Coleus profile

Coleus, scientific name Plectranthus scutellarioides, is a perennial herb, a foliage flower. Coleus is often used in flower beds, venues, theater layout patterns, and can also be used as a basket, bouquet of flowers with leaves. The propagation method is sowing and cutting. Coleus is warm and cold tolerant and adaptable, and pays attention to pest control.

Coleus picture

Morphological characteristics of Coleus

Coleus is a perennial herb. The old plant can grow into a sub shrubby plant, but the plant shape is ugly and the ornamental value is low, so it is mostly cultivated for one or two years. The Coleus plant height is 50~8Ocm, and the cultivated seedlings are mostly controlled below 3Ocm. The whole Coleus plant is hairy, the stem is four-sided, the base is lignified, the opposite leaves are ovoid, the apex is long acuminate, the margin is obtuse teeth, the leaves can be l5cm long, the leaf surface is green, with light yellow, peach, vermilion, purple and other bright color markings. Terminal racemes are with small pale blue or purplish flowers. Nuts are smooth and shiny.

Habits of Coleus

Coleus is a thermophilic plant with strong adaptability. The temperature in winter is no less than 10℃, and it is slightly shaded in high temperature in summer. Coleus is fond of sufficient sunlight, which can make its leaves bright in color. Coleus likes wet, summer to pour enough water, otherwise prone to wilting phenomenon. And often spray water to the foliage to maintain a certain air humidity; Apply more phosphate fertilizer to keep the foliage bright. Avoid excessive nitrogen, otherwise the foliage is dim; Coleus requires loose and fertile soil, general garden soil.

Coleus growing methods

Watering

Coleus has a strict demand for water. During Coleus growth, it needs to maintain the moisture of the soil and the environment in the basin to avoid drought and flood. The most ornamental value of Coleus lies in its colorful leaves. If watered too much, the leaves will easily become dehydrated and discolored, and the root system will easily become infected and rot.

Soil

Coleus likes sandy loam rich in humus and well drained. When potted, with bone meal or compound fertilizer as the base fertilizer, a growth period every 10 ~ 15 days apply organic liquid fertilizer (stop applying in midsummer). When fertilizing Coleus, avoid sprinkling fat water to the leaf surface, so as not to burn and rot.

Light

Light has a great effect on the color of Coleus leaves. When the sun is sufficient, the Coleus leaf color will be bright, but avoid summer sun exposure, the sun is too strong and will lead to rough foliage loss glossiness. Of course, Coleus has been under shade for a long time and its leaves are not bright.

The temperature

The suitable temperature for Coleus growth is about 20℃, and it is moved indoors before and after Cold Dew. The room temperature in winter should not be lower than 10℃. At this time, watering should be dry but not wet, and the soil in the pot should be kept moist, otherwise the Coleus root will rot easily.

Coleus flower language

The symbol of Coleus is desperate love, which means innocence and despair.It is said that Coleus has seven leaves, each of which has a different color. In the dark, Coleus will emit seven colors of light, just like a colorful night pearl. Coleus is said to be spiritual. It is possessed by the pure of heart. Coleus gives light and brings happiness to you. If not, Coleus will wither and lose its luster.