It is ultimately your choice whether to let your coleus flower or not, as it is a delicate balance between managing the resources of your garden and the needs of your plant. However, generally it is not advised to let your coleus flower because it takes away energy from its foliage, resulting in weaker and less vibrant leaves.
Additionally, pinching off the flowers decreases the probability of your coleus going to seed, which can potentially create a mess in your garden that can take a long time to clean up. Instead, if you want to encourage more flowers, try trimming off the weaker leaves or excess stems so that the plant can better focus its energy on blooming flowers.
What does it mean when my coleus flowers?
When your coleus flowers, it means that your plant is reaching the end of its life cycle. Coleus typically bloom in the late summer or early fall and the flowers are small and tubular in shape. After the flowers die, the plant will also die.
To prevent your coleus from going to seed, carefully remove the flower spikes as soon as you notice them and discard them. This will enable you to enjoy the foliage of your coleus for several more months without having to worry about it going to seed.
You can also trim off any wilted or old leaves to encourage the plant to put its energy into the new growth. In the late fall, you can try propagating the coleus by taking cuttings. This will allow you to start a new plant and enjoy its vibrant foliage for years to come.
What time of year does coleus bloom?
Coleus plants don’t generally have flowers, so they do not typically bloom. However, if the coleus is grown in the right conditions, it can produce small flowers throughout the year. The coleus flower is quite inconspicuous and generally smaller than the foliage.
The most favorable time of year for coleus to produce flowers is during the summer months when days are long and temperatures are warmer. During this time, you can expect to see small purple and blue flowers on your coleus, usually appearing from July through September.
How do you stop coleus from flowering?
The best way to stop coleus from flowering is to pinch off the flower stems before they have a chance to bloom. This is because coleus is a short-lived annual and will not survive if it goes to seed.
Additionally, deadheading or removing dead flowers can also help prevent unwanted flowering. If the plant has already gone to seed, non-selective herbicides like glyphosate or diquat should be used to kill the flowers.
It is important to follow the instructions on the herbicide label for proper application. If you want to save the flowers for drying, let the flowers dry out on the stem then cut the stems and hang-dry the flowers.
Lastly, placing coleus in an area with part sun—where it receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight—can help keep it from flowering and prolong its life.
Do coleus flowers come back every year?
No, coleus flowers do not come back every year. Coleus plants are tropical annuals and do not typically survive frost or cold winter months. For this reason, they need to be grown as annuals in colder climates and replanted yearly in the spring or summer.
Most coleus varieties only bloom in selective conditions and typically only produce flowers through the summer months.
Will coleus come back in the spring?
Yes, coleus will come back in the spring. Depending on how it is grown, the coleus may die back during the winter months and stop actively growing. The best way to ensure that coleus will come back in the spring is to take preventative measures in the fall to protect the coleus from cold temperatures and frost.
If the coleus is planted in a bed, its growth can be protected either by mulching or by covering it with a light cloth or burlap. Coleus grown in containers can also be protected by bringing the container indoors when temperatures drop.
Though the top growth may die back in the winter, the roots will remain dormant and once temperatures rise in the spring, new growth will appear.
How long will coleus last?
Coleus plants can last from a few months to many years, depending on the variety and growing conditions. As long as they are kept in the right temperature range, soil moisture, and get plenty of sunlight, coleus plants can be quite resilient.
For indoors, give your coleus indirect sunlight and water when the soil has dried, leaving them on a south or east facing window. For outdoors, keep it in moist soil and plant in a sunny or semi-shaded area – they will thrive in these conditions.
Most coleus plants can last up to two years, although some varieties may last up to three years. It is recommended to split them every two to three years so that it can continue to with you for a longer time.
Should you cut back coleus?
Yes, you should cut back Coleus if you want to control its growth and encourage bushier growth. It can be pruned in late spring after it has finished blooming and before new shoots appear. To prune a coleus, you should use sharp pruning shears and cut a stem back to within a few inches of the base of the plant.
When pruning a coleus, avoid cutting back more than a third of the entire plant at once. In addition, it is recommended that you only remove a few of the oldest stems, as this will help maintain a fuller appearance.
This will also stimulate new growth and help the plant remain healthy.
How do you get bushy coleus?
To get bushy coleus, you will need to provide the plants with the proper care that it needs in order to thrive. The best way to create a bushier coleus is to prune the plants regularly. When you prune the coleus, make sure to do so just above a node or joint.
This will encourage the plant to put out new growth, which will help it become fuller and bushier. Additionally, you will want to make sure to fertilize routinely, usually at least once per month. You can also pinch the tips of new growth to encourage branching.
Be sure to keep your coleus in plenty of sunlight and keep the soil evenly moist. With these tips, you should have healthy and gorgeous coleus plants in no time.
Why is my coleus tall skinny?
The main reason for your coleus being tall and skinny is due to a lack of light. Coleus plants require bright indirect sunlight to thrive and grow properly. Without the proper amounts of light, they become very tall and leggy.
Additionally, if your plant is not getting enough water, or is getting too much water, it will cause it to stretch as it looks for sunlight and drier soil. You should try to provide your coleus with enough light and balanced watering to help it stay fuller and bushier.
To do so, you should place your Coleus in a spot that receives bright indirect light throughout the day, such as near a bright window, and water it regularly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
How long do coleus plants live for?
The lifespan of a coleus plant, or Coleus blumei, can vary depending on the variety of coleus and the care it is given. Generally, most coleus plants are considered annuals, meaning they will only last one year or one growing season.
However, in warmer climates, and with the right care, some varieties may live as perennials, surviving multiple years and growing year after year. With the right type of care, and a little luck, your coleus plant could live two and three years in mild climates.
When indoors, coleus plants need to be protected from cold weather and strong winds, and should be placed in sunny windows with temperatures around 65-75° F. Make sure you water your coleus regularly, and keep their roots from standing in water.
Proper pruning and pinching of the stems in early summer can help shape the plant and promote bushiness, while also encouraging the plant to produce more stems and leaves.
Coleus plants grown in containers will require regular potting or repotting, as the roots of the plant fill the container and need some extra space over time. When it comes to fertilizing coleus plants, less is actually more.
Over-fertilizing can damage the plant, and cause the leaves to lose their vibrant colors and patterns. By following all of these steps and keeping your coleus in the right environment and temperature, it is possible to extend the life of your coleus plant significantly.
Do you need to deadhead coleus?
Answer: Deadheading coleus is not necessary if you’re seeking to produce more flowers, as coleus is a foliage flower. While the plants may produce some small, insignificant blooms, deadheading is not necessary for that purpose.
However, there are some benefits to deadheading. For example, it can help remove damaged leaves and encourage new growth. Deadheading can also help keep your coleus looking tidy and encourage more vibrant foliage as the growing season progresses.
To deadhead, simply snip off the flower stalk at its base. As with other plants, be sure to use sharp, clean shears and make sure not to leave any stubs so that your coleus does not become disease-prone.
Is redhead Coleus a perennial?
Yes, red head coleus is a perennial plant. It is a shade-loving, tropical plant with colorful foliage that is grown widely around the world. Red head coleus is a member of the Lamiaceae family of plants and is native to tropical Africa and Southeast Asia.
It is an evergreen perennial that grows well in moist and well-drained soils and can reach heights of up to 3 feet tall. It prefers temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and is drought tolerant.
Red head coleus can be propagated by seed, and the leaves can be used as a food colorant. Although it is a perennial, red head coleus does best when kept indoors or in a container. If planted outside, it should be brought in during the winter or relocated to a place with more shade.
Additionally, red head coleus should be provided with proper fertilizer and irrigation and be pruned as needed to maintain its vibrant color.
Is coleus a sun or shade plant?
Coleus is a shade-loving plant. It is ideal for areas with indirect light or partial to full shade. It can tolerate direct sunlight, but the foliage may become stressed or damaged if the sunlight is too intense.
If the location receives full, direct sun, it is best to give the plant some protection with a shaded cover or light louver. For best growth and color, look for a place where the plant will receive some morning sun and afternoon shade.
Are coleus fast growing?
Yes, coleus are fast growing plants. While each variety may have a slightly different growth rate, they generally grow quickly and can reach a mature height anywhere from one to three feet in just a few months.
Most coleus will develop their beautiful, multicolored foliage fairly quickly, often in as little as two weeks after planting. Coleus plants are usually annuals, meaning they will lose their foliage and flower in the fall and winter, but in warm climates they can be perennial.
With regular fertilizing, pinching, and pruning they can continue to look fresh and healthy all year round.
Do coleus need big pots?
No, coleus does not need big pots. Coleus can actually be grown in a variety of container sizes. While a larger pot may provide the coleus with more room to grow, a pot that is too large can cause the soil to become overly dry or too wet.
The key is to find a balance between a pot that is large enough to support the roots, but not so big that it can’t be adequately watered. When determining a pot size for your coleus, look for one that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot size of your plant.
Depending on the size of the coleus both in height and width, a 6-8 inch container should be more than enough.
Does coleus multiply?
Yes, coleus (or scientifically known as Coleus blumei) multiplies by the means of seeds. The seeds will be available for purchase and can also be collected from mature coleus plants typically in the late summer.
Coleus is also very easy to propagate from cuttings from both the stems and the leaves. From cuttings, you can expect to have new plants within two weeks. To grow from cuttings, use the stem cuttings from mature plants with at least four sets of leaves and two nodes.
Dip the end of the cutting in some rooting hormone and place the cutting into potting soil about 1-2 inches deep for best success. Keep the cuttings in indirect light and water regularly, developing small roots that will eventually develop into established plants.
Does coleus need a lot of water?
No, coleus does not need a lot of water. In fact, it is actually quite drought tolerant and can tolerate periods of very little water. It prefers a moist, but well drained soil. During the summer months, it may be necessary to water it several times a week, however water should be reduced during the winter months.
When in doubt, it is best to wait until the soil starts to feel dry to the touch before watering. Too much water can lead to root rot, so it is important to not over water coleus.