Coleus is a heat-tolerant, durable annual that has very few disease or insect problems. These plants, which are native to Malaysia and parts of Asia, can really thrive in your Florida landscape during the summer while providing you with interesting foliage.
How to care for coleus?
Avoid overly damp soils, which can cause leaf drop and encourage disease. Plant coleus after danger of frost has passed when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently and evening temperatures are above 60 degrees F. Feed plants regularly with a water-soluble fertilizer, especially if they are growing in containers.
Do coleus come back every year?
Do coleus come back? Hardy in USDA zones 10-11, coleus is a tender perennial but is most often grown as an annual. Since coleus are sensitive to cooler temperatures, they will only come back the following year in the warmest regions.
How long will a coleus plant live?
The average lifespan of a coleus plant is one year.
It’s not uncommon for indoor plants to live between 3-4 years if they are properly cared for, which means proper watering, sunlight, the right soil, and the right plant food to keep it green, and healthy.
Is coleus a perennial in Florida? – Related Questions
Does coleus need sun or shade?
Some modern coleus varieties handle full sun, but most still flourish with at least dappled shade and direct sun limited to morning hours. Too much sun or intense midday rays leave foliage scorched and faded; too little light causes weak growth. A balance is important for coleus beauty and health.
How do you keep coleus alive indoors?
Keep them out of direct sunlight, which can scorch them, and avoid extreme heat or cold. Water consistently but remember that too much water will encourage rot and mold. There is no need to fertilize annual plants kept indoors over the winter.
Is coleus an indoor or outdoor plant?
It is the perfect plant for the north side of the home or any area that only has indirect light. A little early morning sun will be tolerable but don’t plant coleus in the direct sun. This trait makes coleus an invaluable plant in the outdoor shady garden, but it also makes coleus a great houseplant.
Do you need to deadhead coleus?
The short answer is yes! No one grows coleus for their flowers. We grow them for their beautiful, colorful foliage.
Do coleus need deep pots?
As a minimum, you’ll want a pot that’s eight inches wide and deep for a single plant. If you want to plant more than one, or add some colorful annual flowers, then consider a large planter. Make sure your container has draining holes on the bottom.
How often do you water coleus in pots?
Coleus in containers may need watering twice a day during hot weather. Outdoor containers may require water twice a day. Indoor plants need water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Should you water coleus every day?
How Often To Water Coleus. Newly planted Coleus will need to be watered daily for the first week. Once the plant is established, it may be able to go a few days before watering, depending on the weather and humidity in your area. Coleus has high water needs and generally prefers consistently damp soil.
What does an overwatered coleus look like?
If those plants are overwatered, their variegation starts to fade. Instead of the bright yellow color, you will start to see pale yellow. Other than the discoloration, the overwatered coleus will have wrinkled, curly, and droopy leaves.
What happens if coleus gets too much sun?
Strong sun may cause foliage to look washed out. Coleus are often favored for filtered shade gardens, where their brightly colored leaves will easily brighten areas. In deep shade, the colors will not be as vibrant and plants will tend to have taller and weaker growth. Too little light causes weak spindly growth.
What temperature is too cold for coleus?
The lowest temperature coleus can tolerate is 33°F, but only for very brief periods of time. And that is really too cold for them. Though they can handle a light frost, if it dips below freezing for long, they will die. They prefer temps above 60°F – the hotter the better.
Can I leave coleus outside in winter?
Coleus is very frost-sensitive, so bring the plants inside if cold nights threaten. By mid-May, the plants should be ready for your garden or containers. Cuttings may also be taken from a large, healthy plant in late spring.
Will coleus come back after freeze?
Do Coleus Come Back After a Winter Freeze? The short answer is that coleus are not frost-tolerant plants. While not impossible for them to regrow after a frost, most will likely die if they are exposed to colder temperatures and are hit by frost. They will not survive in areas that get below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Where is the best place to plant coleus?
Plant coleus in a sunny or partly shaded spot, in moist but well-drained soil. Coleus are low growing, so they look best at the front of a border, combined with other bedding plants, or in pot on a patio. If you’re growing coleus as a house plant, grow it in a bright spot that gets a little direct sun.
Will coleus spread?
Height/Spread
Coleus vary from smaller types that will reach only 1 foot tall to tall bushy types of 3 feet. Sprawling types suitable for hanging baskets and wall plantings may spread more than 3 feet wide.