Added to this unusual texture is the vivid red and burgundy coloring on the leaves, and the result is a very sultry and dramatic looking plant. By removing the flower buds in their infancy, the plant will redirect its energy to the continued production of colorful foliage. This tender annual comes in many shades of color, leaf texture, and sizes. The leaves are predominantly yellow with red edging and some red speckling on the main part of the leaf. The cut should be made just below a leaf node, and you can then remove all of the leaves from the stem except for the top pair. The ideal spot for this plant is one that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Watch this video to learn how to pinch annuals and tropical perennials. Coleus hybrids were all the rage when they were first introduced into Europe from Java in the 1700sand their popularity has remained high. The reason is that the sun is the hottest in the afternoon. The Wasabi variety is popular to mix with other types of Coleus, as the plain green foliage offsets nicely against more intense colored varieties. In order to get the most from this attractive foliage plant, it helps to arm yourself with additional knowledge on coleus plant care. You do not have to worry about hurting the plant too much if you cut it back too far. This means that no matter what area you are looking to put coleus, you can find one that will be perfect. This variety is incredibly easy to grow and care for and looks striking when placed alongside paler colored plants. If you are growing your Coleus in a container pot, then a time will come when it outgrows the space and needs to be repotted in a larger container. Within several weeks, you should start to see roots appear from the bottom of the stem. If you love the autumnal colors of fall leaves and wish you could have them all year round, then this is the Coleus for you. Select a new container that is around two inches in height and diameter larger than the previous pot, and put enough potting soil in the bottom so that the plant will be at the same level in the pot as it was before. Do you have a Coleus? When growing a coleus indoors, keep the soil evenly moist, watering the plant whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Push the soil up around the planted stem to help if stand up, and then, supply the cutting with warmth while maintaining a moist but not wet soil. To keep your coleus thriving, mix a slow-release fertilizer into the potting soil when you are starting your plant's container. Sign up for our newsletter. They just need to be kept moist, and that’s it! To encourage a fuller growth in a bushy style, you can prune the bottom stems of the plant. 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. Repot the coleus plant into a pot one size larger than its current container when new growth starts. Trees.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. However, several sun tolerant cultivars are available that will thrive in full, hot sun. Since coleus are mainly grown for their colorful foliage, there’s no need to waste the plant’s energy on flowering or setting seed. Typically, most varieties enjoy a mix of plentiful shade and bright light, though some cultivars have now been developed that can withstand all-day sun (Home and Garden Information Center). COLEUS CARE Maintenance: Keep plants looking tidy and maintain their size and shape by pinching or trimming stem tips. Put the tray in a bright and warm place such as a sunny windowsill, or a sunroom or conservatory, and maintain moist but not wet soil. Let's dive into this plant. Intro: Coleus is a colorful container plant for shadier balcony gardens. While the Inky Toes plant has leaves which are reminiscent of duck feet, the Inky Fingers plant has a wider spread on the rounded bumps of the leaf edges, giving it more of an impression of a hand shape. Dig up healthy plants in the fall, just before cold weather hits. If you don’t have an appropriate spot with afternoon shade, there are some Coleus varieties that can tolerate afternoon sun, but be sure to research your variety before you buy it and ensure you have an ideal area for it to thrive. If the plant's soil becomes completely dry for any period of time, leaves may wilt. The general color pattern is a thick green edging that transforms inwards into shades of red and pink. If you used a plastic cover, you can remove it at this point, but continue to allow the seedlings to grow until they start to become too large for their container. 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Use your little finger or the end of a pencil to make a hole in the soil in which to place your stem cutting. Coleus plants are tropical plants that thrive in warm temperatures and humid conditions. They have some of the most stunningly colored foliage—in combinations of green, yellow, pink, red, maroon, etc. As their name implies, Coleus plants are very gorgeous with their leave colors; they can be grown either outdoors and indoors and are too stunning not to notice. I, for one, love them, as do many others. Traditionally, most coleus plants have grown best in partial shade. Water to keep the soil slightly moist and keep humidity levels high. If you have grown your Coleus in a container pot, then the ideal scenario would be to bring it inside when the colder weather sets in, putting it in a warm place with bright but indirect light. This can help to encourage root growth, though it is really down to personal preference and isn’t essential to successful propagation. Water the new plant thoroughly. This is another variety of Coleus that features autumnal shades. Another factor in coleus care is overwintering, as these plants, which are considered tender annuals, are highly susceptible to cold temperatures. This includes different coleus propagation methods, tips on growing indoors and even overwintering the plants effectively. If your Coleus plants are growing in the ground, then a slow release fertilizer may be a good option. You can expect to see seedlings emerge through the soil in around two weeks’ time. Coleus can be added to beds and borders for interest or grown in containers. Bright, direct light will scorch the leaves, causing the vibrant colors to fade or become bleached, or resulting in browned edges or transparent patches. To grow a new Coleus, take a stem cutting from the mother plant of around five inches in length. These Coleus plants are aptly named after the hand and foot-like appearance of the leaves. This variety of Coleus has long and triangular-shaped leaves that reach a sharp point at the end. Aim to keep the soil moist but not wet, avoiding watering too heavily, as the plant is susceptible to root rot. Coleus plants in containers will need more frequent watering than those grown in the ground. How to Care for Sun Coleus. How to Care for a Coleus Plant. This Coleus plant has rich brown leaves with a bright green edging. Caring for coleus is just as easy. Care of Sun-Loving Coleus Over the Winter. Care for Coleus Plant Caring for coleus is just as easy. Plants should not be allowed to dry out, howeve… Some can take quite a bit of sun as long as they are not allowed to dry out. Terracotta pots have a tendency to absorb moisture, so if you’re using a pot such as this, then you should line it with plastic wrap so that the moisture is retained by the soil. Growing Coleus plants from seed is also an easy process and generally results in success. 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