Coleus thrive in cool, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture is good, but soggy conditions cause root disease. Watering should complement available sun. Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at
least dappled shade
and direct sun limited to morning hours.
Should I water coleus everyday?
Watering and nutrients
Coleus needs to be
kept moist
, and those planted in containers will need water more frequently than those in gardens. Where outdoor plants should be watered daily, especially in high heat or dry weather conditions, indoor plants should be watered every few days.
Does coleus need lots of water?
Water. Coleus plants are not very drought tolerant, so it’s important to develop a good watering cadence that allows you to keep your coleus well-hydrated but not soggy. In hot months, coleus plants grown in pots outdoors will need
watering once or twice a day
.
Can coleus get too much water?
Coleus over watering or coleus planted in waterlogged soil will suffer from root rot, which can kill your coleus.
If your coleus has developed yellow leaves from too much water
, it may be too late to save the plant. If your plant is dying, try saving some cuttings and propagating a new plant.
How do I know if my coleus needs water?
Watering Your Coleus Plant
Coleus is a thirsty plant and needs regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. During the growing season—April to September—
water whenever the top 1” (2.5 cm) of the potting mix is dry
.
How do I make my coleus bushy?
You can make coleus bushy by
routinely pinching the stems and leaves from the plant
. Over time, the main stem or trunk of your coleus will become strong and support a larger, fuller plant. Regular feeding with a diluted liquid fertilizer can also promote growth.
What is the best fertilizer for coleus?
At the early stages of growth, coleus root development can be affected by high salts. A good target for EC in the root media is below 1.0 mS/cm. Keep ammonium nitrogen levels in the root zone less than 10 ppm by choosing high-nitrate-based fertilizers like,
13-2-13, 16-2-15 or 15-5-15
.
What does an overwatered coleus look like?
Overwatered plants’ leaves are
yellow but droopy
. Underwatered plants’ leaves turn yellow but are dry. You need to water your Coleus regularly to keep in good health.
Why are my coleus cuttings drooping?
Moisture Stress
Cuttings lose moisture through
transpiration
, yet are often unable to replace it through the roots, so dehydration and wilting often occur. Air and soil moisture are both integral to maintaining proper hydration in coleus cuttings, so keep them under carefully controlled conditions.
How long do coleus plants live for?
In a frost-free area, coleus normally lives for
several years
. In USDA zones 10 through 11, the winter is mild enough to plant coleus in the ground. Coleus appreciates moist soil that drains well.
How often should coleus be watered?
In hot months, coleus plants grown in pots outdoors will need watering
once or twice a day
. If grown indoors, watering every two or three days is usually sufficient unless the air inside your home or grow space is especially dry.
What conditions do coleus like?
Plant coleus in a sunny or partly shaded spot,
in moist but well-drained soil
. Coleus are low growing, so they look best at the front of a border, combined with other bedding plants, or in pot on a patio. If you’re growing coleus as a house plant, grow it in a bright spot that gets a little direct sun.
What is killing my coleus?
Coleus plants are sometimes attacked by
mealy bugs
, which resemble bits of white fuzz, though they may also be infested with whiteflies, aphids, spider mites and slugs, says Clemson University. Pests can cause spots and holes in leaves, as well as stunt growth and reduce plant vigor.
What is coleus good for?
When taken by mouth, coleus is used to treat
allergies
, dry eye, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, obesity, painful menstrual periods, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), urinary tract infections (UTI), bladder infections, advanced cancer, blood clots, sexual problems in men, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and …
Is coleus a good houseplant?
Coleus can make great houseplants
, and in the spring (if you choose), you can put them back out in the yard. The only other alternative would have been to cut them back all the way to the ground and leave them to re-emerge in the spring.
How do you take care of a coleus plant indoors?
- Water regularly to keep the soil slightly moist – never bone dry and never soggy.
- Feed the plant once every week or two during spring and summer, using a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
- Place the pot on a tray with a layer of wet pebbles if the air in your home is dry.
