Water
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering slightly in cooler months, but avoid letting the plant dry out completely.
Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Also known as Coleus · Common Coleus · Joseph's Coat
Coleus (Coleus spp.) are vibrant foliage plants prized for their diverse leaf colors and patterns, ideal for adding color to shady gardens and containers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, Indirect Light
75% intensity
Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun can scorch leaves, while low light leads to leggy growth and faded colors.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Prefers evenly moist soil; allow top inch to dry slightly between waterings.
Loamy
50% intensity
Average Room Temperature
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from drafts and sudden temperature drops; avoid temperatures below 13°C.
Regular Feeding
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season (spring/summer) every 2-4 weeks.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering slightly in cooler months, but avoid letting the plant dry out completely.
Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Pinch back young stems regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Remove any faded flower spikes to direct energy back into foliage production.
Pruning can be done anytime during the growing season.
Coleus is easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy stems, remove the lower leaves, and insert them into moist potting mix or water.
Roots typically form within a few weeks, and cuttings can be transplanted.
Repot your Coleus annually or when it becomes root-bound, typically in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current one with good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix.
This provides fresh nutrients and more space for root growth.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Coleus Spp. (Coleus spp.)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Coleus |
| Species | Coleus spp. |
Similar in genus Coleus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data