Coleus, with its vibrant and eye-catching foliage, has long been a favorite for outdoor gardens and landscapes. However, did you know that you can also cultivate this stunning plant as a houseplant with ease, and often for free? Whether you want to propagate from an existing coleus plant or start from seeds, growing coleus indoors can brighten up your living space and keep the beauty of these plants alive throughout the colder months.
Why Coleus Make Great Houseplant
In many climates, coleus is labeled as an annual due to its vulnerability to even the mildest cold spells. However, this doesn’t signify the end of the road for these captivating plants when winter arrives. Coleus can flourish indoors, making for an outstanding houseplant. Originating from Asia and the Australian coast, coleus is actually a perennial in warm or tropical climates. As a member of the mint family, it’s highly adaptable and can thrive in less-than-ideal conditions, including indoor settings.
Growing Coleus Indoors: What You Need
The beauty of growing coleus indoors lies in its simplicity. All you require is a warm room with a sunny window. These striking plants don’t demand extended periods of intense sunlight, making them suitable for most indoor environments. Moreover, they don’t necessitate highly fertile soil to produce their signature foliage.
Starting with Existing Plants
Transitioning an outdoor potted coleus plant into a houseplant is straightforward. Before the first frost arrives, bring it indoors. Position it in a well-lit room, preferably close to a south-facing window to maximize sunlight exposure. Ensure the room temperature stays above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and consistently keep the soil moist, as coleus thrives in humid conditions. Be vigilant about avoiding drafts and steer clear of heating vents. Don’t forget to trim any blooming stems to redirect the plant’s energy toward foliage growth.
Propagating Coleus through Cuttings
If your outdoor coleus plants become too unwieldy to move indoors, taking cuttings is an excellent solution. Coleus plants propagate exceptionally well from cuttings, and this method not only aids in creating houseplants but also in expanding your coleus collection. Here’s how: locate a mature stem with a bud at its tip, cut it off at the base, and remove a few sets of leaves. Place the stem in either water or soil for rooting. Using water typically accelerates root development, and there’s no need for rooting hormone. Once the roots are established, transplant the coleus cutting into its permanent container.
Growing Coleus from Seeds
If you lack existing coleus plants, there’s no need to worry – you can embark on your coleus houseplant journey from seeds. Growing from seed offers the advantage of discovering unique and vibrant coleus varieties that might be hard to come by as established plants. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to cultivate numerous plants. Simply plant coleus seeds directly into a container and position them in the warmest room in your home. To boost humidity and hasten germination, cover the container with plastic wrap until the seeds sprout. Once they’ve sprouted, move the container to a sunny windowsill and keep the soil consistently moist through regular watering.
In Conclusion
Cultivating coleus as a houseplant is not only hassle-free but also tremendously rewarding. Whether you’re bringing outdoor plants inside, propagating through cuttings, or starting from scratch with seeds, these vibrant and versatile plants will breathe life and color into your living spaces all year round. Revel in the beauty of coleus foliage from the comfort of your home and look forward to a thriving garden when spring and summer return, all while staying within your gardening budget. Coleus serves as a testament to the fact that beauty and convenience can seamlessly coexist in the realm of houseplants.