The coleus is a plant that deserves to be in every garden. It is a particular species with characteristics that make it easily identifiable. But for it to grow well and with sufficient vigor, some very simple but fundamental care is necessary. Know what are some of the cares that you cannot omit if you have coleus in your garden.
The care of the garden implies an important power of observation to detect in time inconveniences such as dry leaves, lack of irrigation, or any other inconveniences. In the case of the coleus, the situation is not very different, although if you follow some basic tips, this plant can grow perfectly in your garden.
This plant, which stands out for the combination of its leaves between green and pink, red or brown, grows very well in subtropical climates, although with the necessary care, it can be in your garden decorating with its natural beauty.
This is a plant that does not withstand low temperatures, so in winter or on very cold days it is best to leave it indoors to avoid frost.
The coleus is a plant that requires good lighting not only to grow but also to highlight the contrasting colors of the leaves.
You should also pay attention to watering the coleus. This is a species that needs water but not too much. To know when to do it, you can observe the substrate, if it remains dry, then it is time to water. Another sign is the texture of its leaves which lose roughness when they are thirsty.
Coleus is a well-known plant for decorating interiors because its leaves have great ornamental power due to their vivid colors. Its cultivation should not be complex because it is a species that adapts to the most adverse conditions, however, there is a key fact for it to grow healthy and in this note, we will reveal it.
Plectranthus scutellarioides -scientific name- is a plant native to Southeast Asia and is characterized by its unique leaves and contrasting colors. This characteristic allows us to find specimens ranging from green to fuchsia or intense pink.
Although it is popularly considered an indoor plant, it can also be grown in the garden if the climatic conditions of the region allow it. It is the cold that affects it the most and, when the thermometer is positioned below 13°, it can die. However, it has a great tolerance to heat, being able to withstand temperatures up to 40°.
The key to the healthy growth of coleus
Lighting is essential for coleus to look good and grow strong. The process of finding the right spot can be tedious and frustrating, but we must take the time to do it if we want our plant to live a long time.
Despite being a tropical plant, direct sunlight is too violent for it. However, the vivacity and coloration of its leaves depend to a great extent on the illumination. If our specimen does not have enough hours of light its leaves likely begin to look weak and pale.
Watering is another important part of its care. This must be constant but measured. Fundamentally, its substrate remains slightly humid, avoiding puddles and excesses.