Coleus Sudden Growth Stop: Root-Bound, Fertilizer Burn, or Sun Shock

Coleus growing visibly daily, then sudden halt with tiny leaves browning at tips? Systematic diagnosis needed.

Checklist (In Order)

1. Root-bound? Tip pot off—white roots circling = repot larger immediately
2. Root rot? Brown, mushy roots = trim rot, repot fresh
3. Fertilizer burn? Synthetic feed on dry soil = brown leaf edges, stunted growth
4. Physical damage? Hot water, cleaning spray splash on leaves?
5. Sudden sun exposure? Moved to brighter light = sunburn on tender growth

Recovery Protocol

• If roots healthy: Pot up one size, fresh soil, don't compact
• Water: Deep soak when dry, wait for dry
• No fertilizer until stable, then half-strength organic
• Bright light, morning/late afternoon sun only

Repotting Technique (Critical)

1. Hand over soil, stem between fingers
2. Invert, pull pot off (not plant out)
3. Knock off new soil gently over cloth
4. Replant in same pot with loose soil—tap pot to settle, don't press
5. Water thoroughly, drain, top off settled soil

Compacted Soil Fix

If you firmed soil at planting, roots can't expand. The loose-replant method restores aeration. Recovery in 2 weeks.

Coleus are tough. Diagnose, correct, wait.