Coleus care at home

Coleus (from the Latin. "Coleus" - "case") - It is a perennial, evergreen, bushy plant that is grown for its bright leaves. It comes from tropical parts of Africa and Asia, and was introduced to Europe in the nineteenth century.

This is a beautiful hardy plant with fast growth. will not cause trouble in the care.

Coleus Home: Popular Views

Previously it was thought that about 150 species belong to the Coleus genus, but as a result of research and thorough revision It consists of only a few varieties.

It has beautiful heart-shaped leaves, combining yellow, green, red and burgundy colors.The flowers are blue or purple. Species can be divided into those with edible tubers, flowering and decorative and deciduous. And their variety makes it possible to grow Coleus not only at home, but also in open ground (in summer). The first species known in Europe were Coleus Blume and Verschaffelt.

Blume

This most popular type of coleus appeared thanks to the botanist Karl Blum. Happens from about. Java. Due to the fact that there are many varieties of low-growing Coleus Blume, it is often used in landscape design. Although it can easily reach 80 cm in height. Lignified shoots at the base, tetrahedral. Oval, elongated leaves of about 15 cm have carved edges and a variety of colors. Depending on the variety may have a different structure. The most popular varieties such as Butterfly, Volcano, Golden Beder.

Vershaffelt

View similar to the above-described indoor flower, but with larger and variegated leaves, called Versheffeltta coleus. It is also one of the largest coleus. It is characterized by high decorativeness. Velvety, dark red leaves have a bright pattern in the center and a green border. For cultivation in the open field, the Hero varieties (with dark, almost black foliage) and Julia (with a beautiful golden border) are more often chosen.

How to choose the right coleus

Regardless of whether you need a coleus for your home or garden, and the variety with which name you are going to purchase - pay attention to a few nuances. First of all, better to make a purchase in early spring. Secondly, the plant should be great (have a few strong shoots that grow from the roots).

Do not buy a coleus with a small amount of shoots or about to bloom. After all, if there are few shoots, then the plant has an underdeveloped rhizome, and flowering indicates a constant mineral dressing, respectively - exhaustion.

Growing coleus

Coleus is not difficult to grow and care for a plant. Although there are some rules that should be followed.

Do I need a transplant after purchase

After buying Coleus takes about a month to adapt to new conditions. Then it should be transplanted into a pot of slightly larger sizes with a suitable substrate for its development.

How to plant coleus at home

To plant a coleus at home, first find a suitable place for it. Since this is a light-loving plant, then east or south windows will do. The perfect solution would be a glazed balcony. Choose a plastic or ceramic pot, preferably cylindrical or tulip-shaped, not less than 15 cm deep.

Basic care for coleus at home

Coleus unpretentious, and taking care of them at home will not take much time.

Take care that the lighting is bright enough, without this the leaves will turn pale. But from direct sunlight plants need to be protected. Temperature condition should be within + 12 ° С- + 25 ° С.

How to water and fertilize a plant

Soft water is needed for irrigation, you can add a little ash. Water abundantly from spring to autumn and spray with water at room temperature.In the autumn, watering reduces, but does not allow for the drying of the soil surface.

During the period of active growth make feeding every week. Suitable and mineral and organic fertilizers. Coleus responds well to potash (~ half a gram per liter of water).

Trimming coleus

Since during the winter the plant loses a lot of leaves and is drawn out, then take care behind the coleus you also need a trimming method. Leave a stump with 5-7 eyes. Shoots that will grow should be regularly pinned. Flower stalks are also better to remove if you do not plan to get your own seeds.

Features care for coleus in the winter

Winter for Coleus - a period of rest. In winter, the plant is rarely watered, but the roots are kept moist. Top dressing (mineral fertilizers) is applied once a month. The temperature is reduced to + 12 ° С- + 15 ° С. Spraying stopped altogether to avoid the appearance of rot and fungal diseases.

Coleus breeding at home

Reproduction of coleus at home is possible in 2 ways: seeds and cuttings.

Seeds are sown from February to April, leaving free space between them, and sprinkled with earth or sand. Maintain a temperature of + 20 ° C- + 22 ° C and water frequently. After 2-2.5 weeks, the entrances should appear. When the sprouts grow up and it becomes crowded, make a pick in 9-11-centimeter pots. Provide good lighting and watering. When young plants reach 10 cm, they are pinched for the first time. Using seeds, you can get copies with unpredictable foliage color.

If you want to keep the color of Coleus, then it is better to propagate it by cuttings. From February to May, 10-centimeter twigs with cut-off lower leaves are planted in sand, soil, or put just in the water, cover with a film and clean in a place with a temperature of + 18 ° C- + 20 ° C. The cuttings will take root in 8-12 days and then they are planted in permanent pots. It is necessary to pinch the top and ensure irrigation, ventilation and temperature in + 16 ° C- + 18 ° C.

In this article, we have described such a bright plant as Coleus, told about him species, cultivation, home care and breeding. This beautiful and not capricious plant can become an ornament of your house or garden, it will not take you much care, and a wide choice of varieties will give the opportunity to satisfy any requests and preferences.