Coleus scutellarioides aka Coleus

Taxonomy

Common names

Coleus, Common Coleus, Hullwort, Flybush

How to care for Coleus

Difficulty

Caring for Coleus is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Coleus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Coleus loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Coleus prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Coleus is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Coleus. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Coleus should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Coleus as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Coleus’s native range is Old World Tropics and Subtropics.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Coleus with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia