If there is one plant that steals every gardener’s heart because of its colorful and intriguing foliage patterns, it is undoubtedly the coleus plant. No matter whether you plant them indoors or outdoors, they are the center of attraction because of their eye-catching beauty of foliage. The best part about these plants is that they require minimal care, which makes them perfect as houseplants. Read on to learn how to care for coleus plants.
5 tips to care for coleus plants:
- Soil: Coleus plants thrive in moist and well-draining soil. That is why while planting coleus plants, enhance the soil with compost or other organic materials. On the other hand, you can also opt for a good-quality solid mix for your plant. Also, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole.
- Light: How much light your plant needs depends on the variety of coleus plants you have. Some newer coleus types are more tolerant to light than the older types. Usually, most types of coleus plants thrive in shady conditions. However, try to place your plant in an area where it can get bright but indirect sunlight. Direct and harsh sunlight can burn the colourful foliage.
- Water: Soil that is consistently moist but not soggy is ideal for healthy coleus growth. Water your coleus plant only when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Dry soil can impact the plant’s growth. If you notice brown around the edges of the plant’s leaves it means your plant is thirsty. On the other hand, do not overwater the plant as it can cause root rot.
- Temperature: Being a tropical plant, coleus plants love hot and humid weather. This plant does not tolerate cold temperatures well. Therefore, try to maintain a consistent temperature for your plant and prevent your plant from sudden temperature drops. Also, try to mist around the plant regularly to increase humidity.
- Fertilizer: Coleus plants are quite sensitive to fertilizer, and overusing fertilizer can leach colors from the leaves. You can amend the soil with some balanced fertiliser at the time of planting. You can feed your plant with a water-soluble fertilizer once a month in the growing season.
With these tips, you can easily take good care of your coleus plants. Most importantly, to ensure the healthy growth of your plant, plant your coleus in a well-draining potting mix. Moreover, coleus plants do not need much care, just remember to give them enough light exposure and keep the soil moderately moist.