Coleus Plant

How to Grow Coleus Plants

Executive summary about Coleus Plants by Christine Eirschele

Outside, the coleus is a tropical plant hardy in zones 10 and 11. Coleus, botanically known as Solenostemon, are treated as summer bedding or annual plant everywhere else. In any garden setting, coleus are grown and appreciated for their colorful leaves.
Some coleus plants grow to be large and upright while other varieties trail, good for hanging baskets.

Solenostemon Plant Culture

Outside, Solenostemon plants grow best in part shade. The leaves of coleus planted in full sun will become scorched and faded. Gardeners should avoid planting coleus in gardens with a western exposure. Gardeners unsure of light exposure in a garden can test it by planting a coleus in a container. Indoors, coleus plants like bright light but not hot direct sun. Coleus plants tolerate minimum indoor temperatures to 60°F and humidity levels to 30 percent. Coleus grows best in moist, well-draining soil, whatever the location. Coleus have fibrous roots and like soil kept moist and cool. Outside top-dress the soil with mulch in a garden planted with coleus.

Coleus Indoors and Outside

When growing coleus outside in a garden bed, space coleus 10 – 12 inches apart. Gardeners should plant coleus, like any annual plant, in soil amended with organic matter.
Plant coleus in pots and water with a balanced fertilizer or one higher in nitrogen.

Low Maintenance Coleus

Coleus are low maintenance plants that are easy to grow, whether planted indoors or outside, in containers or in the ground. Gardeners can keep plants healthy by removing flowers and dead leaves periodically. Indoor gardeners should cut back stems to encourage a bushier plant and repot the plant every 2 years or as the plant outgrows the container.

Solenostemon Insect Issues

Indoor gardeners may see spider mites, mealy bugs or white fly.