Coleus A Jewely In The Garden Or On The Window Ledge

The Coleus is a common name for the genus Solenostemon. Don't bother using its genus name because not many people will know what you are talking about.  I actually had to look it up.  It has a blossom that grows ain a spike form and is very small.  I personally think that it takes so much energy for a plant to create a bloom that unless it is outstanding it should be cut off.  This will also allow the plant to branch and encourages more growth.


Many of the Coleus we see today are hibrids with a large varity of pattern in colors of red, green and gold.  Take a look at the two Coleus below.  The one on the left is a fairly old leaf pattern and the one next to it is a newer one that appears to have been created from it.

Rosy Dawn Gardens calls this coleus
"Under The Sea Electric Coral"

Care of Coleus

New this year, this style of leaf
is a Hort'couture

Temperature:  All Coleus are tender.  This means that though you will see them in many gardens they will not survive a freezing temperature.  Because of this they make great houseplants.  They like temperatures above 60 degrees and will tolerate a low light situation.  

Light: In their natural habitat, Colus will be found in deep to dappled shade.  This makes them great for a window that gets little actual sun.  A little extra light will keep the foliage color more intense.  

Water: This plant likes to keep its roots moist but be sure you allow it to drain so that it does not drown.  

Pests: Coleus can become infested with the list of common bugs I talked about before.  If you have forgotten you can see them on my Pinterest Board. The posting on 5/9/2013 will help you with instructions on how to debug. One bug that I did not mentioned was the soil gnat or fungus gnat.  This is a tiny black fly that will hover around the soil in the pot.  This insect is usually an indication of too much water. 

Propagation

Propagation is so simple. This is a wonderful first-timers project.    All you need is a mother plant, soil, scissors, water and some rooting hormone.  You may even try just take a cutting and place it in water. A cutting is taken from the mother plant with the top and at least two or three inches of stem.  Remove the lower leaves carefully so as not to tear the stem.  Dip the stem in water deeper than the nubs left over from the removed leaves.  Now dip into the rooting hormone to the same depth.  Place in soil that has been watered and you are done.  Be sure that you do not let the soil dry out and before you know it you will have a new plant.

This is the first time that I mentioned propagation of the plant I am talking about and I did so because it is one that you can share with all your friends and family.  Now is a good time to pick one up because gardeners use Coleus as annuals and are easily obtained from any garden center.  So go ahead and choose.  You can let it grow in the garden all summer and then propagate houseplants for your and your friends' homes.

I have added these pictures and more to the Pinterest Board Beautiful Foliage. If you have any questions or pictures of your own Coleus please email them to me at houseplantsos@gmail.com.