Coleus Plants in Your Garden
Ranked #13,851 in Home & Garden, #192,866 overall
The Coleus is a really fun plant to add to your garden and super easy to grow.
One of the reasons why Coleus plants are amazing is because they come in so many different colors and patterns and can really brighten up a boring garden.
You may love them for these reasons or just because they are so darn easy to propagate!
You can either save cuttings, bring them indoors during the winter months or let them go to seed and come up with so many more different varieties.
The best part of letting them go to seed is that you'll find the seedlings are extremely unique and will be plants that you may not find elsewhere!
Please also take a look at my Indoor Growing Lighting page if you REALLY want to kick your growing up a notch! Good stuff!
Coleus Plant Care
Caring for your Coleus is easy...
Coleus love warm temperatures, lots of light and good air circulation.Many varieties will tolerate direct sunlight, which is when you will see their vibrant colors come out. Coleus will also tolerate shade very well and some varieties even prefer it.
This picture courtesy of Muffet on Creative Commons
Coleus could be considered a perennial and most likely is; however, it will die off if you have the type that go to seed. So if you are determined to keep your Coleus alive, don't let it flower! Pinch off the flowery, long spikes and you'll keep it around longer.
Also, Coleus will not survive freezing or close to freezing temps. so bring it indoors.
I've actually had 1 variety for several years (zone 8)! I think it's called either Alligator or Amazon.
Well, let me take that back. I've had the same plant (sort of) because I've taken cuttings repeatedly and this one actually survived the winter but others were not so lucky.
So, if you live in an area that freezes and you want to save your extra special coleus then bring it indoors!
It's heartbreaking to wake up one morning to see your prized coleus plants frozen to death!
Coleus Plant Seeds For Sale
Gardening Books for the Garden
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Buy Coleus Plants
Coleus Propagation Tips
Hints to ensure survival of cuttings
Coleus propagation is extremely easy, which is probably why so many folks love them. To propagate, simply choose a healthy large plant and cut right beneath a leaf node.
Take off any bottom leaves, leaving some on the top. Next I can do one of two things, I will either place the coleus cutting in a recycled plastic bottle full of clean, fresh water (this helps to support the leaves and keep them above water), or I will simple place the cutting in fresh potting soil and water.
With either of these methods, be sure to keep the pot or glass of water out of direct sunlight for at least a few weeks until the root system has established itself. Indirect light works well for me with my cuttings.
I usually see roots within about 1 week with the bottled water method.
One curious little trait I've noticed in some of my Coleus is that a few prefer to be rooted in soil as opposed to water. If you're not sure which one your Coleus will prefer then take several cuttings and try to pot some in soil as well as rooting some in water.
Otherwise, if you just use one method, you risk losing the cutting.
Take off any bottom leaves, leaving some on the top. Next I can do one of two things, I will either place the coleus cutting in a recycled plastic bottle full of clean, fresh water (this helps to support the leaves and keep them above water), or I will simple place the cutting in fresh potting soil and water.
With either of these methods, be sure to keep the pot or glass of water out of direct sunlight for at least a few weeks until the root system has established itself. Indirect light works well for me with my cuttings.
I usually see roots within about 1 week with the bottled water method.
One curious little trait I've noticed in some of my Coleus is that a few prefer to be rooted in soil as opposed to water. If you're not sure which one your Coleus will prefer then take several cuttings and try to pot some in soil as well as rooting some in water.
Otherwise, if you just use one method, you risk losing the cutting.
Cute Coleus Poem, The Godzilla Coleus by Roger Ochs!
Picture courtesy of August Norman on Creative Commons
Warming mat for strong, healthy roots!
A seedling mat is great to help your cuttings catch on. The mat provides much needed bottom heat at just the right temperature to help the roots grow strong. Strong roots mean stronger coleus!
During winter time, I take lots of Coleus cuttings (my little insurance policies) to make sure I don't lose any in case it ever freezes. I put them in a sunny window sitting on top of this warming mat and they do really well! I very rarely lose any.
It's a good way to increase your collection as well.
Double your Coleus propagation success with the help of a warming mat!
During winter time, I take lots of Coleus cuttings (my little insurance policies) to make sure I don't lose any in case it ever freezes. I put them in a sunny window sitting on top of this warming mat and they do really well! I very rarely lose any.
It's a good way to increase your collection as well.
Double your Coleus propagation success with the help of a warming mat!
Hydrofarm MT10006 9-by-19-1/2-Inch Seedling Heat Mat
Amazon Price: $17.38 (as of 05/26/2012)
Indoor Plant Growing Lights
A fairly cheap growing light to grow your Coleus or other plants indoors..
I've had my eye on this one for a while. It's a fairly good price. The metal halide grow lights which are really superior to anything out there are unfortunately, NOT the cheapest price! But do take a look if you want superior and close to sunlight lighting.
This one is a great starter light and perfect if you don't feel like investing $200+ on an indoor grow light. It comes with a fluorescent bulb which means you'll spend less on your energy bill, which means you'll have more money to invest in more plants! The metal halide fixtures are NOT cost effective for your everyday gardening enthusiast.
If you plan on opening up your own nursery or really don't mind making the investment, go with the metal halide grow lights for indoor plants.
If you just want to grow some of your plants indoors for your own pleasure then this unit is a great little investment.
This one is a great starter light and perfect if you don't feel like investing $200+ on an indoor grow light. It comes with a fluorescent bulb which means you'll spend less on your energy bill, which means you'll have more money to invest in more plants! The metal halide fixtures are NOT cost effective for your everyday gardening enthusiast.
If you plan on opening up your own nursery or really don't mind making the investment, go with the metal halide grow lights for indoor plants.
If you just want to grow some of your plants indoors for your own pleasure then this unit is a great little investment.
Hydrofarm JSV2 2-Foot Jump Start T5 Grow Light System
Amazon Price: $42.99 (as of 05/26/2012)
Pretty, Pretty Coleus Displays
Aren't the colors lovely?
Grow Lights Indoor Plants
The Ultimate Growing Light..The Mercedes of Growing lights..
Metal halide has been likened to being as close to sunlight as you can get. For indoor plants this is a great boost and a sure way to keep your babies happy. Do be prepared, however, for a tad higher electric bill.
If you want a cheaper option then go with Hydrofarm's Indoor Plant Growing Lights for around $60 bucks!
Good deal and so worth the small investment.
If you want a cheaper option then go with Hydrofarm's Indoor Plant Growing Lights for around $60 bucks!
Good deal and so worth the small investment.
Flora Hydroponics Sunburst System & PH Control Kit Bundle Pack 400W Metal Halide (with bulb)
Amazon Price: $231.79 (as of 05/26/2012)
Want to Trade Coleus or have a question or comment?
Please share it or any of your prized Coleus pictures!
This is one of my favorites! Grape Expectations....
Which one is your favorite?
Want to trade Coleus cuttings? Please post a note here with what you have to trade! I'm always looking for new varieties and would like to trade with you if interested.
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Ramkitten
Nov 16, 2009 @ 3:49 pm | delete
- One of my favorite plants, especially the Black Dragon.
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