Coleus is full of beauty and personality. With a diversity of varieties, foliage and incredible colors, it is an easy plant to care for and can be grown both in gardens and indoors. Next, check out tips from the biologist and landscaper Thais Lemos to learn about the species and compose a modern decoration.
What is coleus plant
the coleus, Solenostemon scutellarioides, is an ornamental plant increasingly common in Brazilian gardens. According to Thais Lemos, it has several species and belongs to the family Lamiaceae. Also known as a broken heart, it is much admired for the beauty of its foliage.
Care must be taken as coleus is slightly poisonous. Although it has no toxic sap, the plant should not be consumed. The ideal is to grow it away from pets and children.
5 characteristics of coleus
In addition to beautiful foliage, coleus has some aspects and particularities that make it perfect for decoration. Next, check out 5 striking features of the plant, according to landscaper Thais Lemos:
- Coleus have varied colors in their leaves, with shades of orange, red, wine, green, purple and brown. In addition, the same sheet can be formed by a gradient of different colors, explained the specialist.
- Coleus species can reach 40 to 90 cm in height. The size depends on the variety.
- Coleus is a perennial plant, meaning it has a long life cycle. However, over time, it can lose vitality and the beauty of its leaves. The ideal is to cultivate it annually and carry out the replanting whenever necessary.
- In landscaping, the plant can be used in conjunction with other species to create a colorful effect in ornamentation. It can be combined, for example, with taller green plants. The contrast looks beautiful in the garden.
- Coleus is native to South Asia, but has adapted very well to the tropical climate of Brazil.
All these characteristics make coleus a unique plant. You will surely love to grow it and enjoy all its charm and beauty.
5 types of coleus to have at home
Next, check out the 5 most common types of coleus. The varieties have unique characteristics and aspects that can be used to compose a decoration. Just choose your favorite ornamental plant and bring it to life indoors or outdoors.
1. Coleus Kong
According to the landscaper, Coleus Kong has pink and red leaves with green edges. This variety is known for its fast growth, but is more sensitive to hot weather and sun. The ideal is to grow it in places of partial shade.
2. Coleus Wizard
This variety is the most common in gardens and features an explosion of color combinations. It has shades in pink, wine, red, yellow and green. It is important to keep it in semi-shade environments that receive up to 3 hours of sunlight a day.
3. Coleus Inky Fingers
Coleus Inky Fingers is ideal for those who have less space at home. In addition, it can be planted in hanging pots or in small planters. The variety has smaller leaves in pink, purple, green and red.
4. Coleus Florida Sun Shine
Coleus Florida Sun Shine features bold, exotic colors. If you want a garden full of personality, you can bet on the species. It has colors that vary from pink to wine and also shades closer to black. The plant’s differential lies in its vertical growth.
5. Coleus Black Dragon
Another variety that also draws attention for the strong colors of its leaves. The Coleus Black Dragon is found in shades of purple and black in color. Its differential is the formation of the softest and most velvety foliage, guaranteeing a beautiful effect to the decoration.
With beautiful colors and different shades, coleus guarantees many decorative possibilities. Its varieties allow you to compose a unique decoration full of personality. Next, see the essential care for the plant to grow full of vitality.
how to care for coleus
Coleus is a highly durable and easy-to-grow plant. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the soil, the luminosity and also the ideal places for each species. Here are some tips from landscape artist Thais Lemos:
- Irrigation: the plant likes slightly moist soil, so watering should be frequent. The tip is to perform irrigation whenever the soil is dry, avoiding waterlogging.
- Fertilizing: “organic fertilization of the plant can be carried out every 2 months with earthworm humus, manure or bokashi. Mineral fertilization can be done monthly with NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer”, oriented the specialist.
- ideal soil: does not require many restrictions on the ground. It is only important that it is well drained and with organic matter.
- Brightness: the plant can be grown in partial shade, ensuring at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- Seedlings: the multiplication of coleus occurs by means of cuttings (twigs) and by seeds. In cuttings, the branches of the healthy plant are removed and planted in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. In the first days of planting, the young plant should be watered frequently.
- Pot growing: According to the landscaper, “the coleus can be grown in medium or large pots. Planting should be done with a drainage layer, with stones or expanded clay. The pot should also receive a bidim blanket and a well-drained substrate rich in organic matter”.
With Thais Lemos’ valuable tips, you can’t go wrong when growing the plant. You can grow it in planters, hanging pots and indoors, as long as they have good light.
Tips and trivia about coleus
To make your coleus as beautiful as the arrangements made by experts, below, check out more useful information and curiosities about growing this beautiful foliage.
More tips for growing coleus at home
In this video, gardener Flávia Kremer brings valuable tips for growing coleus. The vlog teaches how to ensure the ideal soil, perfect light and how to perform the correct pruning. It is interesting to watch the video, as the expert talks about how to assemble a charming and beautiful decoration with foliage.
How to make a self-watering pot to grow coleus
Gardener Henrique Buttler teaches how to make a self-watering pot to grow coleus. The technique is ideal for the plant that loves to be kept in moist soil. It is worth checking out the tips, as the gardener also listed other important information for the health of the plant.
What is the ideal substrate for the plant?
Nutrients are essential components for every plant. In this video, check out the ideal substrate for coleus. The gardener shows which soil is most suitable for the healthy growth of this species. In addition, he teaches the step by step to plant the foliage in a pot. It’s worth checking out the vlog and jotting down all the tips!
How to make coleus seedlings
If you want to increase coleus production at home, press play. In the vlog, gardener Cláudia Müller brings the step-by-step guide to making seedlings from cuttings (branches). It is interesting to watch, as the specialist also shows how to ensure healthy growth for the seedling.
With so much information, it was easy to have a coleus at home. The secret is to add dedication and love in the cultivation of the plant, so it will always grow beautiful and happy.
10 beautiful pictures of coleus to inspire your decor
It’s time to take this beautiful plant to your home or garden in a very special way! Next, see a series of 10 inspiring photos of coleus in decor.
1. Coleus brings color and joy to environments
2. Its leaves are a real charm
3. Its varieties allow a unique decoration
4. With modern and very versatile combinations
5. The plant can be grown in hanging pots
6. And they also look beautiful in overalls
7. It is possible to mount a modern decoration
8. And bet on growing indoors
9. As long as it is a well lit environment
10. No doubt you will love the company of a coleus
Did you like the tips? So, now you can bring all the charm, color and beauty of coleus to your home and garden! Take the opportunity to also plant the Red Dracena, as it also has beautiful foliage and is easy to grow.
