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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 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.
How long do coleus plants live for?
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.
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 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 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.
Is coleus a good 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.
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.
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.
Will coleus 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.
Can coleus tolerate afternoon sun?
Coleus has long been considered a shade plant but the best leaf color is achieved with morning sun and some degree of afternoon shade. Many varieties do well in both shade and part-sun. Some can take quite a bit of sun as long as they are not allowed to dry out.
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.
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.
What is the best fertilizer for coleus?
We recommend a balanced all-purpose fertilizer for Coleus. Any of the 10-10-10 formulas is a good choice. Miracle Grow is good for Coleus, but make sure to follow the instructions before applying. You can use a slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil if you find that easier.
Why is coleus red?
When you see a Coleus with foliage ranging from pink through red, pink and purple it’s because of pigments called anthocyanins.
