Coleus

Coleus scutellarioidesAlso known as: Painted Nettle, Flame Nettle

Coleus is a spectacular foliage plant offering an endless variety of color combinations in leaves of pink, red, purple, orange, yellow, and green. Native to Southeast Asia and Australia, it's traditionally grown as an annual but thrives year-round as a houseplant. It grows 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) tall depending on variety.

Easy Care

Bright Indirect Light

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
Bright Indirect Light

Temperature Range
60-85°F (16-29°C)

Ideal Temp
72°F (22°C)

Toxic to Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets, or consider pet-safe alternatives. Symptoms of ingestion may include drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 3-5 days, keep soil evenly moist
Summer	Every 2-3 days, high water needs
Fall	Every 4-5 days
Winter	Every 5-7 days, reduce slightly

Wilts when thirsty but recovers. Never let dry out completely.

Misting Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Weekly
Summer	2-3 times per week
Fall	Weekly
Winter	Weekly

Appreciates humidity but adapts to average conditions.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 2 weeks with balanced liquid fertilizer
Summer	Every 2 weeks
Fall	Monthly
Winter	No fertilizing

Regular feeding promotes vibrant colors and healthy growth.

Pruning

Frequency: Regularly to maintain compact shape

Best Season: Growing season

Pinch growing tips frequently to prevent legginess. Remove flower spikes immediately.

Repotting

Frequency: Annually

Best Season: Spring

Fast grower - may need frequent repotting. Use well-draining potting mix.

Flowering

Season
Summer to fall

Color
Blue or white flower spikes

Flowering diverts energy from foliage. Pinch off flower spikes immediately.

Propagation Methods

Stem cuttings root easily in water - 1-2 weeks
Seed propagation
Very easy to propagate

Common Problems

Leggy growth: Insufficient light or needs pinching
Faded colors: Too little light
Wilting: Underwatering - very thirsty plants
Flowering: Remove immediately to maintain foliage quality

Pro Tips

Bright indirect light intensifies colors
Pinch constantly for bushy, compact growth
Take cuttings before winter as insurance
Hundreds of varieties with different colors and patterns

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