With their vibrant, velvety leaves, Coleus plants (also known as Painted Nettles) are a total favorite for adding a pop of color to any space. Whether they’re brightening up your summer balcony or acting as a lush, opulent houseplant, these beauties are surprisingly easy to grow. Even if you’re just starting your gardening journey, you’ll find them very forgiving. Here are my top tips for keeping your Coleus happy and thriving!
Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Coleus
Picking the right location is half the battle when it comes to growing a stunning Coleus.
Here’s what you should look for:
- Light: They love bright, sunny spots, but be careful with that harsh midday sun—it can actually scorch those gorgeous leaves. Filtered light or morning sun is perfect.
- Environment: These plants crave warmth and a bit of shelter. If you can provide some extra humidity, your Coleus will reward you by growing even more lush.
- Temperature: Keep an eye on the thermometer! These plants are tropical at heart and don’t like it when temperatures drop below 57°F (14°C).
As for the soil, they prefer a nutrient-rich, slightly moist environment with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
How to Plant Your Coleus
Coleus are definitely not fans of the cold. If you’re planning on moving them outside, wait until at least May—once the threat of frost has passed and outdoor temperatures are consistently above 57°F.
If you’re growing them in decorative pots indoors, you can plant them year-round, just wait until late spring to move those pots out to the patio or balcony.
Here’s the best way to get them settled:
- In the garden: Loosen the soil thoroughly and mix in some leaf compost to give them a nutrient boost.
- In pots: Use a high-quality potting mix (like one designed for acid-loving plants) and make sure to add a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot.
- The “Soak” Trick: Before planting, set the root ball in a bucket of lime-free water (rainwater works great!) until it’s well-hydrated.
- Planting: Set your young plant into the soil so that the first pair of leaves is still clearly visible above the surface.
- Finish up: Give it a generous watering to help it settle in.
Extra Care Tips for a Happy Plant
While Coleus is pretty low-maintenance, a little extra love goes a long way. Keep these tips in mind:
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist and give the leaves an occasional misting with soft water.
- Feeding: From May through September, treat your plant to a weekly dose of liquid fertilizer (the kind meant for acid-loving plants).
- Pruning: If your plant starts looking a bit “leggy,” trim long shoots back to about 20 inches (50 cm). This encourages a much bushier, fuller look.
- Snip the Blooms: It might sound counterintuitive, but you should pinch off flower spikes as soon as they appear. This prevents the plant from wasting energy on seeds and keeps the focus on the foliage. This is also the perfect time to take cuttings for propagation! Just snip off a 4-inch (10 cm) shoot and you’re good to go.
Once the temperatures start dipping below 57°F in the fall, it’s time to bring your Coleus back inside for overwintering.
