There are different beautiful plants that you can add to your garden if you’re looking to add vibrant color and foliage to it. Well, one of the best species that you can plant in your garden is the Coleus plant, which is scientifically known as the Solenostemon scutellarioides. This plant is not only known for its evergreen nature but also for its striking colors, as the plant is present in various shades of burgundy, pink, lime green, and even golden.
How To Grow And Care For The Coleus Plant?
The easy nature of this plant makes it easier for people to grow it wherever they want, whether as an indoor plant or as a shrub in their garden. Now, if you wish to grow the Coleus plant, then you should use this guide as a reference to know how to properly grow and care for it.
Pick the Suitable Variety for your space
Every variety of the coleus plant has a unique shape and color, which is why it is important to pick the one that you want. Along with this, you should also know that certain species can also be perennial; hence, there are many gardeners enquiring – is Coleus a perennial? You should choose sun-tolerant varieties like the ‘Kong’ or the ‘Wizard’ for outdoor spaces. On the other hand, species like ‘Fairway Mosaic’ or ‘Rainbow Mixed’ are perfect for indoor settings.
Instructions for Planting Coleus
Even though a Coleus Plant requires very little care, you should know about the basic planting instructions to plant it.
- Soil: Choose a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of garden soil and compost will work as the best option.
- Light: The plant prefers bright light, which means that you should place it in an area that receives direct light; however, ensure that it stays in shade during the harsh afternoon sun.
- Planting: When planting Coleus in a garden, you should plant them 10-12 inches apart. However, if you are planting it indoors, you should get a pot with good drainage and fresh potting mix.
Watering and Feeding
Coleus is a plant that prefers humidity but doesn’t like its roots to be wet. Water it when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, and keep the soil moist all the time, especially during hot weather. Do not let it dry out completely.
During the growing season (spring to early autumn), fertilize your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2 to 3 weeks. Excess fertilizer can dull the color of the leaves, so less is often more.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning will give your Coleus a bushy and colorful appearance. Every few weeks, pinch off the growing tips, and the plant will start branching out. As soon as flower spikes appear, cut them off—flowering often indicates the plant slowing down and shedding leaves. For indoor plants, every few days, turn the pot around so the plant gets light from all sides.If the Coleus plant is well cared for, you will be rewarded with its magnificent foliage and a lush, tropical look all the time—whether you grow it indoors or as a highlight of your garden! Use the website Yourhomify to get more details about the plant.
Also read – https://tikcotech.net/growing-and-caring-for-a-bonsai-tree/
