- Coleus plants love nitrogen. Adding nitrogen organically in the soil can easily be done through household products such as coffee grounds!
- Coffee grounds not only can be used as a fertilizer for your Coleus plants, but they are also excellent at deterring bugs like aphids that suck the nutrients out of ...
- If growing Coleus indoors, be sure to place this plant in a separate room or a high enough location so that animals cannot get to it, as it can be ...
- Don’t be scared to mix varieties in one container or bed! Thankfully, these beautiful plants do well when paired with other crops.
- When taking a cutting from a Coleus plant, snip it at a 45-degree angle for better rooting.
How do you care for Coleus Coleus?
Coleus needs well-draining soil. Water the plant thoroughly after planting. During the first week after planting, keep the root ball moist but not too wet. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Pinch growing shoots of young plants frequently to encourage branching and bushier growth.
What is eating my Coleus leaves?
The primary outdoor pests for coleus are groundhogs and young rabbits. If you can protect your plants early in the season, these pests will usually turn their attention to other plants by mid-summer.
How do you get a bushy Coleus to grow?
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. Coleuses are easy to care for and not demanding plants at all, but if you want bushy coleus, there are some tips and tricks to know.
What is the best fertilizer for Coleus?
You’ll get the best color from your coleus leaves if you go easy on the fertilizer. Container-grown plants can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer added to the potting soil when starting a new pot. Thereafter, feed with a diluted liquid fertilizer given every one to two weeks.
Should you fertilize coleus plants?
5:0518:25How Best To Fertilize Coleus. Explaining the 3 Numbers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAbout um actually putting fertilizer in you're fertilizing. As you water and as these grow it they'MoreAbout um actually putting fertilizer in you're fertilizing. As you water and as these grow it they're getting the much needed nitrogen. So basically at this point when you're potting your coleus. And
Does coleus need lots of water?
Generally speaking, the best way to determine how often to water your coleus plant is to check the top half-inch of soil for dampness. As a rule of thumb, if it's dried out, give the coleus plant some water. If it's still damp or moist in the top half-inch, then no need to water the coleus plant.
How do you take care of a coleus plant?
Care for Coleus Plant They need to be kept moist, especially newly planted coleus. Container plants also require more frequent watering than those grown in the garden. Although it's not required, the plants can be given a boost of half-strength liquid fertilizer during their active growth in spring and summer.
How do I make my coleus more colorful?
3:465:39SIMPLEST Way To Make Coleus BUSHY & More Colorful - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipArea in winter time one hour or two hours of direct sunlight should not harm your plant. But againMoreArea in winter time one hour or two hours of direct sunlight should not harm your plant. But again please be careful. And if you spot any lip burning. Issue that time keep your plant in bright.
Why are my coleus leaves turning yellow?
Coleus leaves will turn yellow on overwatered or waterlogged plants. It's possible that the plant can be re-potted and saved if caught early. If the plant is dying, consider taking cuttings and propagating new plants.
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 can I make my coleus grow faster?
Keep them indoors in a sunny window, and wait to move them outside until nighttime temperatures stay in the 50s. Coleus won't grow any faster if you put them out early, and you could actually stunt their growth or they might die, even if temperatures stay above freezing.
How often should I 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 when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Why is my coleus plant dying?
The most likely causes of your Coleus' wilting are dehydration from lack of water or excessive exposure to the sun. Poor soil quality, repotting shock, and root rot should all be considered, as should an unstable temperature or low humidity.
Does coleus like Miracle Grow?
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.
How do you get bushy coleus?
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 makes coleus red?
Why is my red Coleus turning green? A red Coleus turning green could be because the amount of light has decreased. Try to change the placement to give it either more direct or indirect light throughout the day.
How often should a coleus be watered?
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 when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Why are my coleus leaves drooping?
The most likely causes of your Coleus' wilting are dehydration from lack of water or excessive exposure to the sun. Poor soil quality, repotting shock, and root rot should all be considered, as should an unstable temperature or low humidity.
How long do coleus plants live for?
one yearThe average lifespan of a coleus plant is one year. It's not uncommon for indoor plants to live between 3-4 years if they are properly cared for, which means proper watering, sunlight, the right soil, and the right plant food to keep it green, and healthy.
Why are my coleus leaves curling?
Answer: If your coleus plants leaves are drooping and curling it likely has downy mildew, which most commonly occurs in greenhouses. Help prevent downy mildew by watering your plant at the soil level so that the foliage doesn't get wet.
How to grow Coleus?
In fact, the plants root so easily that you can even start cuttings in a glass of water. They can also be propagated by seed indoors about eight to ten weeks prior to your last expected spring frost.
What is a Coleus plant?
Perhaps you know them as painted nettle or poor man’s croton, depending on where you’re located, but for many of us we simply know them as coleus plants ( Coleus blumei ). I, for one, love them, as do many others. They have some of the most stunningly colored foliage—in combinations of green, yellow, pink, red, maroon, etc. Coleus also have a wide variety of leaf sizes and overall shapes. This means that no matter what area you are looking to put coleus, you can find one that will be perfect. These plants are great for adding color in the garden (or home), especially in those dark, drab-looking corners.
What color are coleus leaves?
They have some of the most stunningly colored foliage—in combinations of green, yellow, pink, red, maroon, etc. Coleus also have a wide variety of leaf sizes and overall shapes. This means that no matter what area you are looking to put coleus, you can find one that will be perfect.
Can you pinch coleus?
You can also pinch the shoots of young coleus plants to produce bushier growth. Another factor in coleus care is overwintering, as these plants, which are considered tender annuals, are highly susceptible to cold temperatures.
Can coleus be grown in containers?
Coleus can be added to beds and borders for interest or grown in containers. They need fertile, well-draining soil and usually perform best in areas with partial shade, though many varieties can also tolerate sun. When growing coleus, keep in mind that these beauties can grow rapidly.
Do you need to water coleus?
They need to be kept moist, especially newly planted coleus. Container plants also require more frequent watering than those grown in the garden. Although it’s not required, the plants can be given a boost of half-strength liquid fertilizer during their active growth in spring and summer.
Can you grow Coleus in baskets?
When growing coleus, keep in mind that these beauties can grow rapidly. Plant coleus close together as bedding plants or tuck them into baskets and containers for a fast growing and spectacular addition.
Other Names
Also known by names like Painted Nettle and Poor Man’s Croton, it is also recognized by its square stem system. And though it can produce flowers that range from white to blue, they are often pinched to preserve energy for the colorful leaves.
Types of Coleus Plants
Wizard Series – This type is easy to grow from seeds and provides 12-14 plants with a mixture of colors.
What Soil Works Best for a Coleus Plant?
These plants do best in peat moss-based potting mixes between 6-7 pH. Keep the plant away from cedar mulch, as it can prove toxic to your Coleus.
How Often Should You Fertilize Coleus Plants?
The Coleus doesn’t need much in terms of fertilizer, and you may be able to get away with it if your soil has enough nutrients. However, you can give it a monthly feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength or diluted liquid fertilizer every 1-2 weeks.
How Much Sunlight Does a Coleus Need?
The amount of sun needed depends on the category of Coleus you have. But in general, it won’t need anything more than morning sun and afternoon shade.
What Temperature Works Best for Coleus Plants?
The best temperature for this plant to thrive is around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Though you can plant outdoors, it is best to keep it potted inside. Since it is susceptible to frost and cooler temperatures, you will run into problems leaving the plant outside during the fall and winter.
Do Coleus Plants Enjoy Humidity?
These tropical plants enjoy humidity. You can give it proper moisture by keeping it in the bathroom or near a humidifier.
How to Make 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.
Coleus Care
Coleuses are easy to care for and not demanding plants at all, but if you want bushy coleus, there are some tips and tricks to know.
Coleus Climate and Conditions
Remember that coleus likes it warm, but not direct sun to prevent the foliage from burning. If your coleus plant gets too cold, you may notice the leaves turning dark, even black.
Propagating a Coleus
Naturally, you will want to recreate your bushy coleus by planting more and propagating your prized plant.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make Coleus Bushy
Cut a five-inch piece of stem from a healthy coleus plant. Remove the leaves from the segment that will be placed under the soil. Keep moist to promote root growth.
Conclusion
Want a colorful and easy-to-maintain landscape? Incorporate coleus in your beds, borders, and gardens.
How to start Coleus from seed?
Set plants out after all danger of frost is past. Choose a spot that is protected from wind. Coleus branches break easily. Coleus needs well-draining soil. Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
What is a Coleus plant?
Known for its colorful foliage, Coleus is a wonderful, low-maintance plant to add to summer flower beds as well as containers. This tender annual comes in many shades of color, leaf texture, and sizes. Coleus are in the Lamiaceae, or mint, family.
What family is Coleus?
Coleus are in the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. While traditionally shade-tolerant, some modern varieties will thrive in the sun, too. Be sure to check with your garden nursery on the variety. Leaf colors include: Green, Yellow, Pink, Red, Purple, and Maroon. The plant does bloom occasionally at the end of long stalks;
Where was Coleus discovered?
Coleus was first discovered in 1853 in the mountains of Java, which is Indonesia’s most populous island today.
How to grow Coleus from seed?
How To Plant Coleus From Seeds. Coleus can be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frost, or from potted plants.
How to keep a plant from rot?
Pinch flower stalks off before they bloom as they can detract from the foliage display. Pinch stem tips just above a leaf pair to keep plants maintain their compact, bushy habit. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Why do you mulch annuals?
Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For annuals an organic mulch of shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.
How to make a saucer for a plant?
Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball. Set level with the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press soil down firmly with your a slight depression around the plant to hold water. Water thoroughly, so that a puddle in the saucer you have created.
What is compost in gardening?
Compost is a wonderful form of organic matter with a good balance of nutrients and an ideal pH level, it can be added to your planting area at any time. If compost is not available, top dress the soil after planting with 1-2 inches of organic mulch, which will begin to into compost.
How to use plant tags?
Use the plant tag as a location marker. Water thoroughly, so that a puddle in the saucer you have created. This settles the plants in, drives out air pockets and results in good root-to-soil contact. Keep weeds under control during the growing season.
How to protect plants from burns?
Good air movement is also important. After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury.
How to start Coleus from seed?
Coleus plants are easy to start from seed, either indoors or outside when temperatures are at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 C.).
How to grow Coleus from cuttings?
Coleus may be started with cuttings or seeds. If you saved your seeds, you can plant them at any time if growing them indoors. If you intend to use them outside, wait until soil temperatures have warmed up and all danger of frost has passed, or sow them indoors in flats 10 weeks before the date of your last frost.
What do the spikes on a coleus plant mean?
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. Once a coleus has flower spikes, though, it may become leggy and develop a less attractive form.
Why does Coleus flower?
Coleus plant flowering begins as a signal that winter is coming and the plant should produce seed to continue its genetic dynasty. Flowering often leads to a rangy plant, however, so it is best to learn what to do with coleus blooms if you want to keep a compact, thickly leafed plant.
What is Coleus shady foliage?
Coleus are often thought of as shady foliage specimens that brighten up the dark corners of the garden.
What does Coleus do to be attractive?
Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and occasionally hummingbirds and add a significant color punch to the plant in hues of blue, white or lavender.
Why does my coleus plant bloom?
The age of the plant and stress can contribute to the formation of blooms on your coleus. Stress can come in the form of excess heat, dry conditions and late season cold nights. The plant knows it will die if continued exposure to unfavorable conditions continues, so it blooms to produce seed.
