Overwintering Coleus

November 08, 2024 Post a Comment

Overwintering coleus

There's good news for cold-climate gardeners: you don't have to let the frigid temperatures and snow destroy your annual plants like your favorite coleus. You can prolong their beauty by bringing them indoors for the winter.

Should I cut back my coleus for winter?

There are a couple of methods you can try to overwinter a coleus. As your coleus gets larger later in the summer, pinch off longer portions of the stem for cuttings, leaving two leaves at the base for continued growth. Plants can be pinched back up to a third of the plant height.

Can you overwinter coleus in a garage?

Species such as begonias, coleus, fuchsia, Persian shield and most houseplants will overwinter if you keep them above freezing. A few start to suffer when temperatures drop below 40. So get them inside in the next couple of weeks.

How do you store coleus in the winter?

Coleus should be kept rather dry over the winter to avoid rotting their roots. Remember, these are tropical plants that prefer sun and heat. They don't take kindly to cold, wet soil, so water only when the pot seems fairly light and the soil surface is completely dry.

How do I save my coleus plant for next year?

To overwinter coleus, cut 3- to 4-inch tip cuttings from healthy plants. Remove the bottom set of leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place the cutting into a pot filled with a soilless mix. A 6-inch pot can accommodate 12 cuttings.

Can a coleus be a houseplant?

It is the perfect plant for the north side of the home or any area that only has indirect light. A little early morning sun will be tolerable but don't plant coleus in the direct sun. This trait makes coleus an invaluable plant in the outdoor shady garden, but it also makes coleus a great houseplant.

How do you keep coleus alive indoors?

Indoor Coleus Care

Water regularly to keep the soil slightly moist – never bone dry and never soggy.
Feed the plant once every week or two during spring and summer, using a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
Place the pot on a tray with a layer of wet pebbles if the air in your home is dry.

How long can a coleus live indoors?

The average lifespan of a coleus plant is one year. It's not uncommon for indoor plants to live between 3-4 years if they are properly cared for, which means proper watering, sunlight, the right soil, and the right plant food to keep it green, and healthy.

Do coleus do better in pots or in the ground?

Coleus can grow well in pots or the ground, making them a versatile addition to an outdoor space. The colorful foliage of Coleus will brighten up a patio, porch, or balcony. When grown in a container, the plant can easily be moved to a spot in need of color or an area that provides more favorable conditions.

What is the lowest temperature coleus can tolerate?

The short answer is that coleus are not frost-tolerant plants. While not impossible for them to regrow after a frost, most will likely die if they are exposed to colder temperatures and are hit by frost. They will not survive in areas that get below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do you have to replant coleus every year?

In tropical climates and in their native environment, Coleus is a perennial plant that can come back every year. During the cold season, the stems die back but the roots don't.

Should I let my indoor coleus Flower?

Whether or not to let your coleus bloom is a personal preference. Some folks just like the flowers! Coleus blooms are a spike of tiny flowers ranging in color from pale blue (almost white) to purple. They are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, which for some people is enough of a reason to let them form.

Should you cut back coleus?

Around midsummer, coleus should be pruned regardless of whether it will be allowed to flower. If it's not maintained, it could overgrow and branches can snap from their weight.

When should coleus be cut back?

The best time to prune Coleus is when the plant is actively growing, during the spring and summer. Both leaves and flowers can be removed when pruning Coleus, and you can prune the plant as often as necessary to maintain the desired look.

Can coleus grow in water indoors?

Still, coleus plants are easy to propagate and grow in water, allowing you to create a colony of handsome coleus houseplants. Take a six-inch cutting, and remove the leaves from the bottom four inches. Place the cutting in a glass or vase of water, and you will see roots begin to form in several weeks.

Should you snip the flowers off of coleus?

Coleus are native to Southeast Asia and Malaysia. They are flowering plants. However, once the plant flowers and goes to seed, it has reached its life span and dies. So this is crucial: nip or pinch off the flowers in the bud if you want to keep your coleus growing and producing gorgeous, brightly pattered leaves.

Can coleus tolerate 40 degree weather?

Generally speaking, coleus plants are too tender to survive temperatures at the literal freezing point, which is, of course, 32 degrees. Ideally, the coleus likes it nice and hot – temperatures up to 95 degrees, according to the National Garden Bureau – but it can survive temps in the 60s, 50s and even 40s.

What to do with cuttings over winter?

Cuttings from many annual plants will keep over winter, sprout roots, and be ready for planting in spring. You may place them in pots or cups without drainage filled with moist perlite or vermiculite. Locate them at first in bright light, away from the sun. Move later to an area where they receive morning sun.

Will coleus come back next year?

Hardy in USDA zones 10-11, coleus is a tender perennial but is most often grown as an annual. Since coleus are sensitive to cooler temperatures, they will only come back the following year in the warmest regions.