Red Coleus

by Robert Bales

Title

Red Coleus

Artist

Robert Bales

Medium

Photograph - Photo

Description

The term "coleus" is often used as a common name for species formerly placed in the genus Coleus that are cultivated as ornamental plants, particularly Coleus blumei (Plectranthus scutellarioides), which is popular as a garden plant for its brightly colored foliage.

Coleus is probably one of the easiest plants to grow and propagate. In fact, the plants root so easily that you can even start cuttings in a glass of water. They can also be propagated by seed indoors about 8-10 weeks prior to your last expected spring frost.
Coleus can be added to beds and borders for interest or grown in containers. They need fertile, well-draining soil and usually perform best in areas with partial shade, though many varieties can also tolerate sun.

Many Coleus plants will survive full sun exposure but the foliage color is often enhanced when they are grown in the shade.
Coleus are also quite striking when they are planted in a container and grown as a house plant.
By removing the flower spikes as they develop, and keeping the plant pinched back, the Coleus can be kept growing as a perennial for several seasons.
These plants are a member of the nettle family but they are also a mint. They do not have the stinging properties of the common nettle.
Coleus plants are sold in a variety of sizes ranging from bedding "six packs" to massive specimen sized hanging house plants.
The small starter plants may seem bland and fairly colorless when compared to the larger specimens, leading you to grab for the big, fancy one. Even though you may think that your new thirty dollar plant has to be the most colorful and beautiful Coleus ever, never underestimate the potential of a Coleus seedling! Once the seedlings reach a certain point in their growth, they will develop additional coloring and foliage characteristics. The intensity of light which the plant receives will also have a direct bearing on the intensity of the foliage coloring. Some varieties may produce their best color in light shade, while others look best in bright lighting. Florescent "grow" lights seem to bring out even more intense and vibrant coloring. Unless you have an immediate need for a BIG house plant, you will be better off to choose a variety of the smaller ones, and watch them grow and develop

Uploaded

July 23rd, 2015

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