Kong coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) is an annual plant, so it does not come back every year. It is considered a tender perennial, which means it can only survive in warmer climates, between USDA hardiness zones 10-13.
The Kong coleus will die back after the first frost and will need to be replanted each spring in warm regions. If you live in a cooler climate, you will want to bring the plant indoors before the cold weather hits so it can be overwintered indoors, then brought out into the garden the following spring.
While Kong coleus will not come back in colder climates, it is known for being very easy to propagate. Cuttings can be taken from the plant in late summer and rooted indoors, and it can also be started from seed for the next growing season.
Are Kong coleus annuals?
No, Kong coleus (also known as Plectranthus scutellarioides) are not annuals. Instead, Kong coleus are perennials that can be grown outdoors in U. S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11 or indoors as houseplants.
They are native to tropical regions such as Malaysia, Thailand, and India, where they are often grown as ornamental plants due to their attractive foliage and ease of care. They have a relatively low tolerant to cold weather, but can be grown successfully in cooler climates as long as they are brought indoors when temperatures drop.
Kong coleus prefer partially sunny to partially shady locations, with regular watering and fertilization during the growing season.
Is Kong Red a perennial?
No, Kong Red is not a perennial plant, despite its name. It is actually an annual plant variety, meaning it completes its entire life cycle from seed germination to flowering, active growth, and flowering in one growing season.
Kong Red has striking foliage and vibrant, large red-purple blooms, making it a popular choice for gardeners who want to add a splash of color. It is easy to grow, preferring full sun and moist, well-drained soil, and will perform best in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 & 11.
How do you care for Kong coleus?
To properly care for Kong coleus, it is important to provide the plant with plenty of indirect light, and to water only when the soil has begun to dry out. Additionally, it is important to fertilize the plant every two to three weeks with a nitrogen-based fertilizer.
To prevent the Kong coleus from becoming too big, prune it regularly and pinch off any dead leaves that may appear. It is also important to pay attention to how the plant is growing and to move the plant if it is growing too close to a window and is getting too much direct sunlight.
Finally, be sure to keep an eye out for pests or disease, which can be treated with an insecticidal soap or fungicide as needed.
How long do coleus plants live for?
Coleus plants can live for an average of one to three years, depending on the variety and how well cared for it is. These low-maintenance plants tend to thrive best when kept in a warm, humid environment.
Coleus plants can be propagated by cuttings and dividing clumps, as well as allowing the parent plant to go to seed. They can also become leggy and weaken over time and should be pruned to keep them healthy.
Regular pruning will help rejuvenate the plant and keep it blooming throughout its lifespan. With some TLC and attention to watering, coleus can provide years of enjoyment in the garden or home.
Does King Coleus like sun or shade?
King Coleus is a beautiful and distinctive plant with brightly colored leaves in shades of red, pink, green, and white. Varieties of King Coleus are very low maintenance and highly adaptable, making them great additions to almost any garden.
In general, King Coleus prefers bright but indirect sunlight or partial shade. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to fade and can even cause leaf scorch. If planted in direct sun, the plant should be given some light shade during the hottest parts of the day.
When growing King Coleus indoors, it’s best to give the plant plenty of light from a south-facing window. The plant will also do well under fluorescent lighting kept on for 12 to 16 hours each day.
How often do you water coleus indoors?
Indoor coleus plants prefer to be kept moist, but not wet. Generally, watering your coleus once a week should be sufficient, but this could vary depending on your home’s conditions such as temperature, amount of sun exposure, and humidity.
For example, if your home has warm temperature, lots of sun exposure, and is on the drier side, you may need to water more often. Conversely, if your home is cool and humid, you may be able to water less often.
To properly water your coleus, use a finger test. Stick your finger in the soil, up to the first knuckle. If the soil is damp, you don’t need to water. If it is dry, water until it reaches a slightly dampened level.
Make sure that as soon as you see water coming out of the drainage holes, you stop to avoid over-watering. You should also note that during dormancy and cold weather, you may need to water less than once a week.
How do I make my coleus bushy?
To make your coleus bushier you will need to regularly prune it. Make sure to use sharp pruning shears and clean them frequently to prevent the spread of any diseases or pests. It is also important to remove any dead or dying leaves that you may find.
To encourage bushier growth you can also pinch or prune the tips of the stems once new leaves have sprouted. Doing this will encourage the plant to produce more side branches and create a bushier silhouette.
In addition to pruning and pinching, fertilizing your coleus regularly with a balanced fertilizer can help promote bushy growth. Water your coleus when the soil is dry to the touch and make sure it’s not in direct sunlight too long as this can cause scorching and wilting of the leaves.
Lastly, avoid over-watering and keep your coleus away from cold drafts and temperatures. With these tips, you should have a bushier coleus in no time!.
Can Kong coleus tolerate sun?
Kong Coleus, or Solenostemon scutellarioides, can tolerate direct sun in moderate climates. However, if the plant is exposed to excessive sun, it can cause the leaves to become faded, dry, and burned, which can weaken the plant.
In areas with intense summer heat, Kong Coleus should be placed in a spot with partial shade or morning sun and sheltered from the hottest part of the day. In most climates, Kong Coleus prefers light shade or dappled sunlight.
They will also benefit from a bit of afternoon shade in hot summer months.
Which coleus can handle sun?
When choosing coleus plants for sun exposed areas, it’s important to select a variety that has been bred to handle direct light and heat. Certain species of coleus, like the hybrid ‘Wizard’ or ‘Cotton Candy’, can handle full and part sun exposure, while others such as ‘Big Red Judy’ are better suited for the shade.
The ‘Rainbow’ and ‘Crazy Color’ varieties are also able to take some direct sunlight exposure. Additionally, there are varieties like ‘Brilliant Color’ and ‘Confetti’, which are very heat and drought tolerant.
In general, coleus that have variegated foliage tend to handle sun more than other varieties, since their leaves have a white or yellow component that reflects light, helping to minimize leaf burn. To prevent sun damage, it is important to keep these plants well watered and in areas that receive morning or late afternoon sunlight.
How many hours of sun do coleus need?
Coleus plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and usually need at least 4-6 hours of sun each day. However, too much sun can burn the foliage, so it is best to find an area with bright but indirect sunlight, such as an east or north facing window.
During the hottest parts of the day, they should be protected from direct sunlight, as it can cause leaf burn. If you must keep them in direct sun, move them to a spot that is shaded during the peak hours of the day (midday).
Additionally, if you have hot summers, it may be a good idea to move the plants indoors to a bright, but not sunny spot.
What is Kong coleus?
Kong coleus is a type of vivid-colored foliage plant, known for its deep colors and ease of care. It is also referred to as an annual, firecracker plant, or collessum. The plant is native to Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Vietnam and China, although it has been cultivated in other areas of the world such as India, Mexico and Brazil.
Kong coleus has an upright growth habit and is usually grown to heights of two to three feet, although some varieties can reach up to five feet. The plant’s long stems are covered in bright, glossy green leaves, which are punctuated with deep colors of purple, crimson, red, yellow, and orange.
This coloration makes it a popular choice for garden containers and hanging baskets.
Kong coleus prefers well-drained, slightly moist soil, and prefers to be grown in full sun or partial shade. The plant is sensitive to frost, so care should be taken when growing in colder climates. As with other plants, it needs to be fertilized every few weeks and watered regularly.
Kong coleus has a short lifespan in the garden, and will typically be replaced by newer varieties each season. The plant is well known for its ability to self-sow, with small pods forming at the base of the stem in late summer.
These can then be harvested for replanting in the spring.
Where does coleus grow best?
Coleus is a tropical plant that does best when given plenty of warm, humid conditions, lots of sun, and consistently moist soil. It does particularly well in subtropical or tropical climates, or areas with an extended growing season.
When grown indoors, or in climates with cooler weather, coleus needs bright, indirect light and higher humidity, so it’s best to keep it in a bright, humid room that stays at least 70F/21C during the day.
Outdoors, it’s best to choose a location that receives at least four to five hours of direct sun per day and is sheltered from strong winds. It is also important to ensure that the soil is consistently moist during the growing season.
Additionally, if the temperatures frequently drop below 50F/10C, you should avoid planting coleus outside since it is not frost-tolerant.
Can a coleus be a houseplant?
Yes, a coleus can absolutely be a houseplant! They thrive in moderate to bright light, making them well-suited for many different homes and apartments. These plants are not high maintenance, so they are ideal for both experienced and novice gardeners.
Coleus are easy to grow and offer striking colors of foliage that can spruce up any indoor space. It can do well in both soil-based and hydroponic set-ups, depending on your preference. When grown indoors, Coleus should be fertilized every two or four weeks and should be watered regularly.
Coleus also do not need much pruning since they grow relatively slow indoors, so it’s best to let them grow and shape them as desired. If a coleus does become too large for your indoor space, you can take cuttings and turn them into more coleus plants with ease.
All in all, coleus make excellent houseplants and are surprisingly hardy.
Can Kong coleus be grown indoors?
Yes, Kong coleus can be grown indoors. Indoor Kong coleus plants require bright light and moist soil to thrive, so it is best to place them in a sunny windowsill. Additionally, it is recommended that you prune your Kong coleus plant to give it a more even, manageable shape, as well as to promote new growth.
When watering indoor Kong coleus plants, it is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as too much water can cause root rot. It is also important to fertilize indoor Kong coleus plants at least once a month to keep them healthy.
When grown indoors, Kong coleus can be an interesting and vibrant addition to any home space!.
How big does a Kong coleus get?
Kong coleus is a type of coleus that can be grown indoors or outdoors. It is a fast-growing, upright plant and can reach a mature height of 12-30 inches, depending on the variety. The width of a Kong coleus can range between 18-24 inches.
Most varieties of Kong coleus require plenty of light but no direct sunlight. They prefer moist soil and a warm temperature but can tolerate some drought. Overall, they are a low-maintenance plant and will reward you with lush foliage and striking colors.
Is Kong coleus poisonous to dogs?
No, according to the ASPCA, Kong coleus is not toxic to dogs. However, it is important to be aware that Kong coleus contains essential oils which are known to cause vomiting or diarrhea if ingested by pets.
Therefore, it is still recommended to keep your furry friend away from this plant if possible. Additionally, Kong coleus may cause skin and eye irritation to both humans and pets, so it is best to be cautious when handling and caring for this plant.
Can I plant coleus outside?
It is possible to plant coleus outside, but it is important to consider the particular climate or growing zone of your area when doing so. In temperate climates, coleus can be planted outdoors in the early springtime, after the threat of frost has passed.
It is important to provide a location with well-drained soil and protection from the hottest afternoon sunlight. When the summer temperatures become too hot, plants may be moved indoors to minimize the heat stress.
When the temperatures cool again in the fall and winter, the plants may be returned outdoors. Coleus can also be grown indoors all year long if the proper lighting, temperature, and humidity conditions are met.