Coleus do well in pots and planters, as long as they are planted in free-draining potting soil, fertilized regularly and given the right amount of sun. The simplest method is to use a seedling tray full of potting soil and evenly spread seeds across it. Foliage Plants.. While coleus is an annual, if you grow them in pots and bring them into your nice warm home over the winter – caring for them correctly (some bright light and weekly watering) – they should be healthy enough to give you another season! By removing the flower buds in their infancy, the plant will redirect its energy to the continued production of colorful foliage. kioni. This plant sporadically blooms blue flowers throughout the year, but they are uninteresting compared to the plant’s foliage, and like most Coleus plants, it is recommended that the flowers be removed to preserve energy for leaf production and growth. 6 years ago. Add another layer of potting soil on top so that the seeds are no longer visible. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Filling each container … Yellow based coleus stand out well against the darker maroon varieties, both ways. Christmas Tree Economics: Are Baby Boomers Killing the Christmas Tree Industry? Email The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. If your container will be placed in full sun be sure to use one of these varieties. Simply pinch back the very ends of the stems with your fingers – this will encourage new shoots to branch out on the sides, making for an overall bushier plant. To grow a new Coleus, take a stem cutting from the mother plant of around five inches in length. May 26, 2015 - Explore Flora Long's board "Coleus pots", followed by 135 people on Pinterest. Better Homes and Gardens lists varieties of sun tolerant coleus here. Coleus is a fantastic plant for adding color to your garden or house. Ideal for beginner gardeners, they can be grown as perennials in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11, and as annuals everywhere else.. Members of the mint family, Lamiaceae, plants in the Coleus genus are related to kitchen garden herbs including basil, sage, and marjoram, and they show off their colorful foliage from spring to first frost. To Grow Coleus from cuttings you will needs the following items: Access to your favorite coleus plants; Shears; Small pots with good drainage; Water; Potting mix; When growing Coleus from cuttings, the first thing you need to do is prepare your growing medium. 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. This tropical plant likes it hot, with an ideal temperature range of 70 to 100° F. It can tolerate very warm weather, but the same cannot be said of the cold. The ‘Volcano’ and ‘Red Velvet’ varieties both have leaves which are mostly a bright red color with shocking pink veining, which is then contrasted with a very thin green or yellow outline. To keep your coleus in pots from getting gangly, pinch back the new growth. It is possible to sow the Coleus - whether to use in the garden as annuals, or in pots indoors. Coleus make excellent houseplants too. 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There is an equal balance in color of green on the outer edge of the leaves and a buttery yellow color on the central part of the leaves. Growing Coleus indoors My coleus plants do well in about an 8" pot size, though you can certainly start smaller. To encourage a fuller growth in a bushy style, you can prune the bottom stems of the plant. How to get Coleus Plants to Flower? They root easily, but to grow, they need to be planted outdoors or in a pot with good soil. However, the Coleus does not rely on high humidity to thrive and will do just fine in average humidity levels. However, in recent years there have been varieties of coleus cultivated for growth in full sun. However, always be careful not to overwater, as too much water will destroy the roots and leave the plant unable to absorb any water or nutrients. For indoor user, you can sow all year long - as long as the light conditions are respected. This is another series of cultivars that feature several similarly styled plants with slight color variations. 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). 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. If your Coleus plants are growing in the ground, then a slow release fertilizer may be a good option. Sign up for our newsletter. 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 … Lightly sprinkle the coleus seeds over the soil. If germinated by seeds, the seeds are usually sprinkled over the soil and pressurize them to light soil. Alternatively, you can repot into a pot one size larger. The general color pattern is a thick green edging that transforms inwards into shades of red and pink. These beautiful plants come in green, purple, orange, red and yellow varieties, with many different leaf patterns… 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. Like; Save; nopets. The flowers do very little visually for the plant, and the energy that is spent producing the flowers means that energy is taken from elsewhere. The soil method below works just as well. How to Grow a Coleus Plant This is most likely one of the easiest plants to grow. We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. When you notice new growth on the upper part of the cutting, it means that root growth is also happening. Plant your coleus in a sturdy container that won’t tip over if it does get to be 2 feet tall. Most are vibrantly colored and easy to care for, though some have slightly different growing requirements. Usually, placing a potted coleus plant on a west-facing windowsill ensures enough light. These Coleus plants are aptly named after the hand and foot-like appearance of the leaves. Coleus plant leaves come in shades of red, green, white and yellow. This variety of Coleus has long and triangular-shaped leaves that reach a sharp point at the end. The Coleus is the perfect plant for people who are beginning gardening, or who have a less than green thumb. See more ideas about container gardening, plants, container plants. On top of that, it’s extremely well suited to growing in containers. When choosing a container, keep in mind the color of the coleus you’re planting. Once you have completed repotting the plant, give it a heavy watering and then, continue care as normal. Let us know how it’s doing! The techniques I’ve shared can be used for sowing and growing many smaller sized garden seeds from seed, through sprouts, to garden-sized plants. Choose a sheltered spot outdoors, with moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade at the front of a … The best time to repot your Coleus is in early spring, and as a moisture-loving plant, you may want to think carefully about the construction of the container you are using. Apr 26, 2017 - The coleus is a low-maintenance foliage plant with pretty leaves and blooms which can thrive both indoors and outdoors in containers if properly cared for. This variety is incredibly easy to grow and care for and looks striking when placed alongside paler colored plants. If you already live in a tropical region, there is not much effort to put on your part. The leaves have a very rich texture that is almost like velvet. It has deep orange foliage in an elegant leaf shape, which is sometimes outlined in a thin, darker orange or red edging, or veining. This plant would have lots of shade in its natural tropical habitat, where tall trees would protect it from the sun, so try to replicate this at home by providing the Coleus with ample protection from the sun’s harsh rays. The Wasabi variety is popular to mix with other types of Coleus, as the plain green foliage offsets nicely against more intense colored varieties. grow lights – see my lengthy review of those here) and they will reward you with brilliant and deep colors. How to Grow Coleus in Pots. Make sure that the plant is shaded if placed near a south- or east-facing window. To grow plants to a good size for my Mid-Atlantic state of NJ, I sometimes begin growing them right after Christmas. Follow our step-by-step guide to planting up a container wth lantana, coleus and impatiens. Coleus grow easier from cuttings than sown from seed. Aim to keep the soil moist but not wet, avoiding watering too heavily, as the plant is susceptible to root rot. Use a flat container with a damp potting soil. Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, you can easily bring any dull corner of your home to life with a potted coleus plant. Although growing a coleus plant indoors is straightforward, they can be picky when it comes to sunlight. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Let’s dive into this plant. Each individual leaf looks like a slice of watermelon; hence its name. But how do you grow coleus in pots? This plant has a habit of becoming quite leggy. They are pretty easy to grow and care for as houseplants as long as you pay attention to their general needs. A rapidly growing and vibrant plant, this Coleus would liven up any dull corners of your garden. Plant your coleus in a sturdy container that won’t tip over if it does get to be 2 feet tall. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist. The base color of the leaves varies from pale to bright pink, while the central part of the leaf is a very deep purple that almost looks black from a distance. Coleus do extremely well with artificial lighting (i.e. Sep 8, 2015 - Explore Deborah Silver's board "Coleus In Pots", followed by 6037 people on Pinterest. Have fun! Coleus roots easily enough for it to be started in a glass of water without any problems. A large coleus will reach 2 to 3 feet in height. When this happens, you can pot the plant into a small container and continue usual care, or plant it directly into a garden bed. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! For waterings following this, only water once the soil has started to go dry. They usually have green outer edges that appear to be an outline of the dark red interior. Comme ils resteront compacts en cas de besoin, les coléates en pots se marient bien avec d'autres plantes. You can either grow them using soil or grow them in using just water. Using a clear plastic covering over the tray can also be added, which will help to increase humidity and help the seedlings grow. Pick colors that will complement the foliage of the variety you have. To check root growth, you can very gently tug on the stem cutting, and if you feel some resistance, then it means sufficient roots have formed. Using just a glass of water you can start your cuttings of the Coleus Plant. These easy-to-care-for plants feature attractive leaves in many varieties and are great for adding color to your house or garden dark corners. You can expect to see seedlings emerge through the soil in around two weeks’ time. When growing coleus indoors, they need bright but indirect light. Growing Coleus . At this point, if you wish, you can dip the cut end in rooting hormone. To encourage abundant leaf growth and vibrant foliage, choose a fertilizer which has high levels of nitrogen. Explore. To propagate in water, simply place your stem cutting in a glass or jar, with enough water in so that the bottom half of the stem is submerged in water. The answer is two-fold. Keep the cutting warm, ideally providing warmth from the bottom, and refresh the water when necessary to ensure it remains clean. Use a mixture that contains plenty of perlite, which will help to ensure the soil drains well as well as aerating it. 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. How to Plant Coleus in a Pot Should you choose to grow coleus in pots it will require a bit more preparation and maintenance than coleus grown outdoors, but the results will be stunning. A root-bound plant will stop growing, so if you want to your Coleus at its current size, then you can keep it in its pot for an extended period, but eventually, its health will suffer, and you will need to give it more space to spread out its roots. 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. Common Coleus Plant Diseases. It won’t grow larger than the container it’s in, but if moved to a bigger container, it will fill it out, reaching as high as 2 feet tall. Share: Known for its colorful foliage, Coleus is a wonderful, low-maintance plant to add to summer flower beds as well as containers. Growing Coleus Plants. You can also start them from seeds indoors two or three weeks before the spring temperatures start climbing. The Coleus Plant are prone to various diseases, including: Root rot—this can … It isn’t necessary to feed the plants during fall and winter, as this is a period of minimal growth. Gently place the plant into the center of the container and fill the edges with new soil. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. This popular variety of Coleus has large leaves featuring shades of yellow, green, and pink. Coleus are in the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. Simply pinch back the very ends of the stems with your fingers – this will encourage new shoots to branch out on the sides, making for an overall bushier plant. Snip off spindly stems with sharp shears, ideally a short distance above a leaf node. However, the seeds are cheap and easy to obtain. Coleus is a vividly breathtaking plant that adds beauty, no matter where it grows. 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. It can be grown underneath other taller container plants, such as a small tree in a container. This is one variety of Coleus that doesn’t feature unusual coloring. To repot the plant, gently pull it out of its current pot and remove as much of the soil as you can without harming the roots. The colors of the foliage on this Coleus are so vivid and unusual that it is often the prized possession of a gardener, being used as a centerpiece in the garden. Growing Coleus plants from seed is also an easy process and generally results in success. Second. Grow them in water (optional). They also work very well in hanging baskets, particularly the trailing varieties. When you first plant your Coleus, whether it be in a container pot or directly into the ground, give it a good soaking of water to saturate the soil. Lawn And Garden . 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. How to Grow Coleus Plants in Containers. The Coleus plant has a seemingly endless amount of varieties and cultivars to its name. The vivid green leaves have a dainty shape which gives a graceful look to the plant. Coleus is an ornamental plant with colorful leaves. There are two ways to grow coleus 1. When kept as a houseplant, I water them well once a week. Another attractive feature of these cultivars is the texture of the leaves, which are soft to the touch. The leaf stems, as well as the leaf edges and veins, are a bright pink, which offers a stark contrast against the pale yellow and vivid green. The leaves are predominantly yellow with red edging and some red speckling on the main part of the leaf. Add another layer of potting soil on top so that the seeds are no longer visible. Lantana, coleus and impatiens pot display. Remove all the leaves from the lower part of the stem and submerge in a glass of water positioned in a warm, sunny spot for a couple of weeks until roots start to emerge from the leaf node, then transplant out. The Coleus plant can easily be propagated with stem cuttings, or from seed (University of Florida- Gardening Solutions). Il ne grossira pas plus que le contenant dans lequel il se trouve, mais s'il est déplacé dans un plus grand contenant, il le remplira, atteignant jusqu'à 2 pieds de hauteur. Growing coleus in a pot is an ideal way to keep it. By The Editors. The outer edge of the leaves is an interesting zigzag shape, which is further illuminated by the contrasting colors. This is another variety of Coleus that features autumnal shades. There are two ways to root Coleus cuttings. Growing Coleus From Seeds. And they’re easy to grow. Intro: Coleus is a colorful container plant for shadier balcony gardens. This should result in the stem forking out at the cut point, creating a denser plant. Coleus plants kept in containers can be fed a liquid fertilizer once a month throughout spring and summer. Get coleus seeds which are typically sold as mixed, which will give you a nice variety in the colors. To propagate coleus, cut a stem 10-15cm long just below a leaf node. Give some weak compost tea about once a month in winter, twice a month in the growing season. University of Florida- Gardening Solutions, 9 Different Indoor Tropical Plants - Growing Guides & Photos. Once the cutting is ready, you can plant it up in a longer term home and continue usual Coleus care. Allowing the plant to get some natural light but giving it shade during the heat of the day will result in the best color on the foliage of the plant. Because of this, they are gaining popularity as indoor-grown container plants. You can propagate your stem cutting in water or in potting soil, and both work equally well. During hot and dry summer months, Coleus container plants will need watering at least once a day, sometimes twice. This can help to encourage root growth, though it is really down to personal preference and isn’t essential to successful propagation. Sow the coleus seeds in a pot containing seed raising potting mix, just sprinkle the seeds over the damp soil. How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Coleus Plants. Some of the many varieties available are listed below. You will see seedlings in about 2-3 weeks. These popular varieties are often used as container plants, as they fare exceptionally well in pots. You can plant them as shorter ground cover in large pots featuring a tree or tall shrub, or you can plant them as the main tall attraction surrounded by other trailing plants around the outside edge. Since they will stay compact if need be, coleus in pots pair well with other plants. Feed regularly during the growing season, following the rate recommended on the package. Too much direct sunlight will result in scorched leaves. Change the water every other day, keep the plant in bright, indirect sunlight, and transplant the coleus to a pot once you notice root growth. Coleus also produce flowers, but these are not as attractive as their foliage an… A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest. This fun variety has semi-circular-shaped leaves that are outlined in green with a striking red center. 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. Coleus seeds grow very slowly. Learn more. 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. This cultivar series of Coleus plant includes several varieties that are all quite similar in appearance. 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. You can cut and promote. Popular varieties of this cultivar are Kong Lime Sprite, Kong Rose, and Kong Scarlet, which all feature various color variations. Once big enough, you can transplant them to a garden bed or planter. Coleus typically prefer shaded areas. The simplest method is to use a seedling tray full of potting soil and evenly spread seeds across it. When watering the seedlings, add water to the bottom tray so that the roots can absorb it from underneath; this serves to protect the growing seedlings, which are not yet very strong. You can also prune the plant to keep it looking neat or to prevent it from overgrowing, though this isn’t essential. When overnight temperatures drop to below 50° F, the Coleus plant can run into trouble. It is popular as a garden plant for its brightly colored foliage. This tender annual comes in many shades of color, leaf texture, and sizes. 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. You’ll still need to pay attention to the light requirements for the variety you’re growing and place containers where they’ll get enough sun and/or shade. There are about 60 species of coleus, all native to Malaysia and other parts of Asia. The ideal spot for this plant is one that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Seeds require … If the plant was particularly pot bound, then you can gently massage the roots between your fingers to encourage them to spread out in the new pot and continue healthy growth. If the cutting is easily pulled from the soil, then it means roots are not present or are not advanced enough to repot. Fill your container with well-draining soil and fertilize moderately. Do you have a Coleus? When various cultivars of these species are added in, there are hundreds of different types available, and each year sees new introductions. Coleus have gained their popularity as beautiful garden and landscape plants, but they are grown as annuals in all growing zones except USDA hardiness zone 11 because they are incredibly intolerant of frost and cold temperatures. Plant to keep it looking neat or to prevent it from overgrowing, though it possible. Use a mixture that contains plenty of perlite, which all feature various color variations these is... Years there have been varieties of sun tolerant coleus here ground with a striking red center or east-facing window this! Or move it inside when temperatures begin to drop that 's happening in and around the as! 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