Learn How to Keep Coleus Bushy and Colorful with the simple tips and have bright, fuller plants indoors or outdoors.
Coleus are often grown as annuals and loved for their colorful leaves. They are easy to grow, need little care, and look bright in both sun and shade. Coleus can grow in almost any soil and comes in many new colors, patterns, and sizes. You’ll find small dwarf types, trailing kinds, and even tall upright ones that reach about 3 ½ feet. If you want to enjoy their best look, find out how to keep coleus bushy and colorful with this post.
How to Keep Coleus Bushy and Colorful
Give the Right Amount of Sunlight
The sunlight needs of coleus depend on the type you are growing. Newer kinds, such as the Wizard series, can handle more sun, while most older varieties prefer shady spots with morning sun and afternoon shade. When grown indoors, coleus usually gets enough light in summer, but in winter, you may need a grow light to stop it from growing tall and thin.
Pinch the Stems Regularly
To pinch back your coleus, just cut or pinch off a stem right above a spot where two leaves or two smaller stems are growing. From that point, two new branches will grow, making the plant fuller. You should also pinch off any flower buds as soon as they appear during the growing season. This keeps the plant from using energy to make seeds and instead helps it produce more colorful leaves.
Remove Flower Spikes
Coleus produces small flower spikes, but they take energy away from the leaves. If you see flowers starting to form, pinch them off right away. This helps the plant stay focused on growing lush, colorful foliage instead of putting effort into flowers.
Water Consistently
Coleus likes moist soil but not soggy roots. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. In hot weather, you may need to water daily, especially if the plant is in a pot. Always make sure your container has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Feed for Bright Colors
Coleus is sensitive to too much fertilizer, which can cause the leaves to lose their bright colors. If the plant is grown in rich soil, you don’t need to add extra food. Prepare the soil before planting or mix in a slow-release fertilizer at that time. For coleus in pots, feed once a month with a water-soluble fertilizer.
Protect From Cold
Coleus is a warm-weather plant and doesn’t like temperatures below 55°F (13°C). If you are growing it outdoors, bring it inside before the first frost. Indoors, place it in a warm spot with plenty of light to keep it healthy.
Repot When Needed
If your coleus is growing in a pot, check if the roots are filling the container. If they are, repot into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil. This gives the roots more space and helps the plant stay strong and colorful.
