Coleus
plectranthus scutellarioides
Also known as: ["Solenostemon scutellarioides","Coleus blumei","Coleus argentatus"]
Overview
A popular ornamental plant known for its vibrant, colorful foliage, often used in gardens and indoor settings for its aesthetic appeal.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","seasonal color change","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Plectranthus |
| Botanical Name: | Plectranthus scutellarioides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, humid room
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry indoor environments
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid heavy clay soils.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with peat or compost for moisture retention.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control size and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate partial shade but may lose vibrancy in low light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to sunlight gradually; protect from direct midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to bright indirect light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for brighter light.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant sit in water; adjust based on season and humidity.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 60–80°F (15–27°C); thrives in warm, humid conditions; sensitive to frost.
Keep away from drafty windows/doors; use a humidifier in dry climates; monitor temperature changes closely.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts; apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil; leaf cuttings also viable but slower.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, place in medium, keep moist, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain 70–75°F (21–24°C) for optimal rooting.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix or water; add perlite for better aeration.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting; rooting powder or gel recommended.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, water spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; change water regularly if using water propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node; avoid cutting into old wood.
Pruning Plan
Encourage bushier growth, remove leggy stems, and maintain shape.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune during active growth, remove dead/damaged leaves, shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring or early summer before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water evenly, ensure proper drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or browning edges in cold; yellowing or stunted growth in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may curl or turn brown; risk of root damage in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide a heat source if needed; avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; soil dries out faster; growth may become leggy.
Solution: Increase humidity with misting or pebble trays; provide shade during peak heat; water more frequently.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute correctly, apply to moist soil, flush periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Plectranthus scutellarioides. The plant's diterpenoids can cause irritation to the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Plectranthus scutellarioides can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of diterpenoids. The plant is not typically life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPlectranthus scutellarioides, commonly known as Coleus, contains diterpenoids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The plant is generally considered safe for topical use but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Coleus toxic to pets?
A: No, Coleus is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should Coleus be watered?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week.
Q: Does Coleus need direct sunlight?
A: Coleus prefers partial shade or indirect light to maintain vibrant foliage color.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to bright indire |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
