How to Grow Coleus? Master the Cultivation Methods and Precautions

Growing coleus not only lets you enjoy its growth process, but also makes good use of its air-purifying function to create a natural oxygen bar in the home. In addition, compared with some other plants that can purify the air, coleus has the advantage of being non-toxic, which is very beneficial for families with pregnant women and children.

How to Grow Coleus

Coleus is a warmth-loving plant with strong adaptability. In winter the temperature should not be lower than 10°C; in summer, when temperatures are high, provide a little shade. It likes ample sunlight, and sufficient light makes the leaf colors vivid. It likes moisture, so in summer water it thoroughly, otherwise it easily wilts. Also spray water on the leaves frequently to maintain a certain air humidity. Apply more phosphorus fertilizer to keep the leaves bright. Avoid applying excessive nitrogen, otherwise the leaves become dull. It requires loose, fertile soil; ordinary garden soil is sufficient.

Coleus Cultivation Methods and Precautions

1. Soil requirements for coleus

Friends who grow flowers all know that the soil plants need for growth must be well-drained, breathable, loose and fertile, and rich in humus.

2. Watering requirements for coleus

Coleus has fairly strict water requirements. During the growing period, keep the potting soil and the environment moist. Avoid drought and prevent waterlogging. The greatest ornamental value of coleus lies in its colorful leaves. Once it is overwatered, the leaves easily dehydrate and lose color, and the root system easily becomes infected and rots.

3. Sunlight requirements for coleus

Light has a great influence on the color of coleus leaves. When sunlight is ample, the leaf color is clearly much more brilliant, but avoid exposure to the scorching sun in midsummer; too strong sunlight makes the leaf surface rough and lose its gloss. Of course, if coleus stays in a shaded environment for a long time, the leaf color will also be dull.

4. Temperature requirements for coleus

Coleus likes a warm, humid environment and requires fairly fresh air. In winter, keep the room temperature at 20-25°C; the minimum overwintering temperature must not be lower than 10°C. If the temperature is too low, the leaves turn yellow and fall off, and below 5°C the plant will gradually die. In other seasons, keep the temperature within a certain range as much as possible and do not let it change suddenly.

5. Fertilization requirements for coleus

Coleus has low fertilizer requirements. When planting, apply sufficient base fertilizer. During the growing period, apply a thin fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen fertilizer 1-2 times a month.

6. Pest control for coleus

Coleus is prone to damping-off disease at the seedling stage, so the soil should be disinfected when planting. During the growing period, leaf spot disease may occur, which can be controlled by spraying a 50% Topsin solution. When coleus is grown indoors at home, it is prone to damage from scale insects, red spider mites and whiteflies; you can choose to spray a 1000-fold omethoate solution.

The Blooming Period of Coleus

Coleus blooms in summer and autumn, with terminal racemes and small light blue or white flowers. It blooms once a year, and the blooming period is about one week. But environments differ from region to region; in some areas it blooms from August to September.

Reasons Why Coleus Leaves Turn Yellow

Coleus leaves turning yellow and withering are caused by improper water, light or nutrients.

1. Improper water

Coleus leaves are large and thin and consume water quickly, so they require a sufficient water supply. If water is lacking, the leaves easily wilt and lose their luster. Of course, an environment that is too dry can also cause the leaves to wilt. Therefore, during the growing season of coleus, especially in summer, watering must be sufficient, and spray water on the leaves and the surroundings frequently to keep the soil moist and increase air humidity.

2. Unsuitable light

Most coleus are purple; under sunlight, the faint purple is very dazzling. But if the light is too strong, the leaves will be scorched, causing trouble for the plant. If the plant stays in shade for a long time and lacks light, the leaves cannot carry out photosynthesis to accumulate nutrients, and the leaves will also turn yellow.

3. Improper fertilization

An important reason for coleus leaves turning yellow is over-fertilization. If too much fertilizer is applied at one time, or raw fertilizer is applied, the roots will be scorched, hindering the transport of nutrients, and the leaves will turn yellow.

There is nothing too special about the process of growing coleus. Just like coleus itself, there is not much that stands out, but it is exactly this kind of plain, unadorned plant that can bring us certain benefits, which is why it keeps reproducing endlessly and coexists with humans.