How to Grow and Care for Coleus Plants

Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a beginner looking to add some color to your space, this guide will show you how to grow and care for your coleus plants with ease.

In this guide, New York Garden will take you through the essential steps and techniques required to successfully grow coleus plants.

According to data from NC State University, let's see a general overview of this plant:

Toxicity	Toxic to animals
Soil pH	Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0)
Bloom Time	Seasonal
Soil Type	Rich, moist, loose soil, well-drained
Botanical Name	Plectranthus scutellarioides
Sun Exposure	Part shade to full shade
Family	Lamiaceae
Plant Type	Herbaceous perennial (usually grown as an annual)
Common Name	Coleus
Flower Color	Blue to white
Native Area	Asia
Mature Size	6-36 in. tall and wide
Hardiness Zones	10-11 (USDA); grown as an annual everywhere

Coleus is a beautiful plant that belongs to the mint family. It has colorful and patterned leaves that can brighten up any shady spot in your garden or home. There are many types of coleus varieties, each with its own unique appearance and characteristics. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Campfire: This coleus variety has bright orange-red leaves [2] that look like flames. It can tolerate full sun and grows up to 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide. It is perfect for adding a warm and fiery touch to your garden.

• Wizard Mix: This coleus variety has large, heart-shaped leaves that come in a range of colors, such as chartreuse, pink, and red. It grows up to 10 inches tall and 14 inches wide and prefers moist soil and partial shade. It is ideal for creating a colorful display in shady beds or containers.

• Black Dragon: This coleus variety has dark burgundy leaves with purple-black edges that look like dragon scales. It grows up to 14 inches tall and 12 inches wide and thrives in full to partial shade. It is one of the best coleus varieties for adding a dramatic and mysterious look to your garden.

• Limelight: This coleus variety has bright lime-green leaves that contrast well with other colors. It grows up to 16 inches tall and 15 inches wide and can tolerate full sun. It is part of the Giant Exhibition series and is great for containers and gardens.

Coleus plants can be grown both as annuals and perennials, depending on your climate and the type of coleus plant you choose.

If grown as an annual, coleus plants should be planted in the spring, after the last frost has passed, and will typically bloom through the fall.

In regions with warmer climates, coleus plants can be grown as perennials and will typically bloom from spring to fall.

Regardless of whether you are growing coleus as an annual or a perennial, it's best to plant them in a location that provides partial shade to full shade, as they prefer cooler temperatures and do not do well in direct sunlight [3]. In regions with warmer climates, coleus plants can be grown as perennials and will typically bloom from spring to fall. Regardless of whether you are growing coleus as an annual or a perennial, it's best to plant them in a location that provides partial shade to full shade, as they prefer cooler temperatures and do not do well in direct sunlight.

Coleus plants are colorful and easy to grow in containers or garden beds. They can add a splash of color to any outdoor space with their vibrant foliage. Here are some tips on how to care for coleus plants and strawberry plants in pots.

Light

While coleus prefers partial or complete shade over direct sunlight, the amount of light intake depends on the type. While newer cultivars like the Wizard variety thrive in full sun, the traditional seed-grown coleus grows well in partial to full shade. In most traditional coleus cultivars, excess sun can burn the leaves and cause them to lose their color. Particularly in warmer areas, coleus thrives in filtered early light and afternoon shade.

Throughout the warmer months, plants grown in pots inside often receive sufficient light from indirect sun. They just require a little light, but they definitely need some.

Soil

The ideal soil for coleus is wet, rich, porous, and well-drained. Compost or similar organic material, such as perlite, should be incorporated into the soil before growing. Any high-quality potting mix will do for plants in pots. Pick a container with holes for drainage.

Coleus loved loose potting soil when growing in containers. Start with a high-quality blend with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, which is mildly acidic.

Water

The optimal soil for coleus plants is regularly wet but not waterlogged. Long dry periods limit plant development and cause the margins of the leaves to become brown. Water the plant when the soil dries on the top. Mulch prolongs the soil's ability to absorb moisture, however avoid using cedar mulch since coleus may be poisoned by it. Additionally, avoid letting the mulch touch the stems as this might encourage decay and conceal slugs.

Fertilizer

You might not need to fertilize coleus trees if your soil is rich. Add a balanced fertilizer if your soil is poor. Coleus leaves will have the optimum color if you use little fertilizer.

When the plants are about 6 inches tall, pinch out the growth tips for full, bushy plants. If you want the plant to focus its energy on leaves rather than flowers and seeds, pinch beneath the flower buds.

Without pruning, plants have a tendency to become lanky, lose their form, and have sparse foliage [1]. More light may be required by lanky plants. Give them a little extra sun or, if required, artificial light because this happens to indoor plants the most frequently throughout the winter.

Stem cuttings can be used to multiply coleus plants. This is how:

1. Cut a 4- to 6-inch long stem tip directly beneath a leaf node along the stem using a clean, sharp shearing scissor. The lowest part of the cutting should be completely free of leaves.

2. Dip the stem's tip in the hormone substance that promotes rooting. So that the exposed leaf nodes are covered by earth, plant it in a wet potting soil.

3. Make sure the plastic bag doesn't contact the cutting when you put the container inside it.

4. The covered cutting should be kept in a warm, light area until new roots form, which usually takes two to three weeks.

5. Removing the plastic will allow you to continue growing the new plant in a warm, sunny area.

Coleus is a colorful and versatile plant that can brighten up any garden or indoor space. If you want to grow your own coleus from seed, here are some tips to help you succeed.

• The best time to sow coleus seeds is in late winter or early spring, when the days are getting longer and the temperatures are mild. You can start them indoors in a warm and bright location, or outdoors in a sheltered spot after the last frost.

• Coleus seeds are very small and need light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil. Instead, sprinkle them on top of a moist potting mix or seed starting mix, and gently press them into the surface. You can use a spray bottle to mist them lightly every day to keep them moist but not soggy.

• Coleus seeds should germinate within 10 to 14 days, depending on the temperature and light conditions. You can speed up the process by placing a clear plastic cover over the seed tray or pot, creating a mini greenhouse effect. Remove the cover once the seeds sprout.

• Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, you can transplant them into individual pots or containers. Choose a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter, and water the plants regularly but not excessively. Coleus likes moist but not wet soil, and can rot if overwatered.

• Coleus plants are fast growers and need regular fertilizing to keep them healthy and vibrant. You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks, or a slow-release granular fertilizer every month. Follow the label directions for the dosage and frequency.

• Coleus plants are also easy to prune and shape, and will produce more branches and leaves if you pinch off the tips of the stems. This will also prevent them from flowering, which can reduce their foliage quality and color. If you want to save some seeds for next year, you can let some of the flowers develop and collect the seeds when they are dry and brown.

• Coleus plants are tender perennials that can survive year-round in warm climates, or be brought indoors in colder regions. They prefer bright indirect light indoors, and partial shade outdoors. They can tolerate some sun exposure, but too much sun can fade their colors or scorch their leaves.

• Coleus plants are not very prone to pests or diseases, but they can be affected by aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies, fungal diseases, or bacterial diseases. You can prevent most of these problems by keeping your plants healthy, well-watered, well-fertilized, and well-ventilated. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat any infestations or infections.

Coleus is a wonderful plant that can add a splash of color and texture to your home or garden. With a little care and attention, you can grow your own coleus from seed and enjoy its beauty for years to come.

Young rabbits and groundhogs both enjoy coleus. Early in the season, protect your plants to stave off pests. Keep an eye out for slugs, mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.

Diseases seldom affect Coleus, but if the weather becomes chilly and wet, you can see symptoms of a fungal disease like mildew. The plant needs proper drainage since fungal root rot and stem rot might develop if there is stagnant water.

Coleus plants are colorful and easy to grow. They can brighten up any garden or indoor space. Here are some FAQs of how to grow coleus plants.

How do I choose a coleus variety? 

There are many types of coleus plants, with different shapes, sizes, and colors. You can find them in nurseries, garden centers, or online. Some popular varieties are Kong, Wizard, and FlameThrower.

How do I plant coleus seeds or cuttings? 

You can start coleus plants from seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be sown indoors in late winter or early spring, and transplanted outdoors after the last frost. Cuttings can be taken from healthy stems and rooted in water or soil. Coleus plants prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.

How do I care for coleus plants? 

Coleus plants need regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry, and feed them with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Pinch off the flowers and the tips of the stems to encourage bushy growth and vibrant colors.

How do I overwinter coleus plants? 

Coleus plants are tender perennials that cannot survive frost. You can either treat them as annuals and discard them at the end of the season, or bring them indoors and keep them as houseplants. If you choose the latter option, make sure they get enough light, water, and humidity.

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Striking foliage - Official Vermont Government Website

2. Bright orange-red leaves - NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory for NOAA National Environmental Satellite

3. Direct sunlight - National Library of Medicine