Coleus Care
La Rambla Coleus has wide leaves are bright green with pronounced marron netting with flashes of rose-red in the leaf center. Like the others of this series, it has compact, medium growth habit with good branching. Excellent for containers and for edging a border. Sun tolerant.
How to care for your Coleus
- LIGHT
Indoors: Bright, indirect light, or supplemental lighting will be needed to keep the colors vibrant. Leaves will drop if he isn’t given enough light!
- WATER
Keep your coleus consistently moist in well-drained soil throughout the growing season. Avoid getting water on the leaves and leaving spots.
- HUMIDITY
Coleus like high humidity levels. Add a pebble tray and humidifier if grown indoors.
- TEMPERATURE
Keep this plant in warm temperatures and don’t expose it to temperatures below 50°F.
- FOOD
Apply a balanced fertilizer at half-strength in the spring and summer months during the growing season. No fertiizer is needed in fall and winter.
- TOXICITY
May cause skin irritation. Keep away from pets.
- ADDITIONAL CARE
In the spring or summer, prune 3-4 inch stem cuttings from the parent plant. Set the stems in a jar filled with filtered, tap, or rainwater and replace the water twice a week. After several weeks, you’ll notice roots bursting through nodules on the bottom of the stem. Once there is a sufficient root system, dip the ends in root hormone (mixed in water at a paste consistency) and place in damp, well-draining, moist potting soil mix and tamp down around the stem securing it. Use a container that has drainage and is deep enough for the roots to grow. Place the stem at least 1-2 inches down into the soil. Set it in bright, indirect sunlight while they are rooting. Cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag to create adequate humidity levels. Check the moisture and humidity each day and add misting to keep the soil moist while the roots establish. After 6-8 weeks, roots will begin to establish. You can tug onto the stem to ensure the roots are secure. Transplant in a shady spot in the garden or in a porch container.
Common Issues for your Coleus
Wilting can result from either underwatering or exposure to excessive heat. Assess the soil moisture; if it’s dry several inches down, give the plant a thorough watering. If the plant is in a particularly hot location, consider moving it to a spot with bright, indirect light. Monitoring humidity levels can also help, as coleus prefers a more humid environment.
Leggy growth occurs when the plant stretches towards inadequate light, resulting in long stems and sparse leaves. To remedy this, move the plant to a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight for several hours a day. Pinching back the stems can also encourage bushier growth and help the plant develop a fuller shape.
Leaf discoloration, such as yellowing or browning, often indicates overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Check the moisture level of the soil; if it’s consistently wet, allow it to dry out slightly between waterings. Consider adding a balanced fertilizer to replenish essential nutrients. For yellowing leaves, you may need to adjust your watering habits and fertilization schedule.