Coleus Indoor Care: What to Know

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Today, we are checking in on coleus, specifically growing coleus indoors. Here’s what you need to know for a fabulous experience and fun growing them indoors. I have another video on their history, which you might want to check out as well.

Coleus, as I mentioned in the other video about their history, is how I got started with growing houseplants in the first place. I found one of these velvety, lovely beauties in a drugstore in the 1970s, when plants and macrame hangers were everywhere. I bought it with my allowance money when I was seven years old, went home, and started growing it. I then took notes on how to propagate them and grow them well, filling a whole notebook. I ended up propagating many of them, giving them away, and filling up my windows with coleus. My parents were fortunately okay with that, which was cool, and then I branched out to other plants. So, it was a really good starter plant for me.

Coleus is a beautiful plant with many foliage patterns, shapes, and sizes. Many have velvety leaves and vibrant color combinations. You can also grow them from seed. They are very easy to grow indoors and give you color that simulates flowers without needing to worry about flowering plants. Coleus will eventually flower with a little plume-like purple flower, which is really pretty.

You will find them in nurseries in late spring and summer because they are warm-weather plants. They can be grown outside but will die back at frost. Indoors, they will continue to grow indefinitely.

To keep them growing well, they need proper lighting. Coleus like a fairly bright location. If your home is darker, you will want to provide them with full-spectrum lighting. Bright light is essential; an unobstructed east-facing window is ideal. If using a south-facing window, place the plant a couple of feet back. Be careful as those windows can get hot during warmer times of the year.

Water the soil to keep it moist but never soggy, as this can lead to root rot. When the top half-inch of the soil dries out, it’s time to water. Use warm or tepid water, especially important for coleus as they are tropical plants from Southeast Asia and Malaysia. Keep them in a room no lower than 60 to 65 degrees for optimal growth.

Fertilize regularly to maintain their vibrant colors. During the growing season (spring through early fall), fertilize every two to four weeks with an all-purpose organic fertilizer. Pruning is essential to prevent them from becoming rangy. Pinch back the top two leaves to encourage bushier growth. Remove the flower stalks when they appear, although they can be left for a while for their beauty.

If you wish to grow coleus from seed, it will take about six weeks for the seeds to germinate. Start them indoors in late winter or early spring. They thrive in warm conditions, ideally 65 degrees or higher. Repot coleus every six months to a pot size one to two sizes larger, ensuring a two-thirds plant to one-third pot ratio. High-quality potting soil with added worm compost works well.

Remember to turn the plant pots regularly to prevent them from leaning towards the light, which can cause them to become rangy.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Growing Coleus Indoors

What kind of lighting do coleus plants need indoors?

Coleus plants thrive in bright light. An unobstructed east-facing window is ideal, and if using a south-facing window, place the plant a couple of feet back to avoid too much heat. If your home is darker, consider using full-spectrum lighting.

How should I water my indoor coleus plant?

Water the soil to keep it moist but never soggy. Allow the top half-inch of the soil to dry out before watering again. Use warm or tepid water, as coleus plants are tropical and prefer warmth.

What is the ideal temperature for growing coleus indoors?

Coleus plants thrive in temperatures between 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Avoid placing them in rooms where the temperature drops below this range.

How often should I fertilize my coleus plant?

Fertilize your coleus plant every two to four weeks during the growing season (spring through early fall) with an all-purpose organic fertilizer to maintain vibrant colors.

Why is pruning important for coleus plants?

Pruning is essential to prevent coleus plants from becoming rangy. Pinch back the top two leaves to encourage bushier growth and remove flower stalks when they appear.

How can I grow coleus from seed?

To grow coleus from seed, start them indoors in late winter or early spring. It will take about six weeks for the seeds to germinate. They thrive in warm conditions, ideally 65 degrees or higher.

When should I repot my coleus plant?

Repot your coleus plant every six months to a pot size one to two sizes larger, maintaining a two-thirds plant to one-third pot ratio. Use high-quality potting soil with added worm compost.

How do I prevent my coleus plant from leaning towards the light?

To prevent your coleus plant from leaning towards the light, turn the plant pots regularly to ensure even growth.

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