Frequently asked questions about coleus

Taking Care of Your Coleus Plants: FAQs and Tips

How do I propagate a Coleus?

You can propagate it either through water propagation or by rooting directly in soil. Place the stem about 3 cm into the water or soil. Use a small pot for the cutting and water gently; the soil should be moderately moist. If you've received a cutting, make a fresh cut with a sharp knife or plant scissors. For more tips, check out the "Succeeding with Cuttings" guide.

How do I prune my Coleus?

To encourage bushiness, it's essential to prune the top shoots. A good time is when the sun returns in spring and the Coleus wake up. I usually trim after about two leaf pairs. At the beginning of autumn, it's good to let Coleus plants rest, and you'll notice they require less water. Many also trim their Coleus plants slightly in the fall.

What's the best soil for Coleus?

Regular potting soil works fine! Remember, the soil is usually enriched with nutrients lasting about 4-6 weeks. After that, I recommend using plant fertilizer during the bright half of the year. Mixing in perlite is a tip; it improves soil structure by making it more porous, providing better access to oxygen for the roots. When planting, don't pack the soil too tightly; just lightly press it.

My Coleus is budding and flowering, what should I do?

If you want to harvest seeds from the Coleus, let them continue to bloom; otherwise, clip/pinch off the buds and let the plant grow. To harvest seeds, let the Coleus finish flowering. When the small white flowers have fallen off, cut the stem and let it dry. After about two weeks, you can crumble the now-dried contents on a white plate. The small black round seeds are what you're looking for; they're inside the dried seed pods. Some Coleus plants produce loads of seeds, some are very stingy, and some produce none at all. It depends on how much pollen they have, and sometimes you may need to help them with pollination. If they bloom outdoors in the summer, our pollinators help with pollination, smart, isn't it! If you don't want seeds but just want your plant to grow big, then pinch off the bud as soon as you notice it.

How much water do Coleus plants need?

In the summer, it feels like you can water every day; Coleus plants grow and really love the summer. But don't water so much that the plant stands in water; keep it moderately moist. The plant shouldn't dry out completely, but it's okay if the leaves droop a bit before they get water. Remember that an overwatered Coleus plant looks similar to a dry one, so feel the pot to see if it's light or heavy with water. In the fall, Coleus plants want less water, and even less in winter. But if you recognize signs of thirst and the pot feels light, then it's time to give it water.

Why is my Coleus pale, long, and sparse?

Coleus plants love light and sun, so they probably don't get enough of that. Try placing the plant in a sunnier window; when it's too dark, it stretches towards the light, making it lanky, sparse, and pale.

How do I take a cutting from my Coleus?

Taking a cutting from your Coleus is a relatively simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. Choose a healthy stem, around 6-15 cm, depending on the size and growth habit of your Coleus. Cut the cutting above a leaf pair.
2. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a couple of leaf pairs at the top. This helps prevent the lower leaves from rotting when you plant the cutting.
3. Root the cutting in water or directly in soil. Both methods work well, but a water-rooted cutting still needs to develop soil roots when planted later. During autumn and winter, soil rooting is recommended as cuttings usually fare much better in soil during this time.
4. Place the cutting in a bright spot, avoiding direct sunlight. Indirect light is optimal for the cutting. Keep the temperature stable around 20-25°C. Rooting under grow lights also works great.
5. Keep the soil moist by watering lightly when it begins to dry out. Be careful not to overwater the soil; lightly moist is perfect.
6. Root Formation: After a few days, usually 5-8 days, you should see signs of root formation, and the cutting should perk up, with the leaves becoming firm again.
7. Repotting: Once the cutting has rooted properly, you can plant it in a larger pot or outdoors.

Do I need a grow light for Coleus plants?

You can use grow lights to provide extra light to your Coleus plants, especially if they're growing indoors where natural sunlight may be limited, especially during the darker seasons. Grow lights provide the necessary light spectrum for plant growth and photosynthesis.

Here are some guidelines for using grow lights for your Coleus plants:

• Placement: Position the grow lights over or near your Coleus plants to ensure they receive plenty of light. Keep the lamp about 15-20 cm above the plants. Sometimes, instructions for lamp placement are included.
• Light Intensity: Adjust the light intensity depending on your Coleus plants' needs and growth phase. The stronger the light, the more energy the plants receive for growth. However, be careful not to place the lamp too close, as the leaves may get burned from the heat generated by the lamp.
• Light Period: Coleus plants typically need 12-16 hours of light per day to thrive and grow. Use a timer to regulate the time and simulate natural conditions.
• Positioning of the Grow Light: If you have multiple Coleus plants, make sure to position the grow light so that it evenly covers all plants. Adjust the lamp's placement if you notice some plants getting too much or too little light.
• Supplement with Natural Light: If possible, supplement the use of grow lights with natural sunlight by placing your Coleus plants near a window. However, avoid direct strong sunlight during the hottest hours of the day to prevent overexposure or leaf burn.

By using grow lights correctly, you can provide your Coleus plants with the optimal light they need to thrive and grow indoors, especially during the darker seasons.