Some plants are grown for their exquisite foliage in different colors and shapes , more than compensating for their non descriptive flowers and coleus ius one such plant .Coleus is a genus of perennial plants, native to tropical Africa, Asia, Australia, the East Indies, the Malayasia, Thailand and the Philippines…Most of them are propagated for their attractive foliage - colorful variegated leaves, typically with sharp contrast between the colors; the leaves may be green, pink, yellow, or a deep blackish purple or maroon.The colors are glorious and eye catching brightening any drab patch of garden.There are boundless varieties of coleus
plants that come in all colors shapes and sizes.Some of color combinations are bright and spell binding. There are more than 100 varieties of Coleus and they are all equally attractive and colorful..It is hard to believe that it is tropical jungle plant that has become extremely popular with gardeners and plant lovers all over the world.
It is very easy to grow coleus
1, They need a well drained fertile soil mix preferrably with a lot of sand .
2, They need to be watered regularly during summer months , other than that they have no special needs and are considered as low maintenance plants.
3, The plants have tender stems and this makes it vulnerable during heavy rains or severe temperature.It is best to move the plant to a more protected area when that happens.
4,The ideal temperature equirement for coleus is 18 - 25 degree C.Most plants grow to a maximum height of about 2 - 2 1/2 feet - 3 feet.
5, Coleus prefer their roots to be firmly in soil that is evenly moist but not soggy. The more a coleus plant is exposed to sun and wind, the more often they need to be watered. Daily or twice-daily watering may be necessary during summer, especially as the coleus mature and develop a large leaf canopy. Coleus that have wilted will usually respond quickly when the plant is watered.
6, They need semi shade to grow well and bring out all the colors to its best advantage. Too much sun bleaches the leaves making them look dry and unattractive..Pinching the growing tips of the coleus when they are still young , increases branching and makes the plant more bushy
and attractive . In fact it is a good idea to prune the plant every now and then to give it a more attractive shape.Normally a healthy Coleus, when provided with a good location and the correct amount of light, water, warmth, and air circulation, is quite resistant to disease. Removing dead or yellowed leaves from the area around the coleus will help control any pest attacks .One has to be careful about Soggy soil and cool temperatures , which can cause the plant to wilt and become vulnerable to fungal diseases.It is best to move the plant indoors during severe winter months.
Coleus can be grown as a houseplant with some care. It needs to be kept in a bright spot with lots of sunlight and air circulation. It is best to water the plant on demand when the top soil is dry and never to overwater. Other than that One has to be careful to turn the plant every now then so that all sides receive equal amount of sun, otherwise the plant might grow lanky and begins to look unattractive and untidy . Pruning regularly helps in retaining its shape.
It is very easy to propagate and expand ones Coleus collection. Other than through seeds which is done very easily, one can grow coleus through cuttings and they grow easily without much effort.Once the original plant gets older, growing shaggy and loosing iots colour and shape ,one can take cuttings from the top tender parts and place it in pots filled with part soil, sand and garden manure.The new plant begins to grow and take shape in 4-6 weeks time.If the plant are grown in a pot ,it needs to be repotted every six months.
Coleus is one of the most popular houseplants . One won’t be disappointed growing Coleus which thrives with little care displaying all the different shapes colors and texture and care for coleus plant is rather easy but highly rewarding.
Certain varieties of Coleus are being used in Ayuvedic medicines treating Asthama, heart disease and Bronchitis.
