How to Make a Cutting from Coleus
The coleus is a shade-loving, often variegated plant, grown for its foliage. When choosing a coleus, you'll find a plethora of colors, sizes and habits. Creeping or upright, the coleus enlivens the flowerbed and outdoor containers. Plant different varieties of coleus in a single container for a dazzling display. Bring coleus indoors to over-winter as a houseplant. A member of the mint family, coleus is easy to grow. Make cuttings from outdoor plants to decorate low-light indoor areas. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Take mature cuttings from the healthy coleus plant you wish to propagate. Cuttings should be 3 to 6 inches long. Make the cut below a node. Take cuttings in autumn, before frost occurs. Remove all but top two sets of leaves.
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Apply rooting hormone to cuttings, if desired.
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Plant cuttings in a 6-inch pot of pre-moistened soil. With a pencil, or your finger, poke the appropriate number of holes in the soil. Plant three cuttings to a 6-inch pot for a full, attractive plant in maturity. Use cuttings from different varieties of coleus for an indoor combination container. Gently secure cuttings in the soil.
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Locate planting in a low-light area with warm temperatures and high humidity. Temperatures should be 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If humidity is low, as it often is indoors, cover the cuttings with a plastic bag or mist frequently. Roots develop in 10 days or less. Once upper growth begins, pinch out new, top growth to encourage leaves to develop down the stem for a bushier plant.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced houseplant food. Withhold fertilizer in December, January and February to allow the plant to go dormant.
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Tips & Warnings
Take cuttings from the indoor coleus in early spring to get them started for the outdoor flowerbed. Plant cuttings into the garden when temperatures warm to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and danger of frost has passed.
When taking multiple cuttings, root in plastic take-out trays with drainage holes punched in the bottom. Re-plant in two to three weeks in containers or outdoor beds.
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