Coleus Care

Coleus care

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. A balance is important for coleus beauty and health.

Is coleus an indoor or outdoor plant?

It is the perfect plant for the north side of the home or any area that only has indirect light. A little early morning sun will be tolerable but don't plant coleus in the direct sun. This trait makes coleus an invaluable plant in the outdoor shady garden, but it also makes coleus a great houseplant.

Will coleus come back every year?

Hardy in USDA zones 10-11, coleus is a tender perennial but is most often grown as an annual. Since coleus are sensitive to cooler temperatures, they will only come back the following year in the warmest regions.

Should you cut back coleus?

Around midsummer, coleus should be pruned regardless of whether it will be allowed to flower. If it's not maintained, it could overgrow and branches can snap from their weight.

How long do coleus plants live for?

The 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.

How often should 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 when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

How do you save coleus for next year?

To overwinter coleus, cut 3- to 4-inch tip cuttings from healthy plants. Remove the bottom set of leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place the cutting into a pot filled with a soilless mix. A 6-inch pot can accommodate 12 cuttings.

Can I leave coleus outside in winter?

Coleus can survive the winter outdoors in zones 10 and higher. Some people may even be lucky enough to see them survive in warm microclimates of zone 9b, if you really want to push their zone. Overwintering coleus indoors takes a bit of work, but it's worth the effort to keep your favorite varieties year after year.

Should I let coleus flower?

Pinch just above a set of leaves or branching junction for the best appearance; don't leave a stub. Some gardeners leave the small flowers, but it's best to pinch them off to direct more energy into stem and foliage growth. Coleus left to flower may lose vigor as the plant puts energy into seed production.

How do I keep my coleus bushy?

It's easy: you just need to pinch them. It may seem counterproductive to cut back a plant that you want more of, but pinching many annual and tender perennial plants—like coleus—encourages branching and full, bushy growth.

How do you fix a leggy coleus?

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Can I overwinter coleus in the house?

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. Pot your plants in suitable containers with well-draining soil and water them thoroughly.

Do coleus need deep pots?

As a minimum, you'll want a pot that's eight inches wide and deep for a single plant. If you want to plant more than one, or add some colorful annual flowers, then consider a large planter. Make sure your container has draining holes on the bottom.

Does coleus multiply?

Coleus can be propagated using three different methods – by cuttings, division, or seed. They even work for any variety you have. So whether you prefer variegated or solid colored, you can apply the methods I've explained below to multiply them.

Should you deadhead coleus flowers?

Removing flower buds allows the plant to refocus that energy into new foliage. If you decide to keep the flowers, you can deadhead the plant or remove the spent flowers.

What does an Underwatered coleus look like?

If the top 1 inch of the soil is dry, then the plant needs water. The leaves of the Coleus will droop or wilt if the plant becomes too dry. If you notice the tips of the leaves turning yellow, then the plant is overwatered. Container plants are more likely to be overwatered.

Can coleus be in the sun all day?

Conditions: Coleus are tender tropicals that are generally grown as annuals because they are hardy only in USDA Hardiness Zone 11. They like warm soils with decent drainage. They are not happy in overly dry conditions. Coleus will grow in full sun to medium shade, but their colors are most vivid in full sun.

What does an overwatered coleus look like?

If those plants are overwatered, their variegation starts to fade. Instead of the bright yellow color, you will start to see pale yellow. Other than the discoloration, the overwatered coleus will have wrinkled, curly, and droopy leaves.

How do you winterize potted coleus?

Once rooted, pot up the plants for the winter season by fall. Another method is to move the entire container indoors before the first frost. Before bringing them in, check for bugs, spray the plants down with a hose and make sure to wash off the underside of the leaves. Place in a sunny window or under a grow light.