Coleus, as its name implies, is known for its striking and vibrant foliage. Its leaves come in a variety of colors such as yellow, red, and purple, with different shades adding to the visual appeal. The coloration is irregular and highly diverse, making it a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
Native to Indonesia, this plant thrives in warm climates and can tolerate mild cold, with winter temperatures not dropping below 5°C. The ideal growing temperature ranges between 20-25°C. It prefers full sun and grows best in fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as they can lead to root rot.
Originally a perennial herb or subshrub, Coleus is often grown as an annual in most regions of China due to the inability of the plants to survive the winter outdoors. Propagation is commonly done through sowing or cuttings. During the growing season, take 2-3 healthy, non-woody cuttings and place them in loose soil or vermiculite. Roots typically develop within a week.
Sowing is usually carried out in March or April, and seedlings emerge about a week after planting. When the seedlings have 2-4 leaves, they should be transplanted. Use bamboo sticks to lift the young plants and transfer them into shallow basins, ensuring that the leaves do not touch each other. Once the plants have 6-8 leaves, they are moved into small pots (10 cm in diameter). Trim to leave 2-4 leaves, and use a mix of two parts leaf mold, one part garden soil, and some sand for potting.
By July, when the plants are larger, repot them again and add a small amount of soybean cake as a base fertilizer. Throughout the growing season, pinch back the tips several times to encourage branching and create a compact, bushy shape suitable for display. For preserving parent strains, reduce pinching to allow flowering and fruiting before winter. Choose plants with the brightest foliage and isolate them to prevent hybrid degradation.
After each harvest, apply diluted cake water or human manure to maintain nutrient levels. In autumn, as temperatures cool, growth accelerates, and light fertilization is recommended. If needed, a 0.1% urea solution can be used for foliar feeding. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, as overly wet conditions can cause leggy growth and weak stems.
During summer, water the plants twice daily. Coleus thrives in full sun, which enhances leaf color vibrancy, so shading is generally unnecessary. However, during the hottest midday hours, partial shade can be provided. Mist the leaves occasionally to lower temperature and promote healthy growth.
In winter, when brought indoors, Coleus can remain on display longer, extending its ornamental value. With proper care, it continues to thrive and add color to any space.
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