Planting and Growing Coleus

Image Credit:
zzz555zzz/Shutterstock
Botanical Name
Plectranthus scutellarioides
Plant Type
Foliage Plants
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Partial Sun
Soil pH
Neutral
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
Varies
Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener
Almanac Guide to Herbs

Looking for a plant that delivers bold, nonstop color with minimal effort? Coleus is a standout choice for gardeners of all levels. Known for its vibrant foliage and endless variety of patterns and shades, coleus instantly brightens containers, garden beds, and outdoor spaces. Learn how easy it is to grow coleus.

From deep burgundy and nearly black leaves to bright greens, pinks, and yellows, coleus offers striking combinations that make it a favorite for decorative planting. Its unique leaf shapes—ranging from ruffled to scalloped—add even more visual interest, making every plant feel one-of-a-kind.

Despite being part of the mint family, coleus is noninvasive and easy to manage. It thrives in containers, adapts to both shade and sun (depending on the variety), and requires very little maintenance. Whether you’re designing a patio display or filling in garden gaps, coleus is a reliable way to add lasting color all season long.

red coleus in a pot

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Planting

When to Plant Coleus

Purchasing new plants or starting coleus from cuttings is recommended. Take 4- to 6-inch cuttings in fall before the first frost. Cut right above a leaf node, then remove the lower leaves. Place in a glass jar filled with water. When roots are 1 to 2 inches long, transplant to a small pot filled with potting mix, grow these in a sunny window or under lights. Maintain moisture and mist to aid humidity.

Plants can also be started from seeds (note that seeds do not produce identical plants; use cuttings if this is the goal); set seeds on the surface of 3 inches of seed-starting mix 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date. Supply with light (for germination) and transplant outdoors when evening temperatures are consistently at least 60°F.

Water thoroughly after planting and keep roots consistently moist for the first 7 to 10 days. Good drainage is essential; “wet feet” (excessive water) can result in stunted growth and brown foliage.

Where to Plant Coleus

Coleuses thrive in heat up to 95°F; plants will languish in temperatures below 55°F, and leaves will fall off in colder conditions.

Avoid windy locations; extreme winds can cause stems to break.

Provide proper light exposure for the variety. Although coleuses were once considered shade or dappled-sunlight plants only, breeders have now developed full-sun–tolerant varieties. Generally, dark-leaf varieties are more sun-tolerant, while plants with lighter foliage need more shade. For all, avoid deep shade.

Growing

Watering

Water the soil when it is dry at a 1-inch depth. Water the soil and base of the plant; avoid wetting the foliage. 

Fertilizer

Slow-release balanced formula fertilizers are suggested at half strength every 2 weeks. Excess fertilizer can weaken the leaf colorization.

Deadheading

Pinch back flower spikes to maintain bushiness and plant vigor. (Trailing varieties are the most likely to bloom.) Note that the tiny flowers are not without appeal: They appear in shades of blue, purple, and white on spikes that lure hummingbirds. Spikes gathered in a bouquet can be attractive. Many new cultivars have been bred to be slow bloomers, almost eliminating the need for them to be pinched back.

Overwintering Coleus

  • In cooler regions, take cuttings from your plants before the first frost in the fall and place them in water to root. 
  • Plant the rooted cuttings in small pots and keep them near a sunny window for the winter.
  • Come spring, once the danger of frost has passed, plant the coleus outdoors.

red coleus

Pests and Problems

Coleus Problems

If leaves appear faded or lose their vibrant color, the plant may be getting too much direct sun or not enough nutrients. Move to partial shade or fertilize lightly.

Leggy, stretched growth is usually caused by insufficient light. Provide brighter indirect light and pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.

If leaves wilt or drop, the plant may be underwatered—or, conversely, sitting in overly wet soil. Coleus prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil.

Stem rot and root rot can occur if soil is too wet. Avoid overwatering and ensure containers have proper drainage.

Leaf scorch (brown, crispy edges) can result from intense sun exposure or inconsistent watering. Adjust placement and maintain even moisture.

Coleus Pests

Insect pests to watch for are aphids, mealy bugs, and whiteflies. These pests feed on plant sap and can weaken growth.

To manage pests effectively:

  • Check plants regularly, especially under leaves
  • Spray with a steady stream of water to remove pests
  • Use insecticidal soap for small infestations
  • Apply neem oil or horticultural oil to control persistent issues
  • Remove heavily infested leaves to prevent spreading

Coleus Diseases

Most coleus issues are related to moisture and airflow. Common issues include:

Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage; leads to wilting and mushy roots

Stem Rot: Stems become soft and collapse due to excess moisture

Downy Mildew: A fungal disease that may cause yellowing leaves and fuzzy growth underneath; remove affected plants immediately

Keeping your coleus healthy with proper watering and airflow will prevent most problems before they start.

Types

There are more than 600 varieties of coleus to choose from! Learn about some of our favorite colorful coleus varieties.

Wit and Wisdom

  • Coleus was a favorite plant in Victorian gardens. British and American Victorians used coleuses in elaborate “carpet gardens” and “carpet bedding,” which were living mosaics of outdoor plants that often mirrored indoor rug patterns.
  • Research has shown that within several hours after a coleus stem is wounded, some of its cells around the wound immediately start to divide. After 2 days or so, some of these cells differentiate into a different cell type that can transport water around the wound.
  • Coleus is a member of the mint and dead nettle family.
  • Coleus was first discovered in 1853 in the mountains of Java, which is Indonesia’s most populous island today.
  • Native to Africa, India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, coleuses take three plant forms—upright, rounded, and trailing—and range in height from 6 to 36 inches.

Ornamental Gardening
About The Author
Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann is the Executive Digital Editor of Almanac.com, the website companion of The Old Farmer's Almanac. She covers gardening, plants, pest control, soil composition, seasonal and moon c...
Read More from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<span>Capt Carl Sigavrtsen</span> Tue, 08/13/2024 - 12:23
west central fl. in winter will the leafs fall off. thank you
<span>Regina</span> Wed, 11/15/2023 - 16:54
How do I prune my coleus so it will get bushy
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Fri, 11/17/2023 - 09:40

Hi Regina,

You will want to prune your coleus plants by removing any stem at the point where two stems or two leaves are growing from it. You can either pinch them back or cut them with pruners. By doing so, your coleus will grow two new branches from that point on the stem to give it a bushy appearance instead of having those stems simply grow straight up. Depending on the size of your plant, you can be aggressive when pinching it back to stimulate lots of new growth. 

 

 <span>Chuck Gilmore</span> Fri, 08/25/2023 - 14:26
I pinched off a few stems and put them in water. I thought they would root?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Fri, 08/25/2023 - 21:41

Hi Chuck-

Generally, coleus is easy to root in water. How long have you had the cuttings in water?

 <span>Phyllis Seeger</span> Thu, 01/05/2023 - 14:57
I seem to have a white fungus on my plant cuttings that I have in small pots, how do I remedy this? Do not want to lose them