Botanical Name: Coleus blumei or Solenostemon scutellarioides
Characteristics
Coleus is a hardy, attractive plant that is available in a wide range of sizes and colors. Some varieties grow as bushes, making them inappropriate for indoor locations. Many, however, thrive in pots under the right conditions.
Coleus plants are truly in their glory in masses—their leaves are available in green, purple, orange, red, yellow, and in a striking array of patterns. Coleus is also fun propagate; new plants grown from seed will be new creations. Although the directions below make it possible to keep coleus indoors year-round, coleus is often grown as an annual and discarded once it becomes leggy (a problem that can often be contained by pinching off new growth).
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Coleus Varieties
coleus plant, coleus blumei
Boundless varieties of coleus are available. Foliage colors include red, maroon, brown, cream, yellow, orange and green in dramatic combinations and designs. Leaf edges may be scalloped or ruffled and have a contrasting color.
Stunning new hybrids make choosing just one nearly impossible. Fortunately, we don't have to choose. Coleus plant is easy to find in garden centers, and a cinch to grow from seed. It's also practically foolproof to propagate from a plant -- just cut off a stem and stick it in a glass of water.
There's no need to over-winter them. I replace my coleus plants when they get tall and leggy. This garden favorite is inexpensive. Besides, I like to try new varieties each year.
Growing Conditions
Indoor coleus does best under the following conditions:
Light: Coleus loves bright light, though its best to avoid direct midday sunlight. Too much sun will wash out the colors in their leaves.
Water: Keep soil continuously moist throughout the year, but reduce watering in winter. High humidity is preferred.
Temperature: Above 60 F is preferred in the summer. In winter, above 50 F is best.
Fertilizer: Feed in spring with slow-release pellets or weekly during the growing season with liquid fertilizer.
How To Grow Coleus Houseplants
Most of us know beautiful coleus plants as gorgeous additions to border plantings in gardens or bright pops of color in containers, but did you know that actually make great indoor plants as well? This article will tell you all you need to know about coleus plant care indoors, so you can brighten your indoor space with their stunning foliage.
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. Fertilize lightly with a high nitrogen fertilizer every two weeks, and pinch back the stems to create a fuller, bushy plant.
Coleus is an easy to grow plant and will thrive indoors if cared for properly. The following information covers all of the different aspects of caring for this beautiful houseplant.
