Coleus

Description

1. Botanical Overview:

• Botanical Name: Plectranthus scutellarioides (formerly Coleus blumei)

• Common Name: Coleus

• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

• Native To: Southeast Asia and parts of Africa

2. Appearance:

• Foliage: The standout feature of Coleus is its vibrant, multicolored leaves with bold patterns. Colors include green, red, purple, pink, yellow, and burgundy—often in wild combinations.

• Leaf Shape: Oval to heart-shaped, often with serrated or scalloped edges.

• Growth Habit: Can be upright, bushy, or trailing, depending on the cultivar.

• Size: Grows up to 1–3 feet tall and wide, making it great for borders, pots, or hanging baskets.

3. Light Requirements:

• Ideal Light: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight.

• Sun-Tolerant Varieties: Some newer cultivars can handle partial to full sun, especially those with darker leaves.

• Too Much Shade: Can result in leggy growth and dull colors.

4. Watering Needs:

• Soil Moisture: Prefers consistently moist soil—neither soggy nor bone dry.

• Watering Frequency: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

• Tip: Wilted leaves bounce back quickly after watering, but avoid letting it happen often.

5. Temperature & Humidity:

• Temperature Range: Best in 18–29°C (65–85°F). Very sensitive to cold—will die if exposed to frost.

• Humidity: Likes moderate to high humidity, but adapts well indoors.

6. Soil & Potting:

• Soil Type: Prefers well-draining, rich soil. Standard potting mix works well.

• Container Care: Great for pots, hanging baskets, or as part of mixed arrangements.

• Pinching Back: Regularly pinch off top growth to keep the plant bushy and prevent it from flowering (which can lead to leaf drop).

7. Fertilization:

• Frequency: Feed every 2–4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

• Winter Care: Reduce feeding during colder months when growth slows down.

8. Flowering:

• Bloom: Produces small, spiky blue or purple flowers—not very showy and often removed to keep the plant focused on foliage.

• Tip: Pinch off flower spikes to promote fuller leaf growth.

9. Propagation:

• Easy to Propagate: Simply take a stem cutting, place it in water or moist soil, and it will root in 1–2 weeks.

• Perfect for: Sharing with friends or multiplying your collection!

10. Toxicity:

• Pets: Considered mildly toxic to pets. Ingestion may cause vomiting or irritation in cats and dogs.

• Skin Irritation: Some people may experience minor skin irritation when handling.

11. Uses & Benefits:

• Ornamental Use: Popular in gardens, patios, balconies, and as a colorful indoor plant.

• Design Tip: Looks stunning when planted in groups with contrasting varieties or mixed with green foliage plants.

• Fast-Growing: Provides quick color in landscape or container arrangements.