Coleus

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Coleus and Terrariums

Coleus is a very beautiful plant that consists of over 150 different species. It is best known for its colorful foliage. Coleus can grow well in any soil above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The pretty plant can grow in terrariums. Terrariums are “gardens under glass” which means that they are jars or glass boxes that can be filled with soil and other things that plants need to grow. They don’t have to be watered so once they are finished, all there is to do is to sit and look at the plant. Will coleus grow faster in a large, small, or medium sized terrarium?

Coleus blumei

Coleus plants are durable and easy to grow. They are best known for their bright colors and variety of foliage forms. Although they are technically a “tender perennial” (even the slightest frost will cause them to die), they are most often considered to be an annual plant by growers and seed producers. Coleus plants may be grown in the garden in bright, indirect light, or in partial shade. The lower growing dwarf varieties (six to twelve inches) will create a colorful border, or the taller (three foot) types can be used as a dramatic background plant. Most coleus plants will survive full sun exposure. The foliage color, however, is often enhanced when they are grown in shade. Coleuses are also quite striking when they are planted in a container and grown as a houseplant. By removing the flower spikes as they develop and keeping the plant pinched back, the coleus can be kept in a perennial state for several seasons. Although these plants are members of the nettle family, they are a mint. They do not have the stinging properties of the nettle.

A coleus makes a nice houseplant as long as it receives sufficient light and food. The coleus should be planted in a light, quick draining planting soil. It should be placed where it will receive several hours of bright light (south window) each day, or provide artificial “grow” lighting for best leaf color, and fullest plant. Coleus plants will adapt to a wide range of temperatures above 55 degrees, but will grow best when they are kept between 70 and 85 degrees. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but never soggy. The coleus plants should be fed monthly with a diluted (50% mix) liquid houseplant fertilizer. Flower buds must be pinched off as soon as they develop to prevent the plant from producing seeds.

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