Why is information about Coleus so mixed?
#Coleus Most say it likes shade - mine is addicted to sun. Some say it's perennial, others say it's annual. Mine flowered, and I've read that it may die as a result. If I remove the flowers, can I save it? For how long? How long have you had your eldest Coleus? Does it grow well from seed? This is my favorite of my plants and every time I try to do research, I get conflicting answers about everything. Help! I want him to live! 🖤 Also, since it's flowered and has had flowers for about 3 weeks now, would it be a good idea or bad idea to try to propagate more from cuttings?
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Best Answer
@Jabburwock there are some Coleus that prefer shade but yours is a sun-lover, yes. And for whether it's a perennial or annual depends on your location mostly and what you do with it at the end of the summer (which is generally their growing season). Most people grow them as annuals and discard them after their growing season. I kept mine in my greenhouse for a while last winter until it got so big it was taking up too much of the limited space I have.
Mine flowered many times and did just fine. I did remove the spent blooms is all just to keep it looking nice and tidy. I've never tried to grow one from seed nor have I attempted propagation with one but you should give it a go! You're Coleus looks beautiful and extremely healthy so I wouldn't change a thing you're doing! Keep up the good work!
Mine flowered many times and did just fine. I did remove the spent blooms is all just to keep it looking nice and tidy. I've never tried to grow one from seed nor have I attempted propagation with one but you should give it a go! You're Coleus looks beautiful and extremely healthy so I wouldn't change a thing you're doing! Keep up the good work!
@Lifeis2short Thank you so much for such a thorough response! I'm relieved its blooms are not necessarily a death sentence! I love this plant to bits!
@Jabburwock you are most welcome and Thank You for the Best Answer 🫶🏼
The one I had to let go of last year was actually a few of them planted in one 12" pot and it had gotten so big and full and gorgeous! I loved it as well! But it started getting too crowded and stems started dying off and it was a nice hidey hole for critters I did NOT want in the greenhouse so I had to say goodbye to it. As is life 🫤
The one I had to let go of last year was actually a few of them planted in one 12" pot and it had gotten so big and full and gorgeous! I loved it as well! But it started getting too crowded and stems started dying off and it was a nice hidey hole for critters I did NOT want in the greenhouse so I had to say goodbye to it. As is life 🫤
I love Coleus because they are so versatile in sun and shade. I used to keep the flowers pinched off until I learned that hummingbirds like them. Now I wait until they’re spent before removing. I found they require a lot of space to overwinter so I take cuttings and keep them in a container with water on a sunny windowsill. In early spring I pot them and as they grow I take as many cuttings as I think I will need in my beds outdoors.
@Philolover @Azplantchic thank you! I am absolutely in love with this plant, and it was just a random walmart purchase!
I don’t understand why anybody would want to cut beautiful flowers off of a plant. I propagated mine because the top half broke off when I was trying to undo a stick that I had holding it up straight, so I stuck it in water, and I had all kinds of little roots growing after a week. Honestly, I don’t know anything about cutting flowers off I don’t think it would die. Why would it if it’s healthy
The plant will not die because of the flowers 😊 but they do take a lot of energy, so it often results in a more fade colour on the leaves and new growth is weaker. You may usually get a more full plant when pinching the flowers (and pinching the tops now and then). But many just let them flower.
Not sure how long they live, it is normal to just replace the plant with a cutting when it doesn't look healty anymore 🙈
Coleus do not tolerate frost, hence they are annual when grown outdoors most places. Many do take cuttings in the fall to make new plants for next year, as they grow really fast.
I have not grown from seed myself, as cutting is super-easy and you know what you get. But from seeds you might end up with some fun variations depending on the pollination. I have seen many cross-breeds for sale.
Not sure how long they live, it is normal to just replace the plant with a cutting when it doesn't look healty anymore 🙈
Coleus do not tolerate frost, hence they are annual when grown outdoors most places. Many do take cuttings in the fall to make new plants for next year, as they grow really fast.
I have not grown from seed myself, as cutting is super-easy and you know what you get. But from seeds you might end up with some fun variations depending on the pollination. I have seen many cross-breeds for sale.
@Jabburwock
As a general rule, coleus plants love bright light and warm temperatures, but it is best to avoid direct midday sunlight as it can burn the leaves. Ideally, coleus should receive morning sunlight and shade during the afternoon.
Still, finding a balance between light and shade can be tricky; too much sun can scorch your plant, while too much shade will make its colors dull and faded. Moreover, the amount of light coleus tolerates will depend on the variety you choose. Some coleus can maintain their colorful foliage in the shade, and others can stay under direct sunlight all day without scorching.
Growing coleus indoors allows you to pick any variety you like, as you have control over the light it receives. Although these plants are more common in gardens, they can do well in a pot.
The best spot to place your coleus is somewhere with plenty of morning sun but receiving indirect or filtered light during the day. If your house is warm enough, and you keep a close eye on your plant, it may even survive the winter!
I had a few coleus plants last year, which I no longer have…
I bought a few of those on sale at Home Depot.. they lasted long…
I would recommend trimming the seed stalks you see growing on you coleus.. it makes your plant last longer.. if you leave those on, it would eventually die..
As a general rule, coleus plants love bright light and warm temperatures, but it is best to avoid direct midday sunlight as it can burn the leaves. Ideally, coleus should receive morning sunlight and shade during the afternoon.
Still, finding a balance between light and shade can be tricky; too much sun can scorch your plant, while too much shade will make its colors dull and faded. Moreover, the amount of light coleus tolerates will depend on the variety you choose. Some coleus can maintain their colorful foliage in the shade, and others can stay under direct sunlight all day without scorching.
Growing coleus indoors allows you to pick any variety you like, as you have control over the light it receives. Although these plants are more common in gardens, they can do well in a pot.
The best spot to place your coleus is somewhere with plenty of morning sun but receiving indirect or filtered light during the day. If your house is warm enough, and you keep a close eye on your plant, it may even survive the winter!
I had a few coleus plants last year, which I no longer have…
I bought a few of those on sale at Home Depot.. they lasted long…
I would recommend trimming the seed stalks you see growing on you coleus.. it makes your plant last longer.. if you leave those on, it would eventually die..
@Jabburwock
Here is one of the Coleus plants I had.. I actually ended up not having room on my back porch with all the Coleus plants I bought and my two Mezoo Trailing Red succulent plants… 🤣🤣🤣
Here is one of the Coleus plants I had.. I actually ended up not having room on my back porch with all the Coleus plants I bought and my two Mezoo Trailing Red succulent plants… 🤣🤣🤣
