Incredibly attractive plant - coleus. Planting and care in the open field, as well as cultivation - the subject of our conversation. After all, the beauty of its foliage is not inferior to buds, inflorescences of bright garden flowers and is necessarily in the focus of attention, attracts glances. If you find a competent approach to coleus, provide it with everything you need, it will become a magnificent decoration of your site!
Coleus flower, how and where does it grow?
This decorative-deciduous shrub from the labiaceae family boasts an incredible palette of colors, a fancy pattern on the leaves, and a contrasting combination of shades.
Coleus, photo:
In areas in the open ground, large-leaved forms are most often planted. They quickly gain growth, turn into fluffy bushes. Coleus has a very “convenient” feature for the gardener - you can take cuttings from it at any time.
Thus, it can be propagated at any time, this process is simple, almost always brings positive results.
One of the most common types of this representative is Coleus Blume (or Blume). It is also known as a potted, indoor version, which is popularly called "indoor nettle." In any case, he is able to decorate any room, as well as complement, emphasize with his presence other floral representatives in the flowerbed. However, it should be borne in mind that with the advent of cold weather it is better to transfer it to the room.
The plant itself is a native of Africa and the Asian tropics. Its foliage, indeed, can have a variety of color combinations and shades: bright green, copper, red, lilac, maroon, yellow, white, colorful multicolor. The shape of the leaf is actually somewhat reminiscent of a nettle leaf, and the flowers are similar in shape to spikelets, they are most often bluish or purple. However, coleus is grown solely because of its attractive foliage, which can be serrated, pubescent with villi, and have a heart shape. In nature, there are approximately 150 varieties, and hybrid and polyhybrid varieties have become particularly popular.
In a pot on the street, photo:
Coleus Blum - he is, as it were, one of the ancestors of hybrid species. It can reach a meter height, and foliage can change its color depending on the place of growth, the degree of its exposure to sunlight.
Another famous representative, originally from Sri Lanka - Coleus Renelt, has an ampel shape, with drooping stems and foliage. It gives color mainly in winter, blooms with small blue flowers that form a “spikelet”. Most of the highly decorative ampel varieties were obtained from him.
Before planting coleus in your area, pay special attention to the place where you want to plant it. He loves the sun, a well-lit area, where he will be able to fully show all his beauty, to amaze you with bright shades of leaves. Here, too, there are some small tricks: if you are going to plant a variety with red, burgundy or white foliage, then direct sunlight is exactly what you need for these varieties. But those representatives in whom the leaves are different in all shades of green - like light shading! Green varietal species (let's call them that) should be planted only in partial shade, direct sunlight can simply burn their foliage.
Coleus Black Dragon and Cherry in Chocolate, photo:
Attention should also be paid to the composition of the soil, in principle, it can be anything, just to be nutritious and saturated with nitrogenous top dressing. By the way, it is nitrogen that affects the brightness of the pattern on the foliage, contributes to the saturation of colors.
Coleus, breeding methods and planting features
It is propagated mainly by two methods - seed and cuttings. Both of these methods do not present any difficulties even for novice gardeners. As already mentioned above, there are a great many varieties - the color scheme of foliage can satisfy every taste. Nevertheless, breeders continue to introduce new varietal species to our joy.
In the corresponding flower shops you can buy ready-made seedlings, as well as seeds or seed mixtures of various varieties. Any coleus hybrid will feel equally good both in room conditions, and as an element of landscape design in the open ground. Flowers do not represent special decorative value, but foliage, in addition to its attractiveness, can even have a pleasant aroma (in some species).
Landing in the open ground is made with the advent of a full warm spring or summer. In addition to acceptable lighting (do not forget about the color of the leaves and individual requirements), you should know that he does not like drafts. Seats should be located at a small distance from each other, but with such intent that the flowers do not interfere with each other to grow and develop ("push"). Dug holes are best filled with an appropriate soil mixture (fertile).
After planting, the flower should be watered (but not filled with plenty of water) and create an artificial shade so that it adapts in the air, and the leaves do not burn out under the bright rays of the spring sun. Remember that a too clear shadow will not allow the natural bright coloring of the leaves to appear, it will contribute to the extension of the stems - and this is completely useless to us. Acceptable air temperature for the full development of coleus is approximately + 10 ° С .. + 15 ° С (and higher). For adult strong bushes (with the advent of autumn), the minimum temperature is up to + 8 ° C.
To summarize:
- Lighting - choose shaded places or brightly lit by the sun (for individual species). If the flower is grown at home, then the eastern or western windows will be the most suitable option for their placement.
- Temperature - it tolerates summer heat well, but only on condition that you provide it with regular watering. He does not like sudden changes in air temperature - remember this. Even if the summer was not too warm, then even at + 15 ° C, his growth begins to slow down. Room representatives can comfortably survive short-term temperature drops of up to + 10 ° C, but they, too, are not very “happy” about sudden changes.
- Soil - hybrid Coleus is not too demanding on the composition of the soil mixture, it feels comfortable in turfy, leafy soil, as well as in a regular garden. The main thing - from time to time do not forget about fertilizers.
- Watering - he loves the systematic flow of moisture, the soil should never dry out! Evening irrigation with clean water at room temperature will only benefit him. With the onset of winter, indoor coleuses are watered when the upper layer of soil becomes dry.
- Fertilizers - as mentioned above, coleus is quite unpretentious in this regard. In a flowerbed, in open ground, it can grow without mineral fertilizing, but if you decide to feed it, it will not be worse. Buy the appropriate mineral fertilizers in flower shops, they have a low cost, and everything will be readily available on the package - how and in what proportion to dilute this or that product.
As for the methods of reproduction, here, I think about each need to talk separately. Since each method, seed and cuttings have their own nuances and rules.
Coleus - propagation by seeds
Propagating it with seeds is easy - there are no special tricks and additional devices. Of course, you will have to spend more time on this method than if, for example, you purchased ready-made seedlings. So that young bushes are already ready for planting in the soil, it is best to start sowing seeds in March (or at the end of March). For seedlings you will need a container, plastic cups (with holes at the bottom) or special cassettes for seedlings (so it will be even more convenient for you to transfer them to the open ground).
Or you can use the generally ideal option in all respects - peat tablets! You can buy the appropriate soil mixture in the same place - in a flower shop. You can make the soil yourself. It is done as follows: 4 parts of chernozem, 2 parts of chopped spruce (or pine needles), 2 parts of cow manure, 1 share of pure river sand. It is best to sift and preheat chernozem, sand - also sift and calcine, needles - here you have to be puzzled and more or less tolerably chopped into small fragments using scissors.
Seedling photo:
If you will buy seeds in a specialized store, then keep in mind that seed of Dutch or English origin has the highest degree of germination. According to the general opinion of experienced gardeners, for a coleus to quickly and easily ascend, planting with seeds should be superficial. That is, the seed does not need to be actively buried in the soil mixture, but rather scattered along its surface and slightly pressed. After this, the seeds must be sprinkled with a very thin layer of sand and irrigated from the spray bottle with clean water at room temperature. After the planting process, it is best to cover the containers with glass or polyethylene - nothing new (as is the case with the rest of the seeds in a similar cultivation).
If you decide to grow coleus using this method, seed propagation most comfortably occurs in a warm atmosphere. The most optimal temperature for germinating its seeds is + 20 ° С .. + 24 ° С. If you maintain this level constantly, then after about 10-14 days you will see the first sprouts. At this stage, the “greenhouse” can be removed, and the containers can be moved to the lighter eastern or western windows. Do not forget about direct sunlight - the flowers must be protected from them! Young livestock should always be moistened, but in moderation, without unnecessary swampiness. Further, having slightly strengthened, the seedlings will feel good at an air temperature of + 16 ° С .. + 19 ° С. Try to provide young animals with good lighting during the active growth phase so that it does not stretch out and lose its vitality for the future.
Seedlings in peat tablets, photo:
An important point - if you poured seed into the common tray, then during the selection you will have to discard weak and frail plants, and transplant the strongest representatives into separate containers. Do not forget about drainage at the bottom of the pots! That is why it is more convenient for you (less trouble), and it is less traumatic for a flower to sow seeds in special cassettes or peat tablets. Thus, the “operation” of reproduction will be more comfortable, faster, and better for him, the root system will not be disturbed by additional transplantation. And there, in fact - the choice is yours.
When the end of spring / beginning of summer comes, the land warms up, then the seedlings can be transferred to a flower bed, a chosen place on the site. Now a new stage is beginning for you - to protect the Coleus from the bright sun and drafts. Care will now be associated precisely with these factors, as well as with watering and pest protection. About them will be said a little later. After planting, as the growth grows, bushes are formed - pinching the tops of the shoots and lateral processes.
So that later the plant had a spherical shape, the apical bud is removed, as well as the buds at the ends of the lateral branches. Such a simple technique is the answer to a common question - how to pinch a coleus. It should be borne in mind that such manipulation is performed on both small and adult bushes - this not only forms a bush, but also contributes to its splendor. Usually, a neat initial pinch begins to be made when the flower reaches 4-5 cm in height, and the side branches grow to 5 cm.
Coleus - propagation by cuttings, care of seedlings and adult plants
This is a very simple and uncomplicated method of reproduction. To do this, you should choose a healthy, well-developed representative. Next, you need to look at his powerful shoot, carefully cut and put in a container with clean water. The water will have to be changed periodically until the roots appear on the stalk, after which it is transplanted into a pot with a suitable soil mixture. This procedure is best done by the end of summer / early fall. Thus, you can annually breed coles for home breeding, for flower beds, and just to share or exchange with a neighbor in the country some new variety.
Cuttings with roots, photo:
A more detailed description of the process of propagation of coleus by cuttings:
- It is advisable to select an escape without inflorescences and buds at the end. Trimming should be done carefully, right under the leaf assembly. As a result, the length of the cut fragment should be approximately 15 cm.
- From a small bush, you can also take process cuttings, about 6-8 cm long.
- The lower leaves on the handle are to be removed, since it will still be buried in the soil.
- In the container with water where you will place the stalk, you can add a root stimulant (for example, Kornevin, Gumisol, Heteroauxin). Prepare the solution strictly according to the recommendations indicated on the package.
- Water should be changed 1 time in 2-3 days, the stalk should be kept in a bright place, but not in direct sunlight.
- Rooting in vermiculite gives good results. Just pour vermiculite into the container, add some water and insert the stem into it.
- When the roots appear at the shoot, transplant it into a separate pot with drainage holes and the drainage itself at the bottom. A moist earth mixture should be suitable - we mentioned it above.
- Sometimes, for the sake of reliability, on flower forums it is advised to create small greenhouses for cuttings - to cover the plant with plastic glasses or plastic bags until the young flower gives new leaves. Most often this happens within a month. To do this or not to do so is up to you.
- We already mentioned lighting and shading, but the air temperature in the room where the cuttings are located should be about + 20 ° С (not lower).
How to care for coleus? When foliage and full roots appear, they should be looked after as expected. Than a flower will receive light - the brighter and more colorful will be its foliage and pattern on it. If you have the opportunity to put bushes in the sun in the morning, and transfer them to the shade for dinner, then be sure to use this option. Partial, periodic shadow has a good effect on development and growth. If suddenly you notice that your green pet is losing foliage - this is an indicator of a lack of sunlight.
Rooted cuttings:
Do not water the soil when watering, even on the hottest days - this is fraught with decay of the root system. Let it be better to water more often, and less moisture. During this, make sure that the water falls only on the soil, but not on the stems or foliage - the leaves are very vulnerable. In perfect condition, the soil should always be slightly moistened so that drought does not affect the decorativeness of the leaves, and excessive bogging does not harm the roots.
If you want your coleus to be more magnificent and stronger, you can feed it. As already mentioned above, this plant feels rather well without additional fertilizers. However, if you so wish, then during the growing season, once every 10 days, feed it with a special top dressing diluted in water for decorative and deciduous representatives.Make sure that at this stage there is no nitrogen in the top dressing or there is very little of it, because nitrogen “steals” the bright color of the foliage.
In winter, coleus does not fertilize at all, but if you have insufficient light in your room, then once every 30 days you can feed it in winter (with mineral fertilizer).
If you want the flower to grow up, then remove only the side branches. So it will resemble a small tree, not a spherical bush (as with the pinching recommended above). To increase the “fluffiness” and improve branching, the first flower arrows and shoot tops should be removed from the flower, a couple of centimeters each. So the vitality of the plant will be directed to the formation of foliage, and not to bloom. In general, the coleus is trimmed as necessary, if desired, it can grow to the state of a lush carpet, which also, in principle, looks quite attractive.
If you like the appearance of the blooming coleus, its spike-shaped inflorescences themselves, then you can leave several copies in the most prominent places, and remove the rest. All living things are drawn to the sun and if the flower is contained in room conditions, then its tilt can be adjusted by turning the pot in the right direction. In the same way, so that the flower looks harmoniously on the flower bed, with the help of pegs it can be set to the desired direction. The shoot is neatly attached to the peg and no less neatly pulled, sent in the right direction. Too heavy, lush and overgrown bushes are also strengthened with the help of such supporting supports.
How to care for coleus in case of cold? If the plant was originally planned as a perennial, then at the onset of the first night cooling it should be brought into the room. With the onset of “gray” autumn days, gradually accustom him to the shade, so that in winter he would feel comfortable in the shade of the room. But try to keep it on the most lit side - near the south or southwest windows. Very old bushes are not transplantable, it would be much more reasonable to take cuttings from them and root them, thereby giving life to a new generation.
It is better to do this in the first weeks of the calendar autumn - in September. Protect plants from drafts, if your house is too dark, then you may need additional lighting with special fitolamps. Watering in winter becomes more moderate. When March comes, the Coleus should undergo anti-aging pruning: old leaves are removed from adult representatives, branches are shortened. This procedure activates the growth of new shoots at the base of the flower. Well, in the spring, when the threat of frost has already passed and the warm weather has finally settled, the flower can again be transferred to the site.
Coleus diseases and pests
Most of all, Coleus is “loved” by mealybug, whitefly, aphids, and spider mites. To combat them, of course, you should use insecticides ("Imidacloprid", "Confidor Extra", "Bison", "Actofit"). If you try to destroy the parasite at the initial stage, then, for example, ordinary alcohol sometimes helps against a mealybug, which is moistened with a piece of cotton wool and wiped its places of settlement. Another surprisingly simple way, however, helps get rid of shaggy lice (another name for mealybug). Tincture of the peel of lemons and oranges is poured with boiling water (50 g per 1 liter of water), infused for a day, after which the flower should be abundantly sprayed with such a “medicine” using a spray bottle.
Against whiteflies, household or tar soap, previously grated and dissolved in water, can help (1: 6). Such a solution, or rather, its thick foam, which is convenient to beat with a foam sponge, is applied with the same sponge to the places of accumulation of larvae. Or, you can irrigate all affected coles using this mixture and a garden spray. The ground should also be gently sprayed with soapy water.
Soap solution also helps against aphids, only in this case it is enough to take 300 g of brown laundry soap, grind and dissolve in 10 liters of water. Tar soap for 10 liters of water will require much less - 100-150 g. To enhance the damaging effect, wood ash can be added to the resulting composition, and if you also keep the bucket with this brew on fire for about 30 minutes, the product will become several times more powerful and more effective. In general, ash itself is a very good remedy against aphids, it sprinkles the earth around it and leaves affected by pests. With its help, many coleus diseases are stopped.
Against the spider mite, the above soap solution and alcohol solution help. To do this, ammonia is taken (30 ml per 10 liters of water) and abundant irrigation of the affected plants is carried out. Ordinary garlic can also help you: you need to chop 30 or 50 g of garlic, add 10 liters of boiling water, leave to infuse for 24 hours. You can also carry out irrigation with such a decoction, and if you add finely grated soap to the composition, then the spider mite will simply have nowhere to go.
By the way, the above methods are good only in the initial stages of the disease, in more serious cases, the help of the chemicals mentioned above will be required. If you notice a fungus on the leaves, then immediately remove all affected fragments, and carefully disinfect the garden tools themselves. Modern antifungal sprays sold in flower shops do an excellent job with fungi and harmful mold.
Do not forget that excessively plentiful watering and a lack of sunlight can also provoke diseases such as root rot and loss of foliage. Just follow the care rules, periodically inspect the bushes and take immediate action when you suspect a disease or the presence of parasites.
These plants themselves, at times, have a unique color, such as, for example, the variety Black Star or Scarlet Heart. However, in combination with other garden residents, they also look very harmonious. With sage, hornwort, different types of ferns, lobelia, petunias, tagetes and even roses, variegated coleuses look very decorative and beneficial.
Coleuses on the flowerbed and lawn, photo:
It all depends on your imagination and perception of shades, the main thing is that you like it. One more small tip in the end: if the cold has passed, and you did not have time to sow seedlings or get cuttings in advance, sow the seeds directly into the ground - they will rise, definitely. You can also sow seeds of other flowers nearby, in the same way, you get something like a “spontaneous” flowerbed, but the bright colors of the flowers that have sprung up will still please your eyes.
Be sure to plant a coleus in your area. Planting and caring for this plant in the open ground will not take you much time and effort, and aesthetic pleasure for the whole season will be provided!