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Water regularly, keeping the soil moist. Keep them out of the wind to avoid breakage. Coleus will not survive a frost, so either treat your plant as an annual or move it inside when temperatures begin to drop.
Does coleus like sun or shade?
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.
How many hours of sun does a coleus plant need?
Most coleus plants require about 6 hours of sunlight in the morning hours with shade being preferred all afternoon. However, this depends on the variety you’re growing in your garden and flowerbeds. Some modern varieties of coleus can tolerate full sun exposure all day long especially when growing in humid climates.
How often do you water coleus plants?
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 plants come back every year?
Taking a perennial to a location where cold winters kill it does not make it an annual. Coleus is a perennial, a tropical shrub, that is not hardy except in warm, frost-free zones.
Do coleus make good houseplants?
Indoor Coleus Care: How To Grow A Coleus Houseplant. Although coleus is typically grown outdoors as an annual, its vibrant leaves provide many months of enjoyment indoors if growing conditions are just right. In fact, coleus plants respond well to potted environments.
How long do coleus plants last?
In a frost-free area, coleus normally lives for several years. In USDA zones 10 through 11, the winter is mild enough to plant coleus in the ground. Coleus appreciates moist soil that drains well.
Can coleus grow in pots?
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.
Does a coleus plant flower?
Many gardeners are charmed by the spikes of tiny blue or white flowers produced on coleus at the end of the season. These little blooms make a charming cut flower or may be left to enhance the beauty of the plant. Coleus are often thought of as shady foliage specimens that brighten up the dark corners of the garden.
Where is the best place to plant coleus?
Plant coleus in a sunny or partly shaded spot, in moist but well-drained soil. Coleus are low growing, so they look best at the front of a border, combined with other bedding plants, or in pot on a patio. If you’re growing coleus as a house plant, grow it in a bright spot that gets a little direct sun.
Why is my coleus dying?
If you notice your coleus wilting and the soil is dry, most likely it just needs water. Coleus over watering or coleus planted in waterlogged soil will suffer from root rot, which can kill your coleus. If your coleus has developed yellow leaves from too much water, it may be too late to save the plant.
Why is my red coleus turning green?
Your coleus plant is most likely turning green because it isn’t getting enough light to maintain its original color. Coleus plants need lots of sunlight to keep their color, so if they aren’t getting enough, you’ll need to give it more to restore their beautiful hues.
Should I mist coleus?
Coleus plants prefer an average temperature above 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Otherwise, you can increase humidity by lightly misting the plant a few times a week (especially if it’s looking droopy) or investing in a small space humidifier.
Can coleus survive winter indoors?
Given adequate light, coleus overwinters easily indoors. Dig up healthy plants in the fall, just before cold weather hits. Pot your plants in suitable containers with well-draining soil and water them thoroughly. It may also help to trim back the top half of growth to reduce shock, though this is not required.
How do I make my coleus bushy?
You can make coleus bushy by routinely pinching the stems and leaves from the plant. Over time, the main stem or trunk of your coleus will become strong and support a larger, fuller plant. Regular feeding with a diluted liquid fertilizer can also promote growth.
How do you prepare coleus for winter?
Start by placing your coleus in bright shade on days when temperatures are above sixty degrees. Bring them back in at night if temperatures drop below 55 degrees F. Gradually ease the plants into more sun, making sure to keep up with their increasing water needs. Don’t drown them, though.
How do I make my coleus more colorful?
Morning sun and afternoon shade is the rule of thumb for any coleus. But breeders have been introducing lots of sun-tolerant varieties that can take a lot more light than many of the older hybrids. Most have “solar” or “sun” in their names, and sport brighter reds and more vivid greens in their foliage.
How big does a coleus plant get?
Coleus comes in three forms: upright, rounded and trailing. They range in height from 6 inches to 3.5 feet and grow 1 to 3 feet wide.
