Coleus care: watering, light and repotting
Also called solenostemon, painted nettle · Coleus scutellarioides · Lamiaceae family
6 d in winter
How often to water the coleus?
Allow about 3 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 6 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Remove flower spikes as soon as they appear and pinch the stems: it stays bushy and colourful. Drinks a lot in summer.
What light does it need?
The coleus likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every year, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 2 weeks is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 1–2 ft (30–60 cm).
Toxic to pets and children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Drooping leaves
Cause: Thirst. What to do: Water it; it perks up within an hour.
Dull colours
Cause: Not enough light. What to do: Give it bright light.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the coleus?
About every 3 days in spring and summer, and every 6 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the coleus?
The coleus likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the coleus?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the coleus?
Every year, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the coleus safe?
The coleus is toxic to pets and to children if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach and, if it's eaten, call a vet or a poison control centre.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the coleus forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.