The Coleus: Vibrant, Easy-Care Houseplant for Endless Color and Propagation

Many try vegetable gardening; some bring it indoors. The coleus (Coleus hybridus, painted nettle) spreads beauty throughout homes. "Rainbow Mixed Colors" varieties offer unbeatable color variation. Incredibly resilient during neglect and simple to propagate—pure joy for plant enthusiasts.

Easy Propagation

High regeneration means one nursery plant or seed-grown specimen yields many new plants. Once foliage flourishes, take cuttings near the base, trim to 6", remove 4–6 lower leaves. Place in jar/glass ⅓ filled with tap water. Multiple cuttings per jar; monitor water—coleus drinks heavily. Low light for several days until roots form (at least 6 roots, longest ~1"). Then transplant to permanent media.

Growing Media and Potting Up

Choose soil rich in organic material with self-contained nutrients for brightest leaf patterns. Start in 4" pots (holds well-rooted cuttings ~2 months). When outgrown, move to 8" pots for life. Then restart the cycle—fill your home with coleus.