Coleus belongs to the genus of the family Spongula, or Luminous (Lamiaceae). This ornamental plant has more than 150 species. It is distinguished by its variegated color and ease of care.
Did you know?"Coleus" is translated from the Greek as "case", but flower growers call it "poor croton" because its color resembles the foliage of croton (wild plant).
The stems and leaves of Coleus resemble nettle, so it is popularly called "nettle". The color of the leaves is green, red, yellow and burgundy. The flowers are unremarkable and do not cause much interest among gardeners. Grow a plant solely for the sake of colorful leaves that can decorate any interior, window sill or balcony. Many gardeners grow simple Coleus in the garden, and taking care of them at home will require not much more effort.
Growing conditions for indoor coleus
To houseplant pleased you with its amazing leaves, you should know how to care for coleus at home. In principle, this business is not complicated, and does not require much time. But there are some subtleties and nuances that should be considered.
Location and lighting
Coleus - light-loving indoor flower. It normally transfers even direct sunshine. But on very bright and dry days it is better to put a flower for 2-3 hours in the shade, in order to avoid burns on the leaves. It is best to put the coleus in the pots on the south or east side.
Important! If you notice foliage turning pale, this is an oversupply of sunlight. It is necessary to put in the shade before finding leaves of normal color.
Temperature
Coleus temperature does not play a special role. The main thing is to keep it within + 14 ... +30 ° С. But remember that sudden changes in temperature may cause the plant to shed its leaves.
Proper care for coleus at home
Coleus grows very well in pots on the sunny windowsills. If the plant has enough sun, watering and feeding, the height of Coleus can reach 80 cm.
Watering and humidity
Coleus is poured over with warm and soft water. On hot summer days you need to ensure that the soil does not dry out, it must be constantly wet. In winter, watering can be reduced. The plant likes a warm shower and spraying. The flower likes moist air and tolerates dry very poorly. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out 1-2 spraying per day.
Coleus fertilizer and fertilizer
Coleus at home requires feeding and fertilizer. In the summer you need to feed the plant once a week with liquid potassium fertilizers. In winter, you can feed once a month. In winter, the concentration of top dressing should be reduced so that the plants do not stretch.
Features care for coleus in a period of rest
During the rest period (autumn-winter period), the plant will require less attention. The frequency of watering should be reduced, as the light day has become less. It is best to put flower pots in a wet pebble pan. Top dressing is carried out once a month. Some growers generally stop feeding Coleus in the winter.
Important! Prepare coleus for the winter period gradually: reduce the number of irrigations, reduce the frequency of feeding.
Coleus Transplant
Since the root system of a flower is not strong, it does not require frequent transplantation. The plant tolerates transplantation easily, which should be done in the spring after pruning. Replant the plant in a larger pot if the old one is already small. Grafting and soil renewal is carried out once a year. Coleus should be removed from the pot carefully so as not to damage the root system.
When transplanting, lightly shake the ground from the roots and move it to a larger pot with new soil. Soil choose universal with an average pH, it should include: turfy ground, peat and humus. After transplanting, water and feed the plant.
How to prune coleus
Coleus pruning is done in spring and summer. The reason for pruning may be pulling branches and irregular plant shape. Pruning is performed to stop growth when it reaches the desired size. Pruning is also carried out after picking for better tillering or for grafting. Pruning should be carried out carefully, with sterile instruments, so as not to damage the plant and not to infect it with diseases. After pruning, the Coleus needs to be watered and fed well.
Coleus breeding at home
Reproduction of coleus is carried out in two ways: seeds and cuttings. For better growth and rooting, the soil for Coleus should be nutritious and moist.
Seeds
On the prepared soil seeds are sown, which need to sprinkle the top with sand. After 14-20 days, the first shoots appear. In this case, dive seedlings to continue the growth of Coleus. A pick is provided by transplanting seedlings into cups with new soil. When transplanting to deepen the seedling in the ground need to the first leaves. After that, you need to spend another 2-3 picks. Do not forget to water young plants every two days.
Did you know?Seed propagation is not particularly popular among gardeners. With this method of reproduction can kill most of the young plants.
Cuttings
Reproduction of coleus cuttings is carried out in February. Choose a stalk without flowers and buds with two pairs of leaves. Gently cut it off and put in the water. After 1-2 months, with the advent of the first roots, the stalk can be planted in a small pot with soil. Planted stalk in the ground on the lower leaves. Caring for planted plants, as well as for ordinary adult coleus.
Possible difficulties in growing Coleus
Cultivation of coleus does not cause any particular difficulties, as it is not a particularly capricious plant. But still flower growers are faced with such problems:
- peduncle ejection - with an insufficient amount of nitrogen in the soil;
- dangling leaves - in case of lack of moisture or high air temperature;
- dropping leaves - at low temperature or poor watering;
- leaves turn yellow and shrivel - with Coleus disease or the presence of pests (aphid, mites, whitefly);
- plant pull - in case of insufficient lighting or untimely pruning.
For pest control, if any, use Bordeaux liquid or preparations such as "Iskra", "Karbofos". After spraying the plant, be sure to cover it with a film for 2-3 hours. This will help to quickly destroy pests and prevent them from escaping to healthy plants.So, if the leaves of the plant are regular in shape and brightly colored, it has a beautiful and healthy appearance - care for coleus correct.
