Coleus (Coleus maculosus)
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 maculosus, commonly known as koleus škvrnitý, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family, valued for its vibrant foliage. Its leaves, often with striking patterns and colors ranging from green to burgundy and cream, make it an excellent choice for adding an ornamental touch indoors or as a seasonal plant in gardens and pots.
Native range
Western Pacific Islands, including Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea.
Care tips
It prefers bright, indirect light; intense direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Keep the substrate consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, allowing the top layer to dry out slightly between waterings. Use a well-draining substrate rich in organic matter. A common mistake is insufficient ambient humidity, which can lead to dry leaf tips, especially indoors.
How to save a dying Coleus
- Warning signs
- Drooping, soft, dull leaves or brown edges. Stunted growth.
- First aid
- Check soil: if dry, water; if wet, improve drainage. Move to bright, indirect light.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot) or lack of light. Does not tolerate cold.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't fully rotten. Act quickly.