Follow Tricks to Keep Coleus Vibrant Indoors all Winter, prevent fading, and enjoy bold leaf color through the cold months.
The dramatic and colorful leaves of this tropical plant make it eye-catching. The Coleus, which basks in lots of sunlight, will fade the colors of its cherished purple foliage in winter. With the proper winter care, the plant can stay rich in color and thrive indoors, even when the temperature drops. To help them flourish in cold months, follow these tricks and enjoy gardening.
Tricks to Keep Coleus Vibrant Indoors all Winter
1. Providing ample Sunlight
Coleus foliage responds to light; it will give us leggy growth, which we don’t want. In winter, the sun is weaker and days are shorter, so choose the sunniest spot with bright, indirect light. Keep coleus near a south- or east-facing window, but not so close that it touches the cold glass, which can chill the sensitive leaves. If natural light is limited, use a grow light for 10-12 hours daily to maintain their vibrant color.
2. Keep away from Cold Drafts and Heaters
Everyone does not like sudden changes, and so is the Coleus! Winter heating systems create dry, fluctuating air that stresses coleus. Avoid placing near the doors that open often. Avoid placing your plant right next to heaters, warm vents, or radiators — these can over-dry the soil and scorch its beautiful leaves. Instead, pick a stable place with a warm temperature of 65-75°F that keeps the plant stress-free and colorful.
3. Create better Microclimate
A good company of friends motivates you towards success! Cold air settles low, particularly on uncarpeted floors during winter. Elevate your coleus on stands, shelves, or tables to keep its roots warmer and shield them from cold floors. Grouping coleus with other houseplants helps maintain higher local humidity, which these tropical plants need. Dry winter air from central heating can brown the leaf edges of Coleus and dull its colors; higher humidity will help the foliage stay lush.
4. Rotation for even growth
Coleus grows towards light, so rotate your plant every few days so all sides receive light evenly. The Coleus near the windowsill needs extra care, as the winter sun lights these plants unevenly. The rotation promotes balanced growth and keeps your coleus looking bushy, rather than leaning in one direction.
5. Prune them carefully
Coleus can get leggy with weak stems, especially indoors. Trim back longer stems and pinch growing tips to encourage a bushier shape and richer foliage display throughout winter. Keep the plants compact to make leaf colors more attractive.
6. Keep a check on watering needs
Coleus likes moist soil, but not waterlogged. When watering, check the top inch of soil; if it’s dry, water it, but don’t overwater. In winter, watering should be moderate, not soggy. Use a pot with good drainage to avoid root rot.
7. Feeding food properly
As days grow cold, the need for fertilizer decreases, as the Coleus grows slowly. Unlike during active summer growth, avoid heavy fertilization over winter. Excess nutrients in low light can strain the plant. Resume regular feeding in spring; too much fertilizer in winter can damage roots.
