CorseMachin | Coleus Care - Information On Growing Coleus

Coleus has long been considered a shade plant but the best leaf color is achieved with morning sun and some degree of afternoon shade. Many varieties do well in both shade and part-sun. Some can take quite a bit of sun as long as they are not allowed to dry out.

Does coleus like sun or shade?
How often do you water coleus?
How long will coleus last?
Will coleus come back every year?
What is the best fertilizer for coleus?
Do coleus like to be misted?
Why is my coleus dying?
Is Coleus a good houseplant?
Should I let my coleus flower?
Do coleus reseed themselves?
What is Coleus good for?

Does coleus like sun or shade?

Coleus thrive in cool, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture is good, but soggy conditions cause root disease. Watering should complement available sun. Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at least dappled shade and direct sun limited to morning hours.

How often do you water coleus?

In hot months, coleus plants grown in pots outdoors will need watering once or twice a day. If grown indoors, watering every two or three days is usually sufficient unless the air inside your home or grow space is especially dry.

How long will coleus last?

In a frost-free area, coleus normally lives for several years. In USDA zones 10 through 11, the winter is mild enough to plant coleus in the ground. Coleus appreciates moist soil that drains well. Keep it out of intense sun, as it easily scalds.

Will coleus come back every year?

Coleus is a perennial, a tropical shrub, that is not hardy except in warm, frost-free zones. Cannas are reliably hardy in the ground outside from around Zone 7 and upward (warmer.) ... Here in the Chicagoland area, zone 5, Coleus is grown as an annual.

What is the best fertilizer for coleus?

At the early stages of growth, coleus root development can be affected by high salts. A good target for EC in the root media is below 1.0 mS/cm. Keep ammonium nitrogen levels in the root zone less than 10 ppm by choosing high-nitrate-based fertilizers like, 13-2-13, 16-2-15 or 15-5-15.

Do coleus like to be misted?

Coleus Humidity Needs

Most tropical plants need high humidity levels to survive, and the coleus plant is no exception. ... Unlike other tropical houseplants that require daily misting, you should avoid spritzing your coleus leaves. The water can leave marks on the velvety foliage and spoil the plant's appearance.

Why is my coleus dying?

If you notice your coleus wilting and the soil is dry, most likely it just needs water. ... Coleus over watering or coleus planted in waterlogged soil will suffer from root rot, which can kill your coleus. If your coleus has developed yellow leaves from too much water, it may be too late to save the plant.

Is Coleus a good houseplant?

Grown as an annual throughout the United States and as a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, coleus also makes a good houseplant that decorates an indoor environment with non-stop color.

Should I let my coleus flower?

Coleus plant flowering signals the end of the plant's life cycle, and plants usually die soon after they are allowed to produce blooms. ... You can just leave them on and enjoy the plant as an annual, or take steps to encourage thicker growth and continued life in a greenhouse or cold frame.

Do coleus reseed themselves?

There are many plants that reseed themselves. Popular flowering plants that will come back year after year can include annuals, biennials and perennials. Annuals – popular annuals that reseed include forget-me-nots, coleus and marigolds.

What is Coleus good for?

When taken by mouth, coleus is used to treat allergies, dry eye, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, obesity, painful menstrual periods, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), urinary tract infections (UTI), bladder infections, advanced cancer, blood clots, sexual problems in men, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and ...