Lamiaceae
Prostrate Coleus (Coleus forsteri)
Coleus forsteri
An easy, beginner-friendly plant. Prefers bright indirect light, moderate watering allowing the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings, and rich, well-draining organic soil. Benefits from light pinching to keep a compact shape.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
15° - 29°C
40% - 60%
Categories
What is Prostrate Coleus?
Prostrate Coleus (Coleus forsteri) is a easy-care plant from the Lamiaceae family. Prostrate Coleus (Coleus forsteri, syn. Plectranthus forsteri) is a tender evergreen perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to the Southwest Pacific islands, including Fiji and New Caledonia. It has a low, spreading habit with rounded, scalloped, lightly succulent leaves that release a mil...
Prostrate Coleus grows up to 30cm, spread of 90cm, watering every 7 days, 15°C â 29°C, 40â60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Prostrate Coleus tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Prostrate Coleus?
TLDR: Prostrate Coleus needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-29°C with 40-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Prostrate Coleus?
Water when the top couple of inches of soil feel dry to the touch, avoiding waterlogging. Increase frequency during hot weather and reduce it in winter.
How Much Light Does Prostrate Coleus Need?
Prefers bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid intense direct afternoon sun, which can scorch leaves; very low light causes leggy growth.
What Is the Best Soil for Prostrate Coleus?
Use a light, organic-rich, well-draining potting mix (regular potting soil blended with compost and perlite or coarse sand).
What Pot Should You Use for Prostrate Coleus?
Terracotta or ceramic pot with drainage holes; shallow pots or hanging baskets suit its trailing, spreading habit.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Prostrate Coleus and Where Does It Come From?
Prostrate Coleus (Coleus forsteri, syn. Plectranthus forsteri) is a tender evergreen perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to the Southwest Pacific islands, including Fiji and New Caledonia. It has a low, spreading habit with rounded, scalloped, lightly succulent leaves that release a mild citrus scent when bruised. It is popular as a houseplant, groundcover, or trailing plant in hanging baskets thanks to its vigorous growth and easy care.
How to Propagate Prostrate Coleus?
Stem cutting
Cuttings root readily in plain water; change the water every few days and transplant into soil once roots reach 1 inch long.
- 1 Cut a healthy 3-4 inch stem just below a leaf node
- 2 Remove leaves from the lower half of the cutting
- 3 Place in water or a light, moist potting mix
- 4 Keep in bright indirect light until roots form
Materials needed:
How Big Does Prostrate Coleus Grow?
TLDR: Prostrate Coleus can reach up to 30cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
30cm
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Prostrate Coleus?
TLDR: Prostrate Coleus is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Meaning & Symbolism
In popular plant symbolism, coleus is associated with home protection, vitality, and renewal, reflecting its vigorous growth and lush foliage.
Fun Facts
Its leaves release a mild citrus scent when bruised
It is native to the Fiji and New Caledonia islands in the South Pacific
It belongs to the same family as mint and basil (Lamiaceae)
Frequently asked questions
Is Coleus forsteri toxic to cats and dogs?
How often should I water my Coleus forsteri?
Does Coleus forsteri need direct sun?
How do you propagate Coleus forsteri?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | â |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â |
| Peruvian peppertree | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â ïļ |
