Solenostemon scutellaroides - Coleus - Seeds

Description

• Lamiaceae Lamiales
• Southeast Asia, Oceania
• H100 x W50cm
•  Z10 
• Perennial, Ephemeral Perennial
• Synonyms: Flaming Nettle, House Nettle, Coliole, Plectranthus scutellarioides, Coleus blumei, Coleus scutellarioides
• 1 packet of 15 seeds

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Details

Solenostemon scutellaroides, better known as Coleus blumei, Coleus, or Coliole, is an ornamental tropical plant cousin of Basil

It is spectacular and much appreciated for the bright colors of its foliage

Very variable, many Ornamental Cultivars have been created during the domestication of this Flaming Nettle

They vary in leaf shape (size, shape of the leaves) and leaf color (green, yellow, cream, orange, red, pink, black)

Many of these cultivars are annuals and intended for outdoor ornament

They won't stand indoor life

These are the Coleus found in the nurseries in spring

The Coleus proposed here, on the contrary, is close to the botanical species, and cultivated as a House Plant

It is usually grown as an ephemeral perennial because its root system weakens over the years and will eventually need to be regenerated (sowing or cuttings to make a plant)

The leaves of Plectranthus scutellarioides are slightly and pleasantly aromatic

They resemble that of the nettle but are much larger (up to 20 x 15cm) and not stinging

Their spectacular color is Bright Magenta in the center, printed on Dark Bordeaux which contrasts strongly, all bordered by a pretty Bright Green

The intensity of the color develops with light, and reaches its maximum during summer

The leaves are opposite, carried by a square branched stem of pale straw yellow color

At the end of each stem grows a spiky inflorescence from mid summer to late summer

It is erect, branched, measures about 20cm, and bears magnificent lavender blue flowers, unfortunately small, which are very attractive to foraging insects

Coleus growth is continuous, but slows down in winter

Frost-intolerant, usually dies below 5°C - preferred minimum winter temperature is 15°C

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Cultivation

A spectacular plant easy to care - beginner level

Sow Coleus in pots in April or May, sprinkling 3-5 seeds per pot, packed on the surface of good quality horticultural soil mix

Do not cover the seeds, they will not germinate

Expose to Light at a temperature above 20°C

Water by spraying so as not to disturb the very small seeds

Subsequently, keep the soil moist at all time by placing the pots in a container always filled with 1-2cm of water so that the soil is moist on the surface without being damped

Germination takes 2 to 3 weeks at 22°C

When the seedlings have developed a few leaves and can be handled, select the most beautiful and vigorous ones and plant them into a larger pot

Water generously and regularly

Fertilize with Liquid Fertilizer diluted in water, regularly every week from May to September

In summer, put the pots in high saucers always filled with water

In Autumn and Winter, Coleus grows more slowly: Reduce watering so that the soil remains just a little moist and water less as the room temperature is cooler

Your Coleus will immediately show its thirst by the wilting of its leaves

Find a very bright place for wintering your Coleus: Behind a window, it can get sunlight indoors

The proportion of Green color in the leaf varies seasonally

It almost disappears in summer

It will become predominant when the plant lacks light

Magenta may even disappear, indicating that you need to find a better location for your Coleus

Repot every year in spring, replacing as much of the old potting soil as possible with new soil mix

Cut the stems back to around twenty cm to stimulate vigorous, branched growth

During the growing season, regularly prune the tip of the stems to promote branching, therefore more leaves

The inflorescences are of little decorative interest, cause a mess by dropping dead flowers, and lead to plants being bare at their base

Indoors, the Coleus can be attacked by the Red Spider and the Thrip mites

If this occurs, give your Coleus regular showers with cold water