is important if you want to grow more than one of your favorite plants. Carefully remove the roots and place the plant in the new pot. Avoid repotting during slow growing season or immediately after a stressful event, such as a pest infestation. Before repotting, water the plant to loosen the soil and hydrate the roots. Gently remove the plant from its current pot, being careful not to damage the root ball. Repotting your Coleus step by step Go for a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. 

Common problem of Coleus plant

1. The most common problem is overwatering, excess water can cause the roots to decay, leading to a mushy texture and a musty smell.
2. The colour of their foliage is best feature. Their colour comes down to sun exposure. The more vibrant red and pink color will fade to more greens and yellows. 
3. Brown tips are more of problem you would find in indoor plants. This is often because of a lack of humidity.

Benefits of Coleus plant

• It can use for control the lower blood pressure.Coleus root and stem contain a chemical called forskolin. Forskolin has effects that might widen blood vessels. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various diseases such as underactive thyroid, heart disease, and respiratory disorders.
• Forskolin shows high amount of polyphenols and higher antioxidant activity. The main bioactive ingredient in Coleus forskohlii is called forskolin. It is a compound that has antioxidant and soothing properties. 

Coleus plant Faq

1. How long do Coleus Plants last?

Ans. Your coleus will be an annual outdoor. With proper care, your plant should last several years.

2. How much do coleus plants spread?

Ans. Cultivars grow from 6 to 36 inches tall and wide.Taller plants with large leaves tend to stay more upright while smaller.

3. What are the disadvantages of growing coleus plant?

Ans. A major disadvantage is that coleus is toxic to pets.