Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides)
Care, watering, light and tips for Coleus on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Coleus
Coleus scutellarioides, commonly known as coleus, is a perennial herbaceous plant, often grown as an annual, renowned for its vibrant and striking foliage. Its leaves, which vary in color from greens, yellows, reds, purples, and combinations, often with intricate patterns and scalloped edges, make it an excellent choice for adding intense color to pots, garden borders, or as an indoor plant. Its diversity of shapes and colors makes it very versatile for landscape designs and floral arrangements.
Native range
Southeast Asia and Malaysia
Care tips
For optimal color, coleus prefers bright, indirect light; too much shade will dull its colors, while intense direct sun can scorch its leaves. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, watering when the top layer of soil begins to dry out. Use a well-draining, organically rich potting mix, and avoid cold temperatures, as it is very sensitive to frost, which often leads to its decline.
How to save a dying Coleus
- Warning signs
- Drooping, soft leaves or dry, crispy edges. Loss of color or weakened stems.
- First aid
- Check soil: if dry, water thoroughly; if waterlogged, aerate and drain. Move to bright, indirect light.
- What kills it
- Lack of light, extreme dryness or constant waterlogging. Does not tolerate cold or frost.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, often recovers if acted upon quickly, especially if the stem still has life.