The most beautiful foliage plant, its colors rival coral bells, easy to care for and perfect as an accent

Introduction

Potted green plants have become an essential accent in home life. Keeping some flowers and plants at home has many benefits - it beautifies the living space and uplifts the mood. "Flower Voice Potted Plant Diary · Issue 1072" introduces you to a very beautiful foliage plant.

Today's Star

When it comes to foliage plants, many people may first think of coral bells (Heuchera), a plant whose leaf color changes throughout the year and is hailed as "God's palette." Indeed, coral bells are very beautiful, but they lack a touch of brilliance, as their colors are mostly dark tones. The plant introduced today is called coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides). It has a taller stature and richer colors, making it even more beautiful than coral bells.

Coleus

Coleus is a new type of foliage plant that has become popular in recent years. It originates from tropical regions of Asia and is a perennial upright or ascending herb in the Lamiaceae family, genus Coleus. It has numerous varieties, with membranous leaves, usually ovate, highly variable, and available in many colors including yellow, dark red, purple and green. It produces excellent results in landscaping and urban greening and beautification, and has been introduced and cultivated in gardens in many parts of our country.

Attractive plant form

Unlike coral bells, which are low-growing and can only grow in shaded environments, coleus is tall with a compact and attractive form, looking more like a tree than a herb. It prefers a growing environment with ample light - the more light, the more vivid its leaf color. It is not only widely used in landscaping but can also be grown as a household potted plant, displayed as a small foliage flower.

The flowers are beautiful too

Coleus is usually used as a foliage plant, but it does actually bloom, and the flowers are quite beautiful too. It has terminal raceme inflorescences with small light blue or light purple flowers. The flower quantity is abundant, with buds on almost every branch tip. Both flowers and leaves are beautiful - you can enjoy the foliage and the blooms. The flowering period is from July to October each year.

An excellent potted choice

Coleus has strong adaptability, is not particular about soil when potted, and is very easy to care for. It can be propagated by seeding or cuttings. Its drawback is that it is not cold-tolerant, so in northern regions it must be moved indoors for the winter. By comparison, coral bells is more suitable for courtyard cultivation, while coleus is more suitable for indoor potted display, placed on tabletops, coffee tables and other spots. With its vibrant colors, as a new type of ornamental flower, it is still very eye-catching.