momiroot

Coleus

Coleus scutellarioides · Family Lamiaceae

Also known as: painted nettle, flame nettle, solenostemon

Coleus
Photo: Wilfredor · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
Light
Partial shade to bright indirect
Watering
Every 3 days
Difficulty
Easy
Pet-safe
No, keep it away from cats and dogs

Care

Where to put it

A bright windowsill indoors or a lightly shaded patio pot.

Light

Partial shade to bright indirect light keeps the colours rich.

Watering

Keep the compost moist; it wilts quickly when dry. Pinch out flower spikes.

About the plant

It has colourful leaves in combinations of red, purple, green and yellow. It is easy to grow and grows fast. Great for beds and pots.

Origin

Native to South-East Asia and northern Australia, in humid woods.

What it likes

  • Partial shade or indirect light
  • Compost that is always moist
  • Pinching out the flowers

What it dislikes

  • Strong afternoon sun
  • Dry compost
  • Cold

Did you know?

It is in the mint family and has square stems, typical of the Lamiaceae.

Listed in

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