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Home > Plant Care Guide > Common Coleus

How to Care for Common Coleus

The common coleus is a plant that comes in a wide range of colors and leaf forms. This plant, also known as Coleus scutellarioides, is native to Southeast Asia and is used as an herbal remedy in various cultures. Common coleus is a narcotic used by the Mazatec people of Mexico. In Cuba, this plant is considered invasive.

Symbolism

Beauty, good health, growth, tolerance

Water

Every week

Sunlight

Partial sun

Basic Care Guide

Water

Due to its native tropical environment, common coleus thrives in a hot and moist condition. It is crucial to water moderately and regularly. If it is planted indoors, water it every two to three days. When the temperature is high outside, water it more frequently. Whether indoors or outdoors, if the leaves are dropping, further watering is needed. Leaves turning yellow can be an indication of overwatering.

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What is the best way to water my Common coleus?

When watering the Common coleus, you should aim to use filtered water that is at room temperature. Filtered water is better for this plant, as tap water can contain particles that are harmful to its health. The reason that the water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer is that the Common coleus comes from a warm environment, and cold water can be somewhat of a shock to its system. Also, you should avoid overhead watering for this plant, as it can cause foliage complications. Instead, simply apply your filtered room temperature water to the soil until the soil is entirely soaked. Soaking the soil can be very beneficial for this plant as it moistens the roots and helps them continue to spread through the soil and collect the nutrients they need.

What should I do if I water my Common coleus too much or too little?

Both overwatering and underwatering will be detrimental to the health of your Common coleus, but overwatering is a far more common issue. When this species receives too much water, its stems and leaves may begin to wilt and turn from green to yellow. Overwatering over a prolonged period may also lead to diseases such as root rot, mold, and mildew, all of which can kill your plant. Underwatering is far less common for the Common coleus, as this plant has decent drought tolerance. However, underwatering remains a possibility, and when it occurs, you can expect to find that the leaves of your Common coleus have become brittle and brown.

It is crucial that you notice the signs of overwatering as soon as possible when caring for your Common coleus. Some of the diseases that arise from overwatering, such as root rot, may not be correctable if you wait too long. If you see early signs of overwatering, you should reduce your watering schedule immediately. You may also want to assess the quality of soil in which your Common coleus grows. If you find that the soil drains very poorly, you should replace it immediately with a loose, well-draining potting mix. On the other hand, if you find signs that your Common coleus is receiving too little water, all you need to do is water more regularly until those signs have subsided.

How often should I water my Common coleus?

If your plant is in a pot. The most precise way to decide whether your Common coleus needs water is to plunge your finger into the soil. If you notice that the first two to three inches of soil have become dry, it is time to add some water.

If you grow your Common coleus outdoors in the ground, you can use a similar method to test the soil. Again, when you find that the first few inches of soil have dried out, it is time to add water. During the spring and early fall, this method will often lead you to water this plant about once every week. When extremely hot weather arrives, you may need to increase your watering frequency to about twice or more per week. With that said, mature, well-established the Common coleus can show an admirable ability to withstand drought.

How much water does my Common coleus need?

When it comes time to water your Common coleus, you should not be shy about how much water you give. With the first two to three inches of soil dry, this plant will appreciate a long and thorough watering. Supply enough water to soak the soil entirely. The amount of water you add should be enough to cause excess water to flow through the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot. If you don’t see excess water draining from the pot, you have likely underwatered your plant. But do not let the water accumulate inside the soil, which will be very dangerous to the plant as well. Alternatively, a lack of water draining through the pot could indicate poorly draining soils, which is detrimental to the health of this plant and should be avoided. If the plant is outside, 1 inch of rain per week will be sufficient.

How should I water my Common coleus at different growth stages?

The water needs of the Common coleus can change depending on growth stages as well. For example, when your Common coleus is in the first few years of its life, or if you have just transplanted it to a new growing location, you will need to give more water than usual. During both of those stages, your Common coleus will put a lot of energy towards sprouting new roots that will then support future growth. For those roots to perform their best, they need a bit more moisture than they would at a more mature phase. After a few seasons, your Common coleus will need much less water. Another growth stage in which this plant may need more water is during the bloom period. Flower development can make use of a significant amount of moisture, which is why you might need to give your Common coleus more water at this time.

How should I water my Common coleus through the seasons?

The Common coleus will have its highest water needs during the hottest months of the year. During the height of summer, you may need to give this plant water more than once per week, depending on how fast the soil dries out. The opposite is true during the winter. In winter, your plant will enter a dormant phase, in which it will need far less water than usual. In fact, you may not need to water this plant at all during the winter months. However, if you do water during winter, you should not do so more than about once per month. Watering too much at this time will make it more likely that your Common coleus will contract a disease.

What's the difference between watering my Common coleus indoors and outdoors?

It is most common to grow the Common coleus indoors for any gardener that does not live in temperate and tropical regions. Those gardeners should consider the fact that soil in a container can dry out a bit faster than ground soil. Also, the presence of drying elements such as air conditioning units can cause your Common coleus to need water on a more frequent basis as well. if you planted it outside. When that is the case, it’s likely you won’t need to water your Common coleus very much at all. If you receive rainfall on a regular basis, that may be enough to keep your plant alive. Alternatively, those who grow this plant inside will need to water it more often, as allowing rainwater to soak the soil will not be an option.

Fertilizer

Common coleus does not require fertilizer, but fertilizer rich in nitrogen can keep the foliage looking bright and healthy. If your common coleus is an outdoor plant, organic fertilizer or liquid water-soluble fertilizer would be ideal. If it is an indoor plant, slow-release fertilizer is advised.

Common coleus is a lovely foliage plant that grows throughout hardiness zones 10, 11, and 12. However, many gardeners choose to grow this plant indoors to enliven their favorite indoor living spaces. While many plants can impress with their blooms, the Common coleus will catch your eye with its unique leaf shapes and textures. However, if you want your Common coleus to live its best life, you need to know how to take care of it. Part of your care routine should include proper fertilization. Below are a few answers to the most important questions about fertilizing a Common coleus.

All plants rely on soil nutrients to facilitate their growth, and the Common coleus is no exception. However, it is not always a guarantee that the soil in which your plants grow will have all of the nutrients required. Fertilization and soil amendments help ensure that the plants in your garden not only have the basic nutrients they need but also that they get the nutrients that are specifically necessary to them. Common coleus needs fertilizer to ensure that its roots and stems continue to develop in a healthy way throughout the growing season. Fertilization will also help a Common coleus a set of leaves that looks fantastic, which is especially important for this plant since its foliage is its main point of ornamental appeal.

A Common coleus will need the greatest amount of fertilizer during the seasons in which it is actively growing. This active growth phase typically spans most of the months that make up spring, summer, and early fall. Once winter ends, you should plan to feed your Common coleus about once every two to four weeks. Continue feeding at this rate until the fall months arrive. Once fall arrives, you can reduce your fertilization rate, reducing the amount of fertilizer you give gradually until you cease feedings entirely in anticipation of winter, when the Common coleus will have far less active growth.

The fertilizer for a Common coleus has a specific blend of nutrients, each of which is present in relatively low amounts. An ideal fertilizer will have an N-P-K ratio of 3-1-2. However, a general-purpose fertilizer that has an even blend of nutrients can work well in some cases. Still, even when using a balanced fertilizer, the ratio number representing the volume of each nutrient should be at 10 or lower. The fertilizer you use can be either granular or liquid based. If you choose to use a liquid-based fertilizer, it is often best to dilute the strength by half. While there is not much downside to granular fertilizer, it is often most sensible to use liquid fertilizer, especially if you feed your Common coleus while you supply water.

The fertilizer that you purchase for your Common coleus will likely come with application instructions that you should follow in most cases. However, for a Common coleus, you should always fertilize just before or while you are watering the soil, as this will prevent the fertilizer from burning the plant's roots. If you use a slow-release granular fertilizer, you should sprinkle it on the soil and then provide water immediately after. If you use a liquid-based fertilizer, you should dilute it with water, apply it to the soil, then supply a bit more water. Diluting your fertilizer by at least half is especially important in spring and fall when the plant's growth is ramping up and decelerating, respectively.

Since it is advisable to fertilize your Common coleus every few weeks throughout the growing season, overfertilization is not often an issue. However, it remains possible for this to occur. If you overfertilize your Common coleus, you may notice accumulations of excess fertilizer on the soil’s surface and foliage discoloration. Fertilizer burn is the most common issue you should worry about when feeding a Common coleus. This issue occurs when you overfertilize, fail to dilute your fertilizer, or when don’t water during and after fertilization. In any of those cases, the fertilizer can draw moisture out of your plant’s roots, causing it to dry out. Often, fertilizer burn will manifest with browning and yellowing of this plant’s leaves.

Throughout most of the year, including spring, summer, and most of the fall, you should continue feeding your Common coleus regularly. The only exception to this is if you notice that your Common coleus has received too much fertilizer or if you have managed to fertilize your Common coleus incorrectly, causing fertilizer burn or some other issue that you'll need to remedy before returning to a regular feeding schedule.

The only time of year when you should not fertilize a Common coleus is during winter. If you grow this plant indoors in an area where the winters are cold, it will enter a dormant phase during the winter. Feeding this plant during its dormant phase is not only unnecessary and unhelpful to this plant's growth, but it is also very likely to cause fertilizer burn.

Why do I need to fertilize my Common coleus?

Common coleus needs fertilizer to ensure that its roots and stems continue to develop in a healthy way throughout the growing season. Fertilization will also help a Common coleus a set of leaves that looks fantastic, which is especially important for this plant since its foliage is its main point of ornamental appeal.

When is the best time to fertilize my Common coleus?

Once winter ends, you should plan to feed your Common coleus about once every two to four weeks. Continue feeding at this rate until the fall months arrive. Once fall arrives, you can reduce your fertilization rate, reducing the amount of fertilizer you give gradually until you cease feedings entirely in anticipation of winter, when the Common coleus will have far less active growth.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Common coleus?

What type of fertilizer does my Common coleus need?

The fertilizer you use can be either granular or liquid based. If you choose to use a liquid-based fertilizer, it is often best to dilute the strength by half. While there is not much downside to granular fertilizer, it is often most sensible to use liquid fertilizer, especially if you feed your Common coleus while you supply water.

How do I fertilize my Common coleus?

If you use a slow-release granular fertilizer, you should sprinkle it on the soil and then provide water immediately after. If you use a liquid-based fertilizer, you should dilute it with water, apply it to the soil, then supply a bit more water. Diluting your fertilizer by at least half is especially important in spring and fall when the plant's growth is ramping up and decelerating, respectively.

What happens if I fertilize my Common coleus too much?

Fertilizer burn is the most common issue you should worry about when feeding a Common coleus. This issue occurs when you overfertilize, fail to dilute your fertilizer, or when don’t water during and after fertilization. In any of those cases, the fertilizer can draw moisture out of your plant’s roots, causing it to dry out. Often, fertilizer burn will manifest with browning and yellowing of this plant’s leaves.

Sunlight

Common coleus prefers bright but indirect sunlight. A place where there is partial shade is ideal for the plant to grow. The plant losing leaves is an indication that there is too little sunlight, or it is too cold. If common coleus is planted indoors, avoid placing it in a place with too much sunlight in summer to prevent it from being burned. In winter, a place with sufficient sunlight is suitable.

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What type of sunlight does Common coleus need?

Common coleus typically needs full, indirect sunlight in order to thrive indoors. This means that the plant should be exposed to bright sunlight that doesn’t hit it directly from a window or another light source, like a grow light. You can easily protect it from direct sunlight by placing a sheer curtain between your Common coleus and the window, or by placing it behind a part of the window with a dark screen.

How can I avoid damaging new Common coleus with sunlight?

If this is your first time bringing your Common coleus home, then it might be a good idea to try to ease it into the sunlight it needs, rather than place it in bright, indirect light right away. Over the course of two weeks or so, you can slowly move your plant into the sunlight to avoid shock or burning of the leaves from sudden intense light exposure. By easing it into the light, your Common coleus is much more likely to adapt to your home environment well.

How can I tell if Common coleus is getting too much light?

Common coleus is one that can easily sunburn with too much sunlight. In the wild, these plants only receive mild, dappled light, filtered down from tree canopies. While they need more light than that to grow in our homes, too much can certainly cause issues. If your Common coleus is getting too much light, you’ll notice that the foliage begins to look bleached or washed out, the tips of leaves may turn yellow or brown and crispy, and it may even grow too quickly to support itself.

What should I do if my Common coleus gets light damage?

Sunburn for plants is much less severe than sunburn for people. While it may look unsightly, crispy, burnt leaves can be removed if they’re too far damaged to recover, or over half of the leaf is damaged. However, you can also try trimming back the leaves just to remove any sunburn damage in an effort to save them, if there’s not too much discoloration. Move your Common coleus away from its light source to avoid future light damage.

Does Common coleus need different light during different growth stages?

While some plants may be ready to face the sweltering sun straight out of the ground, Common coleus needs some time to build itself up enough to tolerate bright light. Propagated cuttings should receive only moderate indirect light, while new leaves during the growing season should be shielded a bit as well. The tender new leaves are more prone to sunburn than any other part of the plant.

How can I tell if Common coleus isn’t getting enough light?

Fortunately, plants can communicate in their own language to convey whether they have adequate sunlight or not. Like most plants, your Common coleus will tell you if it isn’t getting enough sunlight. The most visible sign is when your plant becomes particularly dark, or there is no new growth on the plant from one season to the next. You’ll also notice that leaves that do grow in may remain smaller than others, since there isn’t enough light to photosynthesize to support large new leaves.

How much sunlight should Common coleus get each day?

Depending on how bright the sunlight is that your Common coleus gets, the number of hours in a day may vary. If you have your plant in bright, indirect light, then there’s no need to try to restrict or increase the amount of time your plant gets this light each day. However, if light is less bright or further away from your Common coleus, then you can try to aim for at least eight hours of full light per day.

Pruning

A healthy common coleus grows reasonably quickly and can reach up to 1 m tall. Because of this, regular pruning will keep it looking bushy and full. The plant growing too quickly could be an indication that it has received too much sunlight, so move it to a more shaded site to slow down its growth. To encourage denser foliage, pinch the shoots when common coleus gets too tall. You can remove the main stems of the plant to promote branching.

Is pruning necessary for my Common coleus?

It is helpful to lightly prune this plant periodically during the spring and summer. When performing this light pruning, you should search for leaves that have wilted, become discolored, show signs of disease, or have died completely. Remove dead or damaged leaves by cutting their petioles, or trimming off stems that have died. This will increase the light and ventilation of the plant and help it to grow. Some gardeners also choose to remove the flower buds of the Common coleus. However, removing flower buds before they open is a strictly aesthetic decision that will emphasize the beauty of this plant’s showy leaves.

When should I prune my Common coleus?

You can prune your Common coleus any time you notice dead, diseased, or damaged leaves during the growing season. Once you notice such a leave, locate an unwanted leaf, then follow its stem all the way to the bottom of petiole. Removing dead stems will increase the light and ventilation of the plant and help it to grow. you can cut its stem just above the soil’s surface to remove it. Such pruning can take place as needed during spring and summer. Also, this plant can bloom any time between spring and fall, and some gardeners choose to remove flower buds before they have a chance to open. Removing unopened flower buds allows this plant to focus most of its growing energy on its beautiful leaves. However, pruning in this manner does not necessarily influence the plant’s overall health.

How do I prune my Common coleus?

Pruning the Common coleus is as easy as waiting until you notice dead or damaged leaves on your plant. When you recognize these leaves, equip yourself with a pair of sharp and sterile hand pruning shears. Hand pruning shears will work best as larger tools like loppers will not be well suited to the precise cuts you need to make. Once you have a proper set of pruning tools, locate an unwanted leaf, then follow its stem all the way to the bottom of petiole. Removing dead stems will increase the light and ventilation of the plant and help it to grow. Cut the stem just above where it exits the soil to remove it entirely. If you wish to stop this plant from flowering, you can use the same pruning shears to remove any buds before they open. Finally, you may prefer to just trim off dead or damaged portions of the plant, including deadheading spent flowers, to keep it looking its best. This can be done at any time of year. Diseased or damaged stems should be cut right at the soil line and removed completely. Blooms should be cut off just below the flower head.

What should I do after pruning my Common coleus?

Since pruning for the Common coleus should take place periodically throughout the season, what you do after pruning can vary. For instance, if you prune to remove selected leaves and stems from your Common coleus, you won’t need to do anything except continue your regular maintenance routine. At times, you may choose to remove healthier leaves and include them in a display of cut flowers and foliage. However, there is no crucial maintenance task to perform for this plant after typical pruning. The only thing to note is that when watering after pruning, you need to be careful not to touch the wound to prevent fungus from infecting the plant through the fresh wound. Placing Common coleus in a well-ventilated location will also help the wounds to dry out and heal in time. The timely replenishment of Common coleus after pruning will help the Common coleus to recover as soon as possible.

Are there any important tips when pruning my Common coleus?

For your major pruning, use sharp pruning sheers that will make clean cuts to avoid damaging your plants. As you are pruning your Common coleus, step back occasionally to check the appearance of the plant to make sure it has the shape you want and that you are pruning it symmetrically. If the overall growth of the plant is weak, the flowers need to be pruned back in time for flowering to be able to save nutrients for leaf growth and allow the plant to grow more vigorously.

Advanced Care Guide

Temperature

Common coleus is a tropical plant native to warmer climates such as Central Africa and parts of Asia that struggles to survive in winter conditions. Temperatures below 10 ℃ will prevent its growth. If the temperature drops below 7 ℃, it will die. Common coleus thrives in temperatures between 21 to 37 ℃. 23 ℃ in the daytime is the best for its growth and foliage colors.

What is the optimal temperature for Common coleus?

For this tropical plant to thrive, you’ll want to keep them between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃). Each species can handle temperatures outside of this range, but keeping it within several degrees of these limits will ensure they grow to their maximum potential.

As for its extreme temperature limits, any environment below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) will begin to hinder its growth and cause various aberrations to its leaves and stems. This is especially true with low temperatures; even a light frost can cause your tropical plants to perish. Cellular death can begin to happen at a rapid pace, with some species dying in as little as 12 to 24 hours.

Does Common coleus require different temperatures for different growing phases?

While Common coleus doesn’t require any changes in temperature to enter different growing phases, it is important to stay consistent. Wild temperature fluctuations can slow down its growth regardless of its current phase, so it's always better to keep them in a controlled environment. That optimal temperature range of 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃) is vital to maintain, especially staying above the lower limit. Going above 90℉(32℃) isn’t ideal, but as tropical plant it won’t suffer too much. On the other hand, going below 50℉ (10℃) (and especially 40℉/5℃) will begin to directly damage this heat-loving plant species.

Does Common coleus need different temperatures for different seasons?

Common coleus does not need different temperatures for different growing seasons. The most important step in seasonal care is to keep the environment within the optimal temperature range. That's why it's always best to keep this plant indoors. That way, you can control the temperature no matter what the climate is like outside.

Light is also important for tropical species, with all of these plants preferring a partial side level of sun exposure. This means any light they receive needs to be dappled or filtered, with bright but indirect light being the best option when growing your plants indoors. Too much direct sunlight can negatively affect your plant’s leaves, reducing its growth potential.

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Common coleus healthy?

Tip #1: Don’t Leave Your Plant Near Windows in Colder Months

If you want to make sure your plant isn’t exposed to colder temperatures, you may want to keep them away from windows. In colder months like late fall and winter, even the smallest draft can leak cold air into your home through cracks in your windows. While this air usually dissipates and warms up as it travels throughout your home, any plants placed in close proximity to the window will be affected. Move your tropical plants into an area where they will still get bright but indirect light, while making sure they won’t be affected by potential drafts.

Tip #2: If You Find Dry Patches, Your Plant May Be Getting Too Much Sunlight or Heat

You may notice the leaves become white or even scorched on a sunny day. These discolorations and unusual markings usually indicate that a plant is getting too much heat or sunlight, and it may be dehydrated. Excess light and heat will dry out the soil, stopping plants from getting the moisture they need to support their cellular structure. It also slows down or stops the process of photosynthesis, further hindering growth. If ignored for too long, these dry spots can spread and eventually result in the death of your plants.

Tip #3: Avoid Frost at All Costs

Colder temperatures and frost can damage your plants by causing ice crystals or disrupt normal physiological activity. This makes it nearly impossible for water to move freely throughout plant tissue, creating a deficit of moisture in their stems and leaves. You can tell a plant has been damaged by frost if it begins to suffer from hydrosis (it will appear as though it's soaked with water.) If the problem persists, your plants may begin shriveling and turning a dark brown or black hue. After that, the plant will almost certainly die.

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Common coleus?

The best way to maintain the right temperature range for Common coleus is by keeping an eye on both the climate and humidity. You’ll want to try to keep each species in a room where you have access to climate control, keeping the heat in the temperature range best mimics its natural habitat. The humidity levels will also have a direct effect on temperature, so it's important to monitor these as well. You can artificially raise the humidity of your growing space by using a humidifier or lightly misting the leaves with water.

If you intend to grow this species outside, you may find it difficult to maintain the right balance of temperature and humidity. If temperatures begin to drop or the air becomes too dry, your best option is to find room within your home and move your plant inside. An indoor growing space will allow you to control the climate more closely, helping your plant reach its full potential.

Soil

The optimum soil for common coleus should be high quality, fertile and well-draining with a pH range between 6-7 (slightly acidic). The plant is not resistant to drought, so the soil should be moist at all times. Prevent the soil from being waterlogged or cold to avoid root rot. If common coleus is planted in a container, to keep the soil moist, ensure that the pot is not too porous.

Propagation

Planting

Common coleus can be propagated by seeds and cuttings. To grow from cuttings, gather healthy plants in spring or summer with ideally 10 cm stems and two pairs of leaves. Remove the bottom pair of leaves, and only keep the top pair. plant in loose soil and water the cuttings promptly. They need a temperature of 18 to 20 ℃ to grow roots in just a few days.

The active growing season during the spring and summer is the best time to propagate Common coleus. During this period, the plants are generating a lot of energy for new growth and should have plenty of stems that can be used for propagation. They can also recover from having cuttings taken during this season than during the slower autumn and winter seasons. What you will need for breeding:

Sharp scissors or knife
Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol to clean tools
Pot(s) or nursery tray with drainage holes
All-purpose potting mix or seed starting mix
Clear plastic bag or a humidity dome for covering cuttings
Rooting hormone (optional but recommended)

Steps: Step 1: Prepare containers by filling them with moistened planting material leaving about half an inch of space from the top of the container. Step 2: Choose healthy parts for propagation. The cutting needs to have at least one leaf but should not have any flowers. Using your sterilized scissors, cut through the stem just below a leaf joint, because the root system usually grows from the there. The length of the cutting should not be too long, for once the cutting takes root, it has actually become an individual plant. No body wants a plant to grow long and thin from the beginning. Be sure to make a clean cut, and don’t crush the stem as that can leave the plant vulnerable to infection. Sterilize cutting tools between plants if you are taking multiple cuttings. Step 3: Pinch off the lower leaves on the cutting until there are just the top 4 to 6 leaves remaining. Dip the bottom end of the cutting into rooting powder (if using) according to the directions. Step 4: Make a hole in the soil for each cutting, and place the cutting inside so that the soil line is at the lower leaves. Press soil around the cutting, then repeat until all cuttings are planted and then water thoroughly. Step 5: Cover the container with the humidity dome or a clear plastic bag. Place it in a location where the cuttings can get light but no direct sunlight, as this can be too intense for cuttings. Water occasionally and do not let the Common coleus dry out. If there is too much humidity, remove the cover periodically to allow some evaporation.

Most species will begin to produce roots in about 3 weeks, After rooting, the plant will gradually grow new leaves, at which time you can start to harden off the Common coleus. Hardening off involves gradually exposing the Common coleus to more sunlight and removing the cover so that they have time to adjust before being moved permanently outside. Hardening off should usually take about 1 to 2 weeks depending on the outdoor conditions and the type of Common coleus. After this period, Common coleus can be planted in containers or directly in the ground.

Typically, it is best to plant common coleus outdoors in late spring, when temperatures are above 10 ℃. Ensure the size of the planting hole is roughly double the root ball size. Once you have lightly pressed the soil after planting, water the plant. If you plant common coleus in a container, make regular checks whether it needs a larger pot. White roots on the edge of the root ball generally indicate that the plant needs to be repotted.

Transplanting

Potting Suggestions

The ideal season for transplanting common coleus is mid to late spring or mid to late fall, as these periods offer moderate temperatures for optimal growth. When transplanting, choose a location with bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. Provide ample space for growth and consider adding compost for added nutrients.

Needs excellent drainage in pots.

More About How-Tos

Water

Every week

Common coleus originates from environments with diverse moisture levels. Water when the soil feels dry to touch. Overwatering can be harmful, so only water when necessary.

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Lighting

Partial sun

Common coleus flourishes best with a fair amount of sun daily, though it can withstand exposure to intense sunlight. Originating from habitats offering moderate daylight, common coleus weathers excessive light showers well but inadequate sun can lead to weak growth.

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Temperature

10 to 35 ℃

The common coleus is native to warm and tropical regions, with temperature preferences ranging from 68 to 100 ℉ (20 to 38 ℃). During the cooler months, adjust the temperature to not fall below 60 ℉ (15.5 ℃) to avoid damage to the plant. In warmer seasons, consider providing some shade to protect the plant from excessive heat.

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Transplant spacing

1-3 feet

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Seasonal Care Tips

Seasonal Precautions

Common coleus it not resistant to cold in winter. Bring it inside in fall by digging it up and transplanting it in a large pot indoors until the spring of the following year comes.

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Tropical herbs like your plant are easy to care for throughout the year but require a little extra attention in the spring.

Spring is the ideal time to repot root-bound plants and propagate new ones by cutting off some of the trailing vines.

Water once every week or so when the soil is drying out and fertilize with balanced, all-purpose plant food.

Ensure the plant is receiving enough sunlight but be careful to not burn the leaves.

Spring is also a good time for propagation. Carefully remove a green stem and place it in water. When roots appear, transplant the cutting to a container.

Your plant and other tropical herbs may require more frequent watering in the summer.

Check the soil weekly to see if it is drying out.

Continue feeding the plant monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer.

Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and keep the plant out of direct sunlight to avoid burning the foliage.

Check the plant and surrounding area for pests. Gardeners also want to check the leaves and stem for any signs of disease.

New growth can be removed from the parent plant for propagation. Place the cutting in water and replant when roots appear.

As your plant continues growing through the fall, continue your care of this plant.

Fertilize it on a monthly basis with an all-purpose fertilizer

Make sure the soil is kept moist through regular watering, giving the plant water whenever the soil becomes dry.

You can take cuttings and propagate more plants during this season as well, repotting fresh-cut stems and letting them grow.

Give your plant plenty of indirect light, which will continue to encourage growth throughout the season.

However, you must watch out for pests and other diseases, as with all other seasons of growth.

This plant needs only minimal care during these cold winter months.

At this time, provide less water and reduce or stop fertilization.

The plant will require no extra pruning, but will require strong indirect sunlight, so ensure it’s placed in an ideal location to keep the plant thriving and ready for spring.

It's best to ensure the plant isn't exposed to freezing temperatures and kept in warm indoor rooms. Otherwise, you can leave this plant alone until the weather warms up and the plant awakens.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Common coleus based on 10 million real cases

Underwatering

Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.

Solutions: The easiest (and most obvious) way to address underwatering is to fully hydrate the plant. However, this must be done carefully. A common mistake that many gardeners make is to douse their underwatered plants with water. This can overwhelm the roots of the plant and shock its system, something that can be even more damaging than the lack of water to begin with. Instead, water thoroughly and slowly, taking breaks to let the water slowly saturate through the soil to get to the roots. Use room temperature water, as cold water might be too much of a shock. In the future, shorten the time between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil around each plant daily. If it’s dry to at least two inches down, it’s time to water. If a container plant is repeatedly drying out very quickly, repotting into a slower-draining container might be a good idea, too.

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.

Leaf rot

This pathogen can cause the leaves to rot.

Solutions: Bacterial infections need to be treated quickly to prevent the spread to neighboring, healthy plants, potentially wiping out large sections of your indoor or outdoor garden. In mild cases: Use sterilized (10% bleach solution) pruning shears or scissors to remove any infected plant parts, making sure to dispose of them off site. Use a copper-based bactericide to treat the unaffected foliage, as well as the soil, and neighboring plants. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label. In severe cases, where more than half the leaves are affected: Remove all of the infected plants from the garden, disposing of them off site. Treat the soil and neighboring plants using a copper-based bactericide. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label.

Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Toxicity

Toxic to Dogs

Exposure to the common coleus could cause anything from a mild to a life-threatening reaction in dogs. The essential oil, present in all parts of the plant, is absorbed through the skin and typically causes mild skin irritation if a dog comes into contact with it. Because these oils are absorbed so quickly, eating any part of the common coleus can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs.

More About Common Coleus

Plant Type

Herb

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual

Spread

8 to 13 mm

Bloom Time

Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Flower Color

Blue

White

Purple

Green

Leaf Color

Green

White

Red

Gold

Flower Size

8 to 10 mm

Plant Height

60 to 100 cm

Name story

Common coleus

Coleus scutellarioides is also called Plectranthus amboinicus. As any plants that is associated with the similar genus has colorful leaves especially Coleus scutellarioides, the genus name, Coleus is then inserted into their common names. Furthermore, the plant is the most popular among the Coleus genus. Therefore, this plant is also called common Coleus.

Usages

Environmental Protection Value

It can purify air and absorb toxic substances.

Garden Use

Common coleus is a herbaceous perennial commonly found in tropical gardens. It is prized for its attractive bi-color leaves and year-round interest. Its bushy appearance makes it suitable for ornamental fencing. It is also appropriate for borders and beds. Common coleus is essential for tropical-themed gardens. Suggested companion plants include Black-Eyed Susan or Dahlia for color contrast.

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Common Problems

Why are the leaves of my common coleus looking dull?

Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to have dull colors. Move your plant to a shaded area and keep the soil moist, before long your leaves should look bright and healthy again.

Why are the leaves of my common coleus white?

The symptom of white leaves indicates that the soil has lacked fertilizer. Add fertilizer rich in nitrogen to help your leaves regain their color.

Why are there small white balls on my leaves?

It is a symptom that your plant has mealybugs infestation. Wash the leaves in lukewarm water until the small white disappear. To prevent this in the future, water common coleus enough and consider using a fertilizer.

Caring for a New Plant

The following pictures and instructions for tropical plant are aimed to help your plants adapt and thrive in a new environment.

Picking a Healthy Tropical Plant

Check Its Health

Whole Plant

Symmetrical crown, evenly distributed branches, full and compact shape, no excessive growth, close internodes, and uniform leaf size.

Branches

The branches are not withered, and the trunk is free of boreholes or damage.

Leaves

Check the inside of the plant, shaded and overlapping areas, back of leaves. Even colour, no yellowing, no brown spots, no crawling insects, no cobwebs, no deformities, no wilting.

Stems

No mold, browning or soft rot at the base of the plant.

Health Troubleshooting

Whole Plant

1 Asymmetrical crown or missing, uneven branching: prune the weak and slender branches of the larger portion of the asymmetrical crown, then trim the overgrown larger branches.

2 Internodes are longer in the upper part, leaves are sparse and smaller on top: increase light intensity or duration.

Branches

1 Dry branches: check if the branch is still alive by peeling back a small section of bark and trim away any dry branches. Watch out for signs of insect infestation inside the branch.

2 Bark with holes: inject insecticide into the holes and apply systemic insecticide to the roots.

3 Damaged bark: brush on a wound-healing agent, and avoid getting it wet.

Stems

Mildew, browning, or soft rot at the base: place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment and water with fungicide.

Leaves

1 Uneven leaf color and yellowing: prune yellow leaves and check if there are signs of rot at the base of the plant. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

2 Brown spots or small yellow spots: place the plant in a ventilated area and avoid watering the leaves. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

3 Tiny crawling insects on the back of leaves or spider webs between leaves: increase light exposure and spray with insecticide for severe cases.

4 Deformations or missing parts on leaves: determine if it's physical damage or pest infestation. Linear or tearing damage is physical, while the rest are pests. Spray with insecticide.

5 Wilting leaves: provide partial shade and avoid excessive sun exposure. Remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the leaves for severe cases.

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Check Its Growing Conditions

Soil Check

Soil should smell fresh like after a rain and no musty odor.

Light Check

Check the light requirement of the plant and if it match with planting location.

Ventilation Check

Ensure good ventilation.

Temperature Check

Check if the current outdoor temperature is too low or too high.

Condition Troubleshooting

Soil

Potting mix soil, Peat moss mix soil

Soil smells musty or foul: check the root system for decay, place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment, and water with fungicide.

Suitable Light

Partial sun, Full shade

Insufficient light: Indoor plants can handle reduced light but not full shade. Periodically moving the plant to a sunnier spot can help compensate for nutrient depletion in dim conditions.

Transplant recovery: Shade, place in bright diffused light. Gradually increase light after 3 days without wilting. If transplanted/repotted or lost leaves, shade for a week. Increase light if yellowing and leaf drop occur.

Ideal Temperature

10 to 35 ℃

Temperature is too low or too high: Indoors usually meets plant needs. Don't place outside below 50℉ (10℃) or above 86℉ (30℃).

Ventilation

Well Ventilated

Non-ventilated environment: can lead to root rot, diseases, and flower drop. Place plants in a well-ventilated location, such as a window.

Adapting Your New Tropical Plant

Step 1

Repotting

Transplanting is possible but not necessary. Clean the roots by removing any rotten or blackened roots. Be careful when removing the plant from its pot to keep the root system intact and avoid spreading the soil. If the roots are too tangled, gently spread them out and trim as needed. For planting, mix a small amount of well-rotted organic fertilizer into the bottom of the soil. Use loose and airy floral soil for planting and press the soil down slightly after planting. Water the soil promptly and thoroughly after planting.

Step 2

Pruning

Not usually needed. Cut off yellow or diseased leaves and crowded leaves that appear wilted or falling.

Step 3

Watering

Increase watering in the first week to keep soil moist. Water when soil is slightly dry, for at least 2 weeks. Avoid over-watering. Do not water when there is water on your fingers after touching the soil.

Step 4

Fertilizing

Add a small amount of base fertilizer during transplanting or repotting. No other fertilizer needed for the first month.

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Common Coleus

Repotting

Clean roots, avoid soil spreading, use organic fertilizer, plant in loose soil, water thoroughly.

Pruning

Cut off yellow or diseased leaves and crowded leaves that appear wilted or falling.

Watering

Water new plants more often for 2 weeks. Avoid over/under watering by checking the soil.

Fertilizing

Add base fertilizer during transplanting. No other fertilizer is needed for the first month.

Sunlight

Regular sun exposure for indoor plants. Shade after transplanting/repotting, then gradually increase light if there is no wilting. Increase light if yellowing and leaf drop occur.

Save and print our adaptation tips card for quick and easy reference.

Download

Common Coleus

Repotting

Clean roots, avoid soil spreading, use organic fertilizer, plant in loose soil, water thoroughly.

Pruning

Cut off yellow or diseased leaves and crowded leaves that appear wilted or falling.

Watering

Water new plants more often for 2 weeks. Avoid over/under watering by checking the soil.

Fertilizing

Add base fertilizer during transplanting. No other fertilizer is needed for the first month.

Sunlight

Regular sun exposure for indoor plants. Shade after transplanting/repotting, then gradually increase light if there is no wilting. Increase light if yellowing and leaf drop occur.

Plants with Same Care Needs

Tree of heaven

While the tree of heaven has a lovely name, it has a bad reputation in many areas of the US. Several states consider it an invasive species because of its aggressive growth, rapid reproduction, and ability to thrive in poor conditions. The root system of this tree routinely damages sidewalks, sewer systems and other structures.

Bloom Time

Late spring

Honey locust

Gleditsia triacanthos is a deciduous tree that is native to the central part of North America. The trunk of the honey locust is covered in thorns that are soft and green when young, but age to be hard and brittle. These thorns are relatively large and can reach up to 20 cm in length.

Bloom Time

Late spring

Lemon balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herbaceous perennial famous for its essential oils and mild scent. Its oils and extracts are widely used in perfume and beauty products, as well as household cleaning products. Lemon balm can be cultivated as an ornamental plant that also attracts honeybees. It has been grown and cultivated by humans since at least the 16th century.

Bloom Time

Late spring

Black-eyed susan

The black-eyed susan is a flowering black and yellow plant with curving leaves. It is culturally important in the Southern U.S., and is often used to attract butterflies to gardens. It long ago spread throughout North America and much of the world. Black-eyed susan is the state flower of Maryland and was important in the history of the University of Southern Mississippi.

Bloom Time

Late spring

Bittersweet

The species known as bittersweet is a semi-woody vine found in forests, marshes, shrublands, and hedgerows. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids (especially the bright red berries), which are extremely poisonous to humans and livestock if ingested. In spite of its toxicity, bittersweet was hung as a talisman in the past to ward off witchcraft.

Bloom Time

Late spring

White clover

White clover (Trifolium repens) is a perennial herb, one of the most cultivated species of clover. It can be found on lawns and grasslands all over the world. White clover is often cultivated as a forage plant and used for green manure in agriculture.

Bloom Time

Late spring

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How to Care for Common Coleus

Symbolism

Beauty, good health, growth, tolerance

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

Basic Care Guide

Water

Never miss a care task again!

Plant care made easier than ever with our tailor-made smart care reminder.

What is the best way to water my Common coleus?

What should I do if I water my Common coleus too much or too little?

How often should I water my Common coleus?

How much water does my Common coleus need?

How should I water my Common coleus at different growth stages?

How should I water my Common coleus through the seasons?

What's the difference between watering my Common coleus indoors and outdoors?

Fertilizer

Why do I need to fertilize my Common coleus?

When is the best time to fertilize my Common coleus?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Common coleus?

What type of fertilizer does my Common coleus need?

How do I fertilize my Common coleus?

What happens if I fertilize my Common coleus too much?

Sunlight

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

What type of sunlight does Common coleus need?

How can I avoid damaging new Common coleus with sunlight?

How can I tell if Common coleus is getting too much light?

What should I do if my Common coleus gets light damage?

Does Common coleus need different light during different growth stages?

How can I tell if Common coleus isn’t getting enough light?

How much sunlight should Common coleus get each day?

Pruning

Is pruning necessary for my Common coleus?

When should I prune my Common coleus?

How do I prune my Common coleus?

What should I do after pruning my Common coleus?

Are there any important tips when pruning my Common coleus?

Advanced Care Guide

Temperature

What is the optimal temperature for Common coleus?

Does Common coleus require different temperatures for different growing phases?

Does Common coleus need different temperatures for different seasons?

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Common coleus healthy?

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Common coleus?

Soil

Propagation

Planting

Sharp scissors or knife
Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol to clean tools
Pot(s) or nursery tray with drainage holes
All-purpose potting mix or seed starting mix
Clear plastic bag or a humidity dome for covering cuttings
Rooting hormone (optional but recommended)

Transplanting

Potting Suggestions

Needs excellent drainage in pots.

More About How-Tos

Seasonal Care Tips

Seasonal Precautions

Common coleus it not resistant to cold in winter. Bring it inside in fall by digging it up and transplanting it in a large pot indoors until the spring of the following year comes.

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Tropical herbs like your plant are easy to care for throughout the year but require a little extra attention in the spring.

Spring is the ideal time to repot root-bound plants and propagate new ones by cutting off some of the trailing vines.

Water once every week or so when the soil is drying out and fertilize with balanced, all-purpose plant food.

Ensure the plant is receiving enough sunlight but be careful to not burn the leaves.

Spring is also a good time for propagation. Carefully remove a green stem and place it in water. When roots appear, transplant the cutting to a container.

Your plant and other tropical herbs may require more frequent watering in the summer.

Check the soil weekly to see if it is drying out.

Continue feeding the plant monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer.

Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and keep the plant out of direct sunlight to avoid burning the foliage.

Check the plant and surrounding area for pests. Gardeners also want to check the leaves and stem for any signs of disease.

New growth can be removed from the parent plant for propagation. Place the cutting in water and replant when roots appear.

As your plant continues growing through the fall, continue your care of this plant.

Fertilize it on a monthly basis with an all-purpose fertilizer

Make sure the soil is kept moist through regular watering, giving the plant water whenever the soil becomes dry.

You can take cuttings and propagate more plants during this season as well, repotting fresh-cut stems and letting them grow.

Give your plant plenty of indirect light, which will continue to encourage growth throughout the season.

However, you must watch out for pests and other diseases, as with all other seasons of growth.

This plant needs only minimal care during these cold winter months.

At this time, provide less water and reduce or stop fertilization.

The plant will require no extra pruning, but will require strong indirect sunlight, so ensure it’s placed in an ideal location to keep the plant thriving and ready for spring.

It's best to ensure the plant isn't exposed to freezing temperatures and kept in warm indoor rooms. Otherwise, you can leave this plant alone until the weather warms up and the plant awakens.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Common coleus based on 10 million real cases

Underwatering

Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.

Learn More

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Learn More

Leaf rot

This pathogen can cause the leaves to rot.

Learn More

Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Learn More

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Toxicity

Toxic to Dogs

* The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

More About Common Coleus

Plant Type

Herb

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual

Spread

8 to 13 mm

Bloom Time

Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Flower Color

Blue

White

Purple

Green

Leaf Color

Green

White

Red

Gold

Flower Size

8 to 10 mm

Plant Height

60 to 100 cm

Name story

Common coleus

Usages

Environmental Protection Value

It can purify air and absorb toxic substances.

Garden Use

View More Info

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Common Problems

Why are the leaves of my common coleus looking dull?

Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to have dull colors. Move your plant to a shaded area and keep the soil moist, before long your leaves should look bright and healthy again.

Why are the leaves of my common coleus white?

The symptom of white leaves indicates that the soil has lacked fertilizer. Add fertilizer rich in nitrogen to help your leaves regain their color.

Why are there small white balls on my leaves?

Caring for a New Plant

The following pictures and instructions for tropical plant are aimed to help your plants adapt and thrive in a new environment.

Picking a Healthy Tropical Plant

Check Its Health

Whole Plant

Symmetrical crown, evenly distributed branches, full and compact shape, no excessive growth, close internodes, and uniform leaf size.

Branches

The branches are not withered, and the trunk is free of boreholes or damage.

Leaves

Check the inside of the plant, shaded and overlapping areas, back of leaves. Even colour, no yellowing, no brown spots, no crawling insects, no cobwebs, no deformities, no wilting.

Stems

No mold, browning or soft rot at the base of the plant.

Health Troubleshooting

Whole Plant

Branches

Stems

Leaves

1 Asymmetrical crown or missing, uneven branching: prune the weak and slender branches of the larger portion of the asymmetrical crown, then trim the overgrown larger branches.

2 Internodes are longer in the upper part, leaves are sparse and smaller on top: increase light intensity or duration.

1 Dry branches: check if the branch is still alive by peeling back a small section of bark and trim away any dry branches. Watch out for signs of insect infestation inside the branch.

2 Bark with holes: inject insecticide into the holes and apply systemic insecticide to the roots.

3 Damaged bark: brush on a wound-healing agent, and avoid getting it wet.

Mildew, browning, or soft rot at the base: place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment and water with fungicide.

1 Uneven leaf color and yellowing: prune yellow leaves and check if there are signs of rot at the base of the plant. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

2 Brown spots or small yellow spots: place the plant in a ventilated area and avoid watering the leaves. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

3 Tiny crawling insects on the back of leaves or spider webs between leaves: increase light exposure and spray with insecticide for severe cases.

4 Deformations or missing parts on leaves: determine if it's physical damage or pest infestation. Linear or tearing damage is physical, while the rest are pests. Spray with insecticide.

5 Wilting leaves: provide partial shade and avoid excessive sun exposure. Remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the leaves for severe cases.

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Check Its Growing Conditions

Soil Check

Soil should smell fresh like after a rain and no musty odor.

Light Check

Check the light requirement of the plant and if it match with planting location.

Ventilation Check

Ensure good ventilation.

Temperature Check

Check if the current outdoor temperature is too low or too high.

Condition Troubleshooting

Soil

Suitable Light

Ideal Temperature

Ventilation

Potting mix soil, Peat moss mix soil

Soil

Soil smells musty or foul: check the root system for decay, place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment, and water with fungicide.

Partial sun, Full shade

Suitable Light

Insufficient light: Indoor plants can handle reduced light but not full shade. Periodically moving the plant to a sunnier spot can help compensate for nutrient depletion in dim conditions.

10 to 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Temperature is too low or too high: Indoors usually meets plant needs. Don't place outside below 50℉ (10℃) or above 86℉ (30℃).

Well Ventilated

Ventilation

Non-ventilated environment: can lead to root rot, diseases, and flower drop. Place plants in a well-ventilated location, such as a window.

Adapting Your New Tropical Plant

Step 1

Repotting

Step 2

Pruning

Not usually needed. Cut off yellow or diseased leaves and crowded leaves that appear wilted or falling.

Step 3

Watering

Step 4

Fertilizing

Add a small amount of base fertilizer during transplanting or repotting. No other fertilizer needed for the first month.

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Plants with Same Care Needs

Tree of heaven

Ailanthus altissima

Honey locust

Gleditsia triacanthos

Indoor

Requirements

Partial sun

Ideal

About 3-6 hours sunlight

Full sun

Tolerance

Above 6 hours sunlight

Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.

Essentials

Preferred

Tolerable

Unsuitable

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Download the App

Artificial lighting

Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.

Important Symptoms

Insufficient light

Common coleus is a versatile plant that thrives in partial sunlight but can tolerate full sunlight in cooler weather. Although symptoms of light deficiency may not be easily noticeable, inadequate light conditions can affect their growth indoors.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Lighter-colored new leaves

Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.

Slower or no new growth

Common coleus enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.

Leggy or sparse growth

The spaces between leaves or stems of your common coleus may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.

Loss of variegation

In less-than-ideal conditions, plants produce more chlorophyll to increase photosynthesis. Some variegated varieties, like common coleus, may experience a reduction in variegation or even completely turn green in their new leaves.

Solutions

1. To optimize plant growth, shift them to increasingly sunnier spots each week until they receive 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, enabling gradual adaptation to changing light conditions.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.

Excessive light

Common coleus thrives with partial sun exposure but is more prone to sunburn. The intense sunlight during summer can cause leaf sunburn, making it important to provide adequate shade and protection.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Chlorosis

Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.

Sunscald

Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.

Leaf Curling

Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.

Wilting

Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.

Leaf Scorching

Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.

Solutions

1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.

Discover care info about seasonal tips, plant diseases, and more?

Indoor

Requirements

Ideal

Tolerable

Unsuitable

Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.

Essentials

Regional wintering strategies

Common coleus is extremely heat-loving, and any cold temperatures can cause harm to it. In the autumn, it is recommended to bring outdoor-grown Common coleus indoors and place it near a bright window, but it should be kept at a certain distance from heaters. Maintaining temperatures above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min} during winter is beneficial for plant growth. Any temperatures approaching {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min} are detrimental to the plant.

Important Symptoms

Low Temperature

Common coleus prefers warm temperatures and is not tolerant of low temperatures. It thrives best when the temperature is above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, the leaves may lighten in color. After frost damage, the color gradually turns brown or black, and symptoms such as wilting and drooping may occur.

Solutions

Trim off the frost-damaged parts. Immediately move indoors to a warm environment for cold protection. Choose a spot near a south-facing window to place the plant, ensuring ample sunlight. Additionally, avoid placing the plant near heaters or air conditioning vents to prevent excessive dryness in the air.

High Temperature

During summer, Common coleus should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the color of the leaves becomes lighter, and the plant becomes more susceptible to sunburn.

Solutions

Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.

Discover care info about seasonal tips, plant diseases, and more?

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How to Care for Common Coleus

Symbolism

Basic Care Guide

Water

Never miss a care task again!

Fertilizer

Fertilizer

Sunlight

Know the light your plants really get.

Pruning

Advanced Care Guide

Temperature

Soil

Propagation

Planting

Propagation

Transplanting

Potting Suggestions

More About How-Tos

Seasonal Care Tips

Seasonal Precautions

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Tropical herbs like your plant are easy to care for throughout the year but require a little extra attention in the spring.

Your plant and other tropical herbs may require more frequent watering in the summer.

As your plant continues growing through the fall, continue your care of this plant.

This plant needs only minimal care during these cold winter months.

Common Pests & Diseases

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

Toxicity

Aloe

Philodendron

Peace Lily

Snake Plant

Daffodil

Hydrangea

Rhododendrons

Rhubarb

Bittersweet Nightshade

Buttercups

Foxgloves

How to Tend to Poisonous Plants

How to Get Rid of Poisonous Plants

Aloe

Philodendron

Peace Lily

Snake Plant

Daffodil

Hydrangea

Rhododendrons

Rhubarb

Bittersweet Nightshade

Buttercups

Foxgloves

How to Tend to Poisonous Plants

How to Get Rid of Poisonous Plants

More About Common Coleus

Name story

Usages

Find your perfect green friends.

Common Problems

Why are the leaves of my common coleus looking dull?

Why are the leaves of my common coleus white?

Why are there small white balls on my leaves?

Caring for a New Plant

Check Its Health

Health Troubleshooting

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

Check Its Growing Conditions

Condition Troubleshooting

Know the light your plants really get.

Plants with Same Care Needs

Botanist in your pocket

App

How to Care for Common Coleus

Symbolism

Basic Care Guide

Water