What are the cultivation methods and precautions of coleus

Coleus Introduction

Coleus is a plant of the Lamiaceae family. It has purple stems, membranous, oval leaves with many colors, including yellow, dark red, purple and green. The flowers are dense, the bracts are broadly oval, the calyx is bell-shaped, and the nutlets are brown and shiny. It can be propagated by cuttings and sowing.

How to grow coleus

The soil for coleus should preferably be a loose, breathable, nutrient-rich mixed soil. It is suitable for growing in an environment of 18-25 degrees. It should be exposed to sunlight, provide shade in summer, and keep warm in winter. The temperature should be maintained above 10 degrees. Watering should be done to keep the soil moist. During the peak growth period, apply diluted fertilizer once a month to supplement the nutrition for coleus.

Watering method

Coleus likes a humid environment, and the potting soil should always be kept moist. If the air is dry, it needs an appropriate amount of watering to keep it moist. However, the plant is not tolerant to waterlogging, so the amount of watering should be controlled and water accumulation should not occur.

Fertilization method

Coleus is not very demanding on fertilizer. During the growing season, you can apply a thin nitrogen-based fertilizer once every half a month. Stop fertilizing during the high temperatures in summer and the low temperatures in winter.

Pruning methods

Coleus can be topped several times to promote the sprouting of side branches and make the plant fuller. After flowering, prune the remaining flowers in time, retain 2-3 nodes of the lower branches, cut off the rest, and grow new branches.

Precautions for growing coleus

When caring for coleus potted plants, it is suitable to plant them in sandy culture soil that is rich in humus, loose and fertile, and has good drainage and air permeability. The temperature in winter should not be lower than 10 degrees. Common pests are aphids, which must be prevented and controlled in time. It is best to use plant pesticides for prevention and control to reduce pollution.