Lamiaceae
Coleus: Fast Growing
Coleus scutellarioides
Thrives in consistently moist soil and bright indirect light. Requires frequent pruning to maintain a compact and bushy shape.
Every 3 days
Partial shade
15° - 32°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Coleus?
Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides) is a easy-care plant from the Lamiaceae family. Coleus, popularly known as Painted Nettle, is a tropical herbaceous plant famous for its incredibly colorful and patterned foliage. Its velvety leaves feature vibrant combinations of red, pink, yellow, green, and purple. It is one of the most versatile ornamental plants, growing rapidly in both gard...
Coleus grows up to 90cm, with spread of 60cm, watering every 3 days, 15°C – 32°C, 50–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, 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 7 days.
How to Care for Coleus?
TLDR: Coleus needs Partial shade, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between 15-32°C with 50-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Coleus?
Water whenever the soil surface begins to dry out. If the plant wilts, it usually recovers quickly after watering.
How Much Light Does Coleus Need?
Intense indirect light keeps the colors vibrant; excessive direct sun can burn the leaves, while full shade makes them look faded.
What Is the Best Soil for Coleus?
Use a mixture rich in organic matter, such as worm castings, ensuring the substrate is light and does not compact.
What Pot Should You Use for Coleus?
Plastic or glazed ceramic pots that help retain soil moisture, always with drainage holes.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 15 days
Misting
Every 2 days
Rotate
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Coleus and Where Does It Come From?
Coleus, popularly known as Painted Nettle, is a tropical herbaceous plant famous for its incredibly colorful and patterned foliage. Its velvety leaves feature vibrant combinations of red, pink, yellow, green, and purple. It is one of the most versatile ornamental plants, growing rapidly in both garden beds and indoor pots.
How to Propagate Coleus?
Stem Cuttings
- Keep the cutting in a bright spot, but away from direct sun during rooting.
- Change the water every two days if opting for water propagation.
- 1 Cutting the Stem
Cut a healthy branch about 10 to 15 cm long, just below a leaf node.
- 2 Preparation
Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to prevent them from rotting in contact with the rooting medium.
- 3 Planting
Insert the cutting into moist soil or a glass of clean water until roots develop.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Coleus Grow?
TLDR: Coleus can reach up to 90cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Spread
60cm
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
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Coleus?
TLDR: Coleus is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
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.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a fungal-like disease caused by oomycetes (water molds) that thrives in cool, wet conditions. It affects a wide range of plants, causing yellowing leaves with fuzzy white-gray growth underneath, leading to defoliation and reduced yields if left untreated.
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.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents vivacity, the diversity of feelings, and the ability to adapt.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | ⚠️ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | ⚠️ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | ⚠️ |
