Coleus scutellarioides

Coleus

Easy Care Bright Indirect Weekly
Care Level Easy
Light Bright Indirect
Water Weekly
Humidity Medium
Soil Potting
Growth Branches
Feeding Feed every 2 to 4 weeks during active growth and pinch often to keep plants compact.
Safety Mildly Toxic / Sap

Light Details

Keep in a bright room with lots of ambient light. Best placement is near an east window or a few feet back from a south/west window behind a sheer curtain. Rotate every 1 to 2 weeks for even growth and avoid harsh midday sun unless the plant is known to take more light.

Watering Details

Keep evenly moist and do not let the pot stay dry for long, especially in bright light. Check the potting mix before watering. In most homes this means watering when the top 1 to 2 inches feel dry, then watering thoroughly until excess drains out. Empty cachepots and saucers so roots are not left sitting in water.

Humidity Details

Average household humidity is usually fine, but the plant will appreciate steadier moisture in the air. Keep it away from strong HVAC drafts and use a humidifier if the room stays very dry.

Soil Details

Use a high-quality indoor potting mix with added perlite or bark if you want a bit more airflow. The mix should hold some moisture but still drain freely.

Temperature

Best from 60 to 80°F indoors.

Feeding Details

Feed every 2 to 4 weeks during active growth and pinch often to keep plants compact.

Grooming / Training

Pinch tips regularly to keep the plant compact and remove flower spikes if you want more foliage growth.

Repotting

Repot or refresh from cuttings as needed; coleus grows fast.

Common Issues

Wilting usually means thirst. Faded color and legginess point to insufficient light.

Seasonal Notes

Needs the most frequent watering in warm bright conditions.

What Not To Do

Do not skip pinching if you want a full, saleable shape.

Safety Details

Mildly Toxic / Sap. Keep out of reach of pets.

Image/source: Image from PanAmerican Seed for Coleus Black Dragon — source/permission needed before publish

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