Few foliage plants can compete with coleus for outstanding color and contrasting variety.  While they’re usually grown as annuals outdoors, they adapt well to moderate shade and make terrific houseplants too.  

One great thing about coleus is that, unlike many houseplants, it’s easy to grow from seed.  Spread thinly, cover lightly with soil, keep soil moist.  If the soil temperature is at least 70 degrees, they’ll grow quickly.  Coleus also grows well from cuttings; just snip off a leaf and plant it in moist soil. 

As with many variegated foliage plants, Coleus will lose some of its bright coloration if kept in a location that’s too dim.  It’ll also fade if it gets too much sun, but neither situation should greatly affect the plant’s health unless it’s moved suddenly from a shady room to a sunny patio.  

Coleus can get “leggy” if left to its own devices; pinching off the growing tips occasionally encourages it to grow bushier and fuller.  Plant the tips you pinch off, and you’ll soon have many baby coleus to give away to friends. 

There are hundreds of coleus varieties.  Colors include red, magenta, pink, charteuse, purple, lime green, orange, yellow, in just about any combination.  Leaf forms vary, too.  Some are broad-leaved with slightly serrated edges, and others have distinct “fingers”.  It’s easy to get carried away with collecting coleus varieties.  Mix and match them in a planter for a dramatic effect, or combine with other plants like ferns or sweet potato vines.  Start cuttings indoors for outside planters too – if you keep planting cuttings, you’ll have a never-ending supply. 

Temperature:  50-90 degrees Fahrenheit.  They won’t stand temperatures below 40. 

Light:  Bright indirect sunlight to moderate shade 

Water:  Keep moist at all times – avoid watering with “hard” tap water 

Humidity:  High humidity is preferred – mist leaves occasionally 

Repotting:  Cut back and re-pot each spring, if needed 

Propagation:  Stem cuttings or seeds

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