Coleus is a common foliage plant with brightly patterned leaves.

Coleus is a perennial herbaceous plant in the genus Coleus of the mint family (Lamiaceae), often grown as an annual or biennial in cultivation, and is also known as painted nettle, Joseph's coat, and other names. Its most striking feature is its leaves, which come in many color variations including purplish red, yellow-green, and dark brown, often with markings or colored edges; it is highly ornamental overall and is a much-loved foliage plant.

Coleus prefers a warm, humid environment and is not cold-tolerant, so it needs to be moved indoors for warmth when winter temperatures are low. It likes light but cannot tolerate intense direct sun; when light is sufficient, its leaf colors become more vivid, and in summer it should be given appropriate shade. It is not demanding about soil, but loose, fertile, well-drained soil is best.

For routine care, watering can follow the principle of watering when the soil is dry and letting it dry out between waterings, keeping the potting soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, applying light fertilizer frequently can make the branches and leaves grow more lush; pinching off the growing tips during the seedling stage can encourage branching and make the plant's shape fuller. Propagation is mostly done by cuttings: cut healthy branches and insert them into moist sand or water, and they root fairly easily with a high survival rate.

Many people wonder whether coleus can be placed in the bedroom. It is not toxic itself, so placing it in the bedroom does not affect health and can help decorate the room and add greenery, but attention should be paid to ventilation and light, avoiding leaving it in a too-dark corner for a long time. In addition, plants respire at night, so the number placed in the bedroom should not be too many; one pot as an accent is enough.