Propagating your own plants isn’t just a great way to save a few bucks—it’s also super rewarding to watch a tiny cutting turn into a full-grown beauty. When it comes to the decorative Coleus, you’re in luck because they are incredibly easy to multiply. Plus, starting new plants keeps your collection looking young, vibrant, and full of that gorgeous, colorful foliage we all love.
Propagating Coleus from Cuttings
Propagating Coleus is a breeze, even if you don’t consider yourself a “pro” gardener. Coleus cuttings are quick to take and root almost effortlessly.
Here’s the step-by-step on how to do it:
- Snip off a few leafy stems from your plant, aiming for about 4 inches in length.
- Look for stems that feel sturdy but aren’t woody yet.
- Strip off the lower leaves, leaving only the top pair of leaves on the stem.
- Pop the cuttings into a glass of water to start the rooting process.
- Let them hang out there for about two weeks.
- Once you see roots, transplant your new plantlets into pots filled with a good seed-starting mix.
- Press the soil down gently and give them a light watering.
- Pro tip: Try planting a few different varieties in the same pot for a stunning, multi-colored display!
Make sure to place your young Coleus in a bright, warm spot. Just keep in mind that these plants are very sensitive to the cold, so keep them cozy!
Growing Coleus from Seed
You can find a huge variety of Coleus seeds at your local garden center or online. While you could technically harvest seeds from an older plant, most gardeners pinch off the flowers as soon as they appear. Since the blooms are pretty understated, removing them helps the plant save its energy for growing those spectacular leaves.
Here’s how to grow them from scratch:
- Fill some small starter pots with seed-starting soil and scatter your seeds on top.
- Coleus seeds need light to germinate, so don’t bury them! Just press them lightly onto the surface.
- They need warmth to wake up—usually at least 70°F (20°C). Place your pots in a bright, warm spot or even on a seedling heat mat.
- Keep the soil consistently moist with regular watering.
- You should start seeing little sprouts popping up in about three weeks.
- Once your seedlings have grown about three pairs of leaves, they’re ready to be moved into larger pots.
