Coleus
Coleus scutellarioides
A popular tender perennial grown for its vibrant, multicolored foliage featuring contrasting shades of green, maroon, pink, and yellow with scalloped leaf margins and square stems.
- Light
- Partial shade to bright indirect indoor light, roughly 4 to 6 hours of filtered sunlight per day.
- Water
- Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid prolonged drought, which causes wilting, as well as waterlogged soil.
- Growth
- Herbaceous perennial grown as an annual, upright or trailing growth habit reaching 1 to 3 feet in height and spread with a fast growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide bright indirect light or partial shade, keeping the soil evenly moist but well-draining. Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the active growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Partial shade to bright indirect indoor light, roughly 4 to 6 hours of filtered sunlight per day.
Watering
Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid prolonged drought, which causes wilting, as well as waterlogged soil.
Soil
Rich, organic, well-draining potting mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11, typically grown as an annual or indoor houseplant in cooler climates.
Growth habit
Herbaceous perennial grown as an annual, upright or trailing growth habit reaching 1 to 3 feet in height and spread with a fast growth rate.
Bloom season
Late summer to autumn, producing small, insignificant spikes of blue or white flowers that are often pinched off to encourage bushier foliage growth.
Propagation
Easily propagated via stem cuttings placed in water or moist potting soil during the spring or summer months.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs. Root rot can occur if drainage is poor. Pinching the growing tips regularly prevents leggy growth and encourages a bushy form.
Similar species
Some cultivars of Iresine (bloodleaf) or Perilla frutescens share similar colorful foliage, but can be distinguished by specific leaf shapes, vein patterns, and distinct botanical family traits.