How to grow coleus hydroponically? Detailed methods and steps

Can coleus be grown hydroponically? Coleus hydroponic methods / timing and temperature are key

As everyone knows, the main role and function of coleus lies in its ornamental value, and what can maximize its ornamental role is undoubtedly hydroponics, because it not only allows you to view the leaves but also to see the growth of the root system. So can coleus be grown hydroponically? The answer is yes. Let's take a look below at the hydroponic methods for coleus.

Can coleus be grown hydroponically

The adaptability and reproductive capacity of coleus are very strong. Botanists have found through research that it can be grown hydroponically, and with the right method the survival rate is very high. Moreover, hydroponic coleus has many advantages, such as simple care, better ornamental value, and so on.

Hydroponic methods for coleus

1. Choose a container

Since coleus grows quite vigorously during its growing period, the container should preferably have a wide mouth. In addition, a translucent container should be chosen so the roots can be seen more clearly and the coleus can also be given enough light. Before hydroponics, the container needs to be disinfected.

2. Select the plant

For coleus used in hydroponics, the plant should preferably be a relatively robust 1-2 year old one. Never choose weak branches, dead branches, or plants with diseased branches for hydroponics. After selecting the plant, remove it from the potting soil and slowly clean off the soil from the roots.

During the cleaning process, be careful to avoid injuring the roots. Cut off weak roots and excess fibrous roots, and also prune the upper branches and leaves. Keep the opposite leaves at 1-2 nodes at the base and set them aside as cuttings. If there are many cuttings, you can tie the cuttings together with string.

3. Planting

Fix the cutting at the mouth of the bottle, and make sure the lower part of the cutting is 5-6 cm below the bottle mouth, then add water to the container so that it just covers the cutting by 3-4 cm, and afterward place it in a ventilated, shady spot.

4. Changing the water and adding nutrient solution

In the hydroponic methods for coleus, changing the water is very important. In the early stage, generally change the water once every 3-4 days, mainly using clean water. While changing the water, be careful to appropriately add nutrient solution to promote rooting of the cuttings. Generally, roots will form in 3-4 weeks, after which you can choose soil culture or continue hydroponics.

Precautions for hydroponic coleus

1. Temperature

During hydroponics, try to keep the temperature at 15-25 degrees, which can make coleus root faster. If the temperature is too low or too high, not only will rooting be difficult, but the survival rate of hydroponics will also be reduced, so hydroponics is often carried out indoors.

2. Timing

Hydroponics is usually chosen in spring or summer. Winter is not suitable for hydroponics, because at this time the temperature is relatively low, coleus usually enters a dormant period, and growth almost stalls. After hydroponics, it is not easy to root, and care is also relatively difficult.

Can coleus be grown hydroponically? Hydroponic cultivation methods for coleus

Coleus is a plant that looks very similar to perilla. I believe many people, like the editor, thought at first glance that coleus was perilla. However, there are still great differences between coleus and perilla. If you don't believe it, take a look with the editor!

Can coleus be grown hydroponically

Of course coleus can be cultivated hydroponically. Moreover, hydroponic coleus is not a very difficult thing. At present, most of the coleus sold in many flower shops is hydroponic.

Hydroponic cultivation methods for coleus

1. Prepare a hydroponic container

For hydroponic coleus, it is best to use a wide-mouthed bottle, or more simply, cut off the upper part of a beverage bottle and fill the lower part with water for later use. Before use, wash the container clean. The water used must be clean in quality; it is best to store tap water from home in a bottle for a day before use. Try not to directly use tap water that has just been drawn.

2. Cut coleus branches

When the main branch of the coleus or a side branch after pinching has 4 nodes or is about 10 cm long, select one with a thick, strong stem, keep only 1 to 2 nodes of opposite leaves at the base, and cut it off. Be careful that the cut is smooth and does not have a wound caused by crushing or tearing.

Then cut off the lowest pair of leaves on the cutting. If many cuttings are selected, you can tie them together with white thread. After tying them, insert them into the prepared bottle.

3. Hydroponic care for coleus

Generally, it is best for the cutting to enter the water 3 cm to 4 cm from the bottle mouth. Afterward, place it in a spot with scattered light, be careful to change the clean water once every 2~3 days, and be careful to replenish the water in the bottle every day to ensure the water level does not drop due to evaporation. At a temperature of generally 18~25°C for coleus, white roots can grow in 7~10 days.

Differences between coleus and perilla

1. Appearance

Coleus is a perennial herbaceous plant, and the shape of the plant is rather unattractive, with little ornamental value.

The branches and stems of the coleus plant are covered with hairs, the stem is four-angled, and the base of the plant is woody;

Leaves: the simple leaves grow oppositely, are ovate, with a very long tip that gradually becomes pointed, and the margins have blunt teeth. The leaf surface is a colorful pattern mixed from green, yellow, peach red, vermilion, and other colors.

Flowers of coleus: terminal racemes, the flowers are very small, and are light blue or light purple.

Perilla is an annual upright herbaceous plant.

Stem of perilla: the stem is green or purple, is obtusely four-angled, has four grooves on it, and is covered with soft hairs;

Leaves of perilla: its leaves grow in a broad ovate or round shape, the tip is short-pointed or abruptly pointed, the base is round or broadly wedge-shaped, and the leaf margins all have coarse serrations. The leaf surface is green or purple, and the leaves are also covered with sparse soft hairs on top and dense soft hairs underneath;

Flowers of perilla: its flowers are verticillasters with 2 flowers, the flowers are covered with fine hairs, and the flowers are relatively large, mostly pinkish white.

2. Growth habits

Coleus is a warmth-loving plant with strong environmental adaptability. In winter, the temperature should be kept no lower than 10°C. During high summer temperatures, be careful to provide a little shade, but ensure sufficient sunlight, as this can make the leaf color vivid. Therefore, this plant is relatively common in southern China.

Perilla is a plant with strong growth adaptability. It is not strict about the soil for growth; as long as it is well-drained sandy loam, it is fine. It is mainly seen growing in places such as in front of and behind houses, beside ditches and field edges. In addition, it can also be planted and cultivated under young fruit tree forests.

Is coleus poisonous

It is not poisonous. If you intend to place it in the bedroom, then you can do so with peace of mind. In addition, not only is it non-toxic, it can actually play a role beneficial to air quality. We all know that placing a pot of green plants in the bedroom can absorb many harmful gases and can also reduce the impact of radiation on the human body, which is very beneficial.

Although coleus is not perilla, it has the same beauty as perilla, so there are currently quite a few people growing coleus. However, everyone must be reminded never to treat coleus as perilla and eat it as an ingredient. Coleus is a plant that, aside from its beauty and its role in beautifying the environment, has nothing else to offer!