Coleus Blumei

Coleus Blumei Care

Plectranthus scutellarioides

Other names: Coleus, Coleus Scutellarioides

What is the plant

Coleus, or Plectranthus scutellarioides, is a versatile and stunning tropical plant that boasts vibrant foliage in a range of colors, from pink and purple to red, yellow, and bright green. This herbaceous plant, native to Southeast Asia, can grow up to 3 feet (1m) tall and wide and is commonly grown for its foliage.

Coleus plants have square-shaped and semi-succulent stems, with leaves ranging from 1 to 6 inches (2.5-15 cm) long. These leaves come in many different shapes and sizes depending on the cultivar. Although seasonal bloomers, they can produce small white or bluish flowers at any time of the year. Interestingly, the flowers are believed to draw energy from the colorful leaves.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

21°C - 38°C

Hardiness zone

10a - 11

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
It is important to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering. Make sure the top inch (3cm) of soil is dry to the touch before watering. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to serious plant problems. More frequent watering may be necessary in hot and sunny weather.
Pruning
Pruning can encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess. Pinch the growing tips of the plant to promote branching. Removing spent flowers, known as deadheading, can also help keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
Fertilizer
Apply fertilizer once a month during the growing season (from spring to early fall). Use a slow-release or diluted liquid fertilizer, and avoid overfertilizing.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Coleus scutellarioides are considered shade plants. Direct sunlight can be harmful, so it's essential to regulate sun exposure. Place the plant near an east-facing window for the morning sun and move it to a shaded area during midday.
Soil
Coleus thrives in nutrient-rich soil that drains well. A good potting mix or a combination of perlite, peat moss, and vermiculite will work well. Adding organic matter or compost can help increase soil fertility.
Propagation
Sprouting stem cuttings is the most common way to propagate Coleus. Take a cutting from a healthy stem and place it in a container of water beforehand, removing the lower leaves. After a few weeks, the cuttings will develop roots, and you can plant them in the ground or in a pot.

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Temperature
Coleus Blumei is a tropical plant that loves warm temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause the plant to suffer.
Container
Coleus is an excellent choice for container gardening. When planting in a pot, make sure it has proper drainage and a diameter of a couple of inches (5-7cm) bigger than a root ball of the plant.
Fun fact
In the Victorian era, Coleus was used as a bedding plant.