Coleus is grown for its ornate foliage.White, yellow, red, pink, purple, maroon, copper, and a wide range of greens can be seen on the leaves of these plants.Once the temperature drops below 50o F (10o C), you will need to bring any coleus indoors.
Step 1: Start the seeds early.
8–10 weeks before the last frost is expected in your area is the best time to plant seeds indoors.In a pinch, seeds can be sown in the late spring or summer.
Step 2: Prepare containers of rich soil.
If you keep a seed tray or small pots indoors, fill them with seed starting soil or potting soil.Coleus thrives in rich, well-draining material, so mix it in with a similar, loose gardening medium if the soil is dense.
Step 3: There are seeds in the soil.
The seeds should be spread on the soil.Place a thin layer of the same soil over them.They need light to grow, so do not bury them in the soil.
Step 4: The soil needs to be moist.
To keep the soil moist, water the seeds lightly and frequently.If the plants are kept in an arid environment, cover the trays or pots with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.To water small pots, soak them in water.The water will get into the soil.This isn't as disruptive to the young plants.The plastic wrap needs to be removed as soon as possible.
Step 5: The seeds should be kept in the shade.
In an area of bright, indirect sunlight, keep the seed trays at 70o Fahrenheit.
Step 6: Donate to a larger container.
As soon as the plants emerge, remove the plastic wrap.After a seedling has grown its first, small leaf and two sets of adult leaves, it can be safely transferred to its own pot or directly into the soil.Refer to the instructions in the care section to continue handling your plant.
Step 7: Purchase plants from adult plants.
If you want to take a coleus cutting, choose a branch without a bloom or bud.The cut is 4–6 in.The length is 10–15 cm.The cuttings come with a small root ball that is already developed.You can take 2–3 in.The smaller coleus species has a measurement of 5– 7.5 cm.
Step 8: The leaves should be removed.
The areas on the stem where leaves grow from will be planted under the soil.The leaves will rot if they are not cut off.
Step 9: The cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone.
rooting hormones from gardening supply stores can be used to speed up the growth of Coleus.If you decide to go this route, follow the instructions on the label to prepare the hormone solution, then dip the cut end of the cutting into it briefly.
Step 10: They can be grown in water.
A glass of water is the best place to grow coleus.When you notice root growth, transplant the coleus to a pot and change the water every other day.The method below works as well.
Step 11: The soil is moist.
Each cutting should be planted in its own pot.If you want to plant, use a rich, well-draining potting soil.If the soil isn't loose enough, use a pencil to create a hole for the cutting.The coleus should be planted under the soil.
Step 12: Young cuttings should be covered with a bag.
Young cuttings can't make up for the water they lose from their leaves and stem because they have not grown roots.To counteract this, cover the entire pot with a large plastic bag.Sticks or toothpicks can be used to prevent the bag from touching the cutting.When you notice new growth on the coleus, remove the bag.
Step 13: There is a warm room with indirect sun.
At all times, keep your coleus in a room with a temperature of at least 70oF.It can be exposed to a lot of indirect sunlight.The instructions below will help you care for the plant after it has developed roots and foliage.If you live in a hot climate, you can keep it indoors or transfer it to your garden.Cuttings purchased from a nursery are usually greenhouse-raised and not used to full sun.Move the pot from areas of heavy shade tonier areas.
Step 14: The coleus can be moved outside.
If you want to move the plant outside, you should choose an area in the garden that can absorb full sun or partial shade.If you want to plant your root ball at the same depth as it was planted in the pot, dig a hole that is twice the size of your ball.The soil around the plant needs to be replaced.You can spread mulch around the plant.Coleus plants can be planted one foot apart.
Step 15: Decide on the level of sunlight.
The more sun coleus gets, the brighter it will be.If you can, expose your coleus to the sun all morning and shade in the afternoon.Keep your coleus in partial shade.It needs more sun if it is dropping leaves.Most coleus plants thrive in USDA Hardiness zones if they are kept indoors in the winter and outdoors during the rest of the year.
Step 16: The soil should be moist but not soggy.
Coleus plants will rot if they are left in puddles.You may need to water daily or twice daily in very hot or windy conditions to keep the soil moist.If you notice brown spots, you should increase the amount of watering.Since leaves are vulnerable to disease, water the soil directly.
Step 17: It's possible to fertilize.
If you want the plant to grow faster, use a general purpose solution.If you want to promote straggly or weak growth, apply a timed-releasefertilizer only once each growing season.It is possible to apply a liquidfertilizer to 12 strength once every 2 weeks.
Step 18: Take care of the coleus.
It is recommended to remove some of the plant's branches in order to shape it attractively.To encourage coleus to grow straight, pinch off the side branches, but not the leaves growing directly on the stem.If you want a more treelike appearance, then do this.To encourage the plant to fill out and become bushy, pinch off the top center shoot once it has reached the desired height.
Step 19: Pinch off the flowers.
If you want the plant to grow strong roots and thick foliage, remove flowers as soon as they appear.Most of the flowers should be removed and left in the most visible locations if you enjoy them.
Step 20: If necessary, stake the plant.
If the plant becomes top heavy or leans in one direction, tie it to a gardening stake using twine or another soft material.If you want to minimize the number of times you handle the plant, you should do this during repotting.By adjusting which side of the plant is exposed to the light, you can prevent indoor plants from leaning.
Step 21: Cool weather will keep coleus indoors.
If there is a risk of frost, bring the plants inside, as a single light frost is enough to kill the plant.If night temperature is below 60oF (16oC), some coleus plants may suffer.While indoors, keep the plant away from drafts.In the winter, gradually increase the shade the coleus gets.leaf drop can be caused by sudden changesPlants will leave a few leaves when you bring them inside.They are adapting to new conditions.Carefully watch their temperature, humidity, and sunlight exposure for the first few weeks.
Step 22: Mealy bugs can be killed.
The most common pests on coleus are mealy bugs.These appear to be tufts of white fuzz on the stem and leaves, and can be wiped off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Step 23: Control the whitefly problem.
There are clouds of small white insects and white eggs on the leaves.Purchase Encarsia species to kill whiteflies for outdoor plants.Hang up whitefly traps or make your own.
Step 24: If you have pests, deal with them.
Most insects can be sprayed with water or wiped off with a cloth.Spider mite can be driven away by increasing the humidity.Place pans of water near the affected area.Adding 14 in (6mm) fine gravel on top of the soil can be used to deal with thefungus gnats.If you want to get rid of slugs, you can either use a barrier of beer or a specialized product.
Step 25: Prune or treat leaves that are sick.
The result of the disease is fuzz, black or ringed spots.If you want to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants, cut off the affected leaves immediately and then sterilize the scissors or shears with boiling water or rubbing alcohol.If the disease continues to spread, anti-fungal sprays are available at garden supply stores.