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Indoor Coleus Care Water regularly to keep the soil slightly moist – never bone dry and never soggy. Feed the plant once every week or two during spring and summer, using a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Place the pot on a tray with a layer of wet pebbles if the air in your home is dry.
How do you keep coleus alive indoors?
Coleus plant care indoors: Provide bright indirect sunlight, temperatures of 65-75°F, and moderate to high humidity levels. Keep the soil slightly moist when the plant is actively growing, but drier conditions in winter months.
How often do you water coleus indoors?
On hot days, water your coleus every day…if not twice! For indoor plants, water every 2-3 days when it is hot. Overall, keep the plant hydrated but never leave it in soggy soil.
Where should I put coleus in my house?
Coleus plants love bright light, though it’s best to avoid direct midday sunlight, which can scorch the delicate leaves. Your best bet is to find a windowsill or other spot in your home that gets direct sunlight in the morning and bright, filtered like in the afternoon.
Does coleus need sunlight?
Coleus thrive in cool, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at least dappled shade and direct sun limited to morning hours. Too much sun or intense midday rays leave foliage scorched and faded; too little light causes weak growth.
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.
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 long does a coleus plant live?
While the lifespan of an average coleus plant is one year, you can prolong its life by pruning. Watch out for any small flower buds and prune it before the flower buds bloom. This is because once the plant starts producing flowers and seeds it will soon die.
Can you move coleus indoors?
Given adequate light, coleus overwinters easily indoors. Dig up healthy plants in the fall, just before cold weather hits. Make sure you get as much of the root system as possible. Allow your plants to acclimate for about a week or so prior to moving them inside.
Are coleus plants poisonous?
Coleus is a stunningly beautiful plant, but it is also poisonous to humans and pets. The leaves of Coleus can cause a rash and lead to a variety of health issues if consumed.
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.
What is coleus good for?
Coleus is a plant that has been used since ancient times to treat heart disorders such as high blood pressure and chest pain (angina), as well as respiratory disorders such as asthma. Forskolin is a chemical found in the roots of the coleus plant. Coleus drops are used in the eyes to treat glaucoma.
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.
What bug is eating my coleus?
Pests. Coleus plants are sometimes attacked by mealy bugs, which resemble bits of white fuzz, though they may also be infested with whiteflies, aphids, spider mites and slugs, says Clemson University.
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.
What conditions do coleus like?
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.
What causes brown spots on coleus?
They like shade from the afternoon Texas sun and even moisture but not constantly wet feet. They are very hardy with almost no problems. If the brown spots are on the edges of the leaves this might indicate sun scorch or lack of moisture.
Do coleus like to be root bound?
Coleus has shallow roots, so you can get away with smaller pots, but you still want to make sure those roots have room to grow and latch – in other words, do not overcrowd your coleus plants when planting in the ground.
What do I do with my coleus plant in the winter?
During the winter, coleus will lose its color. The plant that you brought indoors will lose some leaves and get straggly. This time of year the plant is entering its dormant stage and as tempting as it is, do not pinch it back. The goal at this point is to keep it alive by watering and monitoring for insects.
