Coleus: Vibrant Foliage for Indoors and Shade Gardens

Coleus - The King of Colorful Foliage

Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) is grown for its incredibly diverse and vibrant foliage. From chartreuse to deep burgundy, solid to wildly patterned, there's a coleus for every color scheme. As a houseplant or shade annual, it provides instant, long-lasting color without relying on flowers.

Secrets of Success (Indoors)

• Light: Medium to high light indoors.
• Water: Water when soil surface is dry; keep drier in winter.
• Fertilizer: Feed regularly with houseplant fertilizer.
• Humidity: Mist in heated rooms; clean leaves; avoid drafts.
• Temperature: Comfortable indoor temperatures, avoid extremes.

Light Requirements

• 
  High Light Indoors, Medium Light Indoors

Growing Tips

Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness. Remove flower spikes to keep energy in foliage. Propagate easily from stem cuttings in water or soil. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites.