How Does
The Coleus
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Coleus, also called Solenostemon, are ornamental plants. Coleus have colorful foliage and usually grow 1 to 3 feet tall. Their flowers are small and often are cut back to benefit foliage growth. These tropical plants grow outdoors as perennials in warm climates. The plants are not winter-hardy and grow as annuals in cold climates. Coleus plants have a great reputation as popular, low-care houseplants. These plants are easy to grow from seed, cuttings or bedding plants. Coleus are available in hundreds of varieties, leaf shapes and plant sizes for season-long color.
Planting
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Sow coleus seeds in well-drained soil and keep them moist until sprouted. Once spouted, coleus leaves begin to show color in two weeks. They grow into a bushy leaf plant with leaves in green, yellow, maroon, and other colors. Coleus grows easily from cuttings. A cutting stuck into a glass of water or damp lightweight potting soil will root in 2 to 4 weeks. When new leaves show, it can be planted in a larger pot or the garden. Garden center bedding plants offer the showiest display of foliage in a short time. These plants are ready for direct garden or indoor planting.
Landscape Uses
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Coleus grow under many conditions. The plants grow best in warm climates and partial shade. The showy foliage is excellent for bare areas around annuals and flowering shrubs. Coleus in moist, well-drained and rich soil will grow as wide as it is tall. The colorful leaves provide contrast to ferns and other dense green foliage. Coleus offers bright coloring to shade spots under trees and along house foundations. It also partners well in gardens, borders or planters with flowering plants such as petunias, verbena and begonias.
Indoor Uses
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Coleus grows indoors as long as the plant has well-drained soil and receives sunlight. The smaller coleus plants are low maintenance, requiring only occasional fertilizer, water and pruning. They are popular for in terrariums, snifter and other glass container gardens. Trailing coleus grows well in sunroom hanging baskets. Upright coleus can be pruned and trained as a small tree shaped ornamental.
Problems
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Coleus needs fertilizer high in nitrogen to produce thick, color-rich growth. The roots should dry out between waterings or the plants become infected with fungus disease. Root rot leads to death of the leaves and plant. Coleus are vulnerable to some pests such as whiteflies, mites and aphids. The aphids also spread fungus that looks like black soot. These pests are controlled with organic and chemical insecticides. Slugs and snails enjoy the shade of the coleus and will quickly infest the plant unless controlled. New coleus hybrids are more disease and insect resistant than traditional plants.
eHow Article: How Does Coleus Grow?
