Cultivating coleus at home with these useful tips
What's the story
Coleus plants are highly sought after for their stunningly vibrant leaves and unique ability to thrive in shaded environments.
These beauties can transform any garden or indoor space into a kaleidoscopic wonderland - no sunbathing required!
Knowing how to care for coleus is key to keeping them healthy and ensuring they continue to paint your garden with their colorful foliage.
Location
Selecting the right spot
Selecting the appropriate location is key for coleus care.
These plants thrive in areas with indirect light or partial shade.
Excessive direct sunlight can lead to faded leaves, robbing them of their vibrant colors.
Ideally, position your coleus where it can enjoy morning light while being protected from the intense afternoon sun.
Hydration
Watering wisely
Coleus plants need constant moisture but they can't stand waterlogged soil.
You should water them frequently but let the top inch of soil dry out between watering. This is crucial.
Over-watering can cause root rot, so make sure there's good drainage by using pots with drainage holes or planting them in well-draining soil if they're outside.
Nutrition
Fertilizing for growth
Feeding your coleus with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season will promote healthy growth and vibrant leaf production.
A 10-10-10 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) ratio is ideal for these plants.
During winter months, cut back fertilization to once a month as plant growth slows down.
Maintenance
Pruning and pinching back
Regular pruning not only keeps your coleus looking neat but also promotes bushier growth.
Actively pinching back new growth tips during the growing season is key to preventing legginess and encouraging a fuller plant.
You should also remove flowers as soon as they form.
Allowing the plant to bloom can cause it to focus energy away from producing the vibrant foliage that is coleus's main appeal.
Health
Protecting from pests and diseases
Coleus can be vulnerable to common pests like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
Regularly check your plants for any signs of infestation and if you spot pests, immediately treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Also, try not to wet the leaves while watering as it can lead to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
Water at the base of the plant, and that too early in the day.