Coleus tree – how to turn your coleus into a tree

A well-shaped coleus tree is one of the most impressive things you can grow on a windowsill. With its ball-shaped crown in vibrant colors it looks advanced, but the technique is simple. Going from cutting to tree takes a few months.

Choose the right variety

Fast-growing varieties with a sturdy stem are the easiest to shape into trees. Medium-sized leaves make the densest crown. If you start from seed, you already have a good foundation. Among the varieties in our shop, Premium Sun Rose to Lime Magic and Wizard Rose have been grown into trees.

Step by step – from cutting to tree

1. Start with a straight, sturdy cutting – ideally one that already has roots. If you take a fresh one, cut it from a well-watered plant so it has the strength to root. The full guide is in Coleus cuttings.

2. Strip the stem of leaves and side shoots – keep only the top. That is where the whole beautiful crown will grow from.

3. Support it with a straight stake and tie the stem to it loosely in a few places. The stake keeps the stem straight and supports the weight of the crown until the stem has hardened and can hold it up on its own.

4. Keep the stem bare while the tree gains height – pinch off new leaves as soon as they appear. Let the tree grow until the stem reaches the height you want. A good guideline is around 30 cm.

5. Top the tree – cut the top shoot just above a leaf pair. The tree now stops growing taller. Instead, it sends out new shoots at the top and the crown starts to take shape.

6. Shape the crown into a ball – cut the new shoots just above a leaf pair, evenly and symmetrically all the way around. The more you cut, the denser the crown.

How to care for your coleus tree

A thick, sturdy stem comes from giving the roots room. Give the tree a roomy clay pot early. Clay breathes, so the roots get oxygen and don't sit in wet soil. Feel free to mix perlite into the soil for even more air. The best mix is in Soil for coleus. Trim the crown about every other month, always just above a leaf pair. That keeps the ball shape and keeps the branches from getting so heavy that they snap.

Everything you cut off also makes ready-made cuttings for new plants or trees. Otherwise, care for the tree like any other coleus: a bright spot, even moisture and plant food during the growing season. The full care guide is in Coleus care.

How long does it take?

With a fast-growing variety and plenty of light you can have a small tree in 4–5 months. Growth is fastest in spring and summer, but with a grow light you can grow trees year-round.

Coleus tree with a braided stem

Want to take it a step further? Make the stem from three long cuttings of equal size. Strip the leaves along the stems but keep the leaf pairs at the tops. Leave the cuttings out for a while so they soften and don't snap as you braid. Braid gently and tie the stems together loosely so the ties don't cut in as the stems thicken. Ideally root the whole braid in water before planting, and give it a slightly bigger pot from the start since three cuttings grow fast.

Frequently asked questions

How tall does a coleus tree get?

That's up to you. The height is set when you top the stem. A common guideline is a stem of around 30 cm.

Why is the stem bare?

That's the point. On a tree you actively remove the stem's leaves and keep only the crown.

Which coleus are suitable for trees?

Fast-growing varieties with a sturdy stem and medium-sized leaves. Among the varieties in our shop, Premium Sun Rose to Lime Magic and Wizard Rose have been grown into trees.

Articles