10 facts about coleus

1. The most common reasons why your seeds do not germinate are because the seeds need to be scattered on the surface of moist soil, the soil should not be too clumpy and uneven so we recommend that you use sowing soil, if the soil dries out the seeds die and they need to get enough with light to germinate.

2. Coleus can die from overwatering. The plants do not like when there is excess water left in the pots and therefore thrive best in airy, porous and well-drained soil. A tip is to mix the soil with perlite and have Leca balls at the bottom of the pot. We recommend using clay pots with holes in the bottom and saucers so that excess water can drain out. Another advantage of using pots that have holes in the bottom is that when the roots start to find their way out of the hole, it's time to replant into a larger pot.

3. The colors of the plants vary greatly depending on how much light they receive. In the winter they easily get a little pale in the colors while in the summer they become more colorful.

4. Coleus plants need to be trimmed to become bushy. However, the Kong variety loses its characteristics if trimmed.

5. If your plants starts to bloom, you can try to stop the flowering by cutting off the flower buds. Cut two pairs of leaves below the flower buds. The plants' vibrant colors are retained longer if flowering is interrupted.

6. Coleus plants are the most beautiful outdoors and they need to stand in partial shade. Keep in mind that it needs to be at least 10 °C outside at night before you move your plants outdoors. To get the plants used to the outdoor climate, they need to be in the shade and out of the wind for the first few days and gradually get used to the sun.

7. Coleus plants you set outdoors should not be brought in again due to the risk of vermin.

8. Coleus plants die of frost.

9. If your indoor plants die in the winter, it is often due to overwatering (the plant goes into dormancy and does not need as much water), dry air (eg stands directly above radiator) and cold (eg cold drafts from windows). Trim the plants during the autumn, place the pots in your brightest window and avoid giving plant nutrients. Feel the pot with your finger and water only when it is dry!

10. Coleus (coleus scutellarioides) are not toxic to cats or dogs.

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