Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering during winter months to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid standing water, which can harm the plant.
Also known as Cosmic Lobster · Cosmic Lobster Flower · Oregano
Scaredy Cat Plant (Coleus comosus) is an aromatic herb valued for its foliage, often used for ornamental purposes and believed to deter cats.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Moderate to High
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, allow top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost and drafts.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering during winter months to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid standing water, which can harm the plant.
Pinch back stems regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess. Remove any faded or dead leaves and flowers promptly to maintain the plant's appearance and direct energy towards new growth.
Prune in spring to shape.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 10-15 cm cuttings from healthy stems in spring or summer. Remove lower leaves and insert the cut end into moist potting mix.
Keep in a warm, bright location and mist regularly until roots form.
Repot every 1-2 years in spring, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is 2-5 cm larger in diameter than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix to provide adequate aeration for the roots.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Scaredy Cat Plant (Coleus comosus)
Where Scaredy Cat Plant (Coleus comosus) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Coleus |
| Species | Coleus comosus |
Similar in genus Coleus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
