Lexi Webster
Coleus is a versatile plant that can be grown in various climates and locations across Australia. It is typically grown for its colourful and velvety leaves, which can come in shades of lime green, fluoro pink, crimson, burnt orange, brown, purple and yellow. Coleus plants can be grown in containers, pots, or directly in the ground, and they thrive in partial to full shade, away from direct sunlight. They require well-drained, fertile soil and regular watering to keep the soil moist but not wet. Coleus plants are also prone to pests and diseases, so they need to be carefully monitored, especially when grown outdoors. With the right care, Coleus can be a stunning addition to any garden or indoor space.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 1m tall with a spread of about 60cm |
| Foliage | Oval, bright coloured, velvety and soft |
| Climate | Tropical to subtropical |
| Soil | Loamy, fertile, well-drained soil or premium potting mix |
| Position | Dappled shade; will tolerate full shade |
| Flowering | Spikes of small blue flowers typical of plectranthus; not a major feature |
| Feeding | Controlled-release fertiliser at planting, topped up with liquid feeds |
| Watering | Keep soil or potting mix moist but not wet; good drainage preferred |
| Pests | Caterpillars, mealybugs, scale, and aphids |
| Diseases | Downy mildew |
| Containers | Minimum of 20 litres |
| Seed depth | 5mm deep |
| Seed spacing | 50cm apart |
| Germination temperature | 18-24°C |
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What You'll Learn
Coleus plants thrive in partial to full shade
Coleus plants are short-lived perennials, usually living between two and five years. They can be grown from seeds, which should be sown directly into the garden 5mm deep and 50cm apart. Keep the soil moist but never wet or dry—a minimum of 20 litres is recommended for coleus. Seeds should germinate in around 10-20 days at a soil temperature of 18-24°C. Young seedlings will need protection from pests, pets and weather until they are established.
Coleus plants do not tolerate dryness, so when the weather is hot and rainfall is scarce, water your plant regularly to keep the soil moist. Make sure excess water drains freely, otherwise, plants may develop root rot. Use a water-soluble or liquid plant food every three to four weeks to keep plants healthy and growing strongly. Coleus is susceptible to downy mildew, which can cause leaves to develop a brown tinge and also to curl and twist. A general-purpose garden fungicide applied according to the directions on the label may help eradicate this. Good air circulation around the plants is also important in controlling mildew.
Coleus plants prefer a rich, loam soil improved by adding weathered animal manures and compost. Prepare the soil well before planting and include a six-month controlled-release fertiliser to get plants off to a good start. Coleus does not tolerate full sun; their leaves will burn if placed in direct sunlight. Choose a location that will receive a maximum of three hours of full sun each day.
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Coleus is a short-lived perennial plant
Coleus is grown mainly for its attractive, velvety leaves, which come in a variety of colours and patterns, including shades of lime green, fluoro pink, crimson, burnt orange, brown, purple and yellow. The leaves have a depth and glow that make the plant visually stunning. The plant also produces flowers, but these are not its main attraction, and the stems are often removed before the flowers open to maintain the foliage display.
Coleus is a perennial plant, but it is often grown as an annual. It requires regular pruning to keep it compact, as it tends to become "leggy". The plant is susceptible to downy mildew, which can cause leaves to turn brown and curl. Good air circulation can help to control mildew, and a fungicide may be used if needed.
Coleus thrives in warm conditions and does not tolerate cold temperatures or dryness. It grows best in partial to full shade, as direct sunlight will cause its leaves to burn. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a high percentage of sand and plenty of organic matter. When grown in pots, it is important to ensure that excess water drains away freely to prevent root rot. Coleus requires regular watering and fertiliser to keep it healthy and growing strongly.
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Coleus is susceptible to downy mildew
The symptoms of downy mildew on coleus include leaves dropping off plants, brown blotches on leaves, and stunted seedlings. The brown or blighted areas on diseased foliage have an irregular shape and are bordered by large leaf veins. Sometimes these spots look square or angular. The fungus reproduces via specialized spores called sporangia that may be seen on the underside of the coleus leaves. These sporangia may be abundant or few in number and can be difficult to see without a microscope.
To control downy mildew on coleus, fungicides can be applied as a preventive measure or once the disease is detected. Examples of fungicides registered for downy mildew include Alliette, Alude, Stature, Subdue Maxx, Heritage, and Compass O. These chemicals should be applied in a tank mix with contact fungicides such as chlorothalonil, copper, or sulfur, and it is important to rotate among chemical classes to prevent fungicide resistance.
Some coleus cultivars that have shown a high susceptibility to downy mildew include 'Duke Yellow', 'White Gem', and 'Cristata'. 'Dragon Black' is also very susceptible and may require preventive fungicide applications. Other cultivars such as 'Freckles', 'Beauty', 'W-1977', 'Russet', 'Harlequin', and 'Pegasus' have shown milder symptoms of the disease. It is important to note that all coleus cultivars tested have developed some form of the disease, and there is currently no known variety that is completely resistant to downy mildew.
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Coleus plants are prone to root rot
Coleus plants are native to Southeast Asia and are known for their stunning display of colours and leaf shapes. They are easy to grow and can be grown in containers or in the ground. Coleus plants are prone to root rot, so it is important to take certain precautions when growing them.
Firstly, coleus plants require well-drained soil. Make sure that excess water drains freely, as standing water can lead to root rot. Coleus does not tolerate dryness, so regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist but not wet. This balance is crucial to prevent root rot.
Secondly, coleus plants are susceptible to downy mildew, which can cause leaves to turn brown, curl, and twist. Cool, wet weather and poor drainage favour this disease. Therefore, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plants and ensure proper drainage to reduce the risk of root rot caused by fungal growth.
Additionally, when growing coleus in pots, avoid leaving the pot standing in water for too long. Remove any excess water to prevent waterlogging, which can contribute to root rot. Choose a container with a minimum capacity of 20 litres to ensure proper drainage and healthy root development.
Furthermore, when propagating coleus from cuttings, take soft plant cuttings from the new, soft green growth rather than older, woody stems. While coleus cuttings can root in water, transitioning them to soil can be challenging if the roots have grown too large. To prevent root rot, it is best to root cuttings directly in soil as soon as possible.
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Coleus plants can be grown in containers
If growing coleus in a container, choose a variety that is recommended for container growing. Use a good-quality potting mix and make sure your container is large enough for mature plants; a minimum of 20 litres is recommended for coleus. Keep the potting mix moist but not wet, and allow excess water to drain away freely. Don't leave the pot standing in a saucer of water for more than 30 minutes, as this can lead to root rot.
Coleus plants should be kept out of direct sunlight and placed in a location that receives a maximum of 3 hours of full sun each day. They thrive in partial to full shade and are well-suited to growing in warm, tropical and sub-tropical climates. In cooler climates, they are better suited to being grown indoors.
Coleus plants require regular pinching out of the growth tips to keep them compact, as they are inclined to become "leggy". They can be groomed by pinching back shoots to encourage the plant to grow into a full, compact shape.
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Frequently asked questions
Coleus enjoys warm conditions and is native to Southeast Asia. It grows well in moist, well-drained soil and can be grown in full or part shade. Coleus does not tolerate dryness and is susceptible to downy mildew, so ensure the soil is moist but not wet.
Prepare the soil by weeding thoroughly, digging it over to loosen, and adding aged animal manure or compost. Include a six-month controlled-release fertiliser for a good start.
Plant out seedlings in early spring. Seeds should be sown 5mm deep and 50cm apart. Keep the soil moist, with a temperature of 18-24°C for germination in 10-20 days.
Coleus grows well from cuttings. Cut a stem 10-15cm long below a leaf node, remove lower leaves, and submerge in water in a warm, sunny spot. After roots develop, transplant the cutting. Alternatively, plant stems directly into propagating mix and keep the soil moist.
Coleus requires regular pinching out of growth tips to maintain a compact shape and prevent "legginess". Keep the plant well-watered and pinch out tips to encourage branching. Coleus grown in pots may need extra fertiliser.
