Coleus scutellarioides
حسن یوسف · Coleus · Common coleus · Painted nettle · Hullwort
Description
Source: leafsnapColeus scutellarioides, commonly known as coleus, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae (the mint or deadnettle family), native to southeast Asia through to Australia. Typically growing to 60–75 cm (24–30 in) tall and wide, it is a bushy, woody-based evergreen perennial, widely grown for the highly decorative variegated leaves found in cultivated varieties. Another common name is painted nettle, reflecting its relationship to deadnettles (Lamium species), which are in the same family. (True nettles and their close kin are in the family Urticaceae.) The synonyms Coleus blumei, Plectranthus scutellarioides and Solenostemon scutellarioides are also widely used for this species.
💡 The coleus plant symbolizes desperate love, embodying both innocence and despair. According to legend, it has seven leaves, each a different color. In the dark, it emits seven shades of light, resembling vibrant night pearls. It is believed that this colorful plant has a spiritual nature and only a pure soul can possess it. The plant can either shine brightly, bringing happiness, or fade away.
🌳 Although primarily appreciated for its decorative appearance, coleus also quietly acts as a bioindicator of soil contamination. Its responsiveness to alterations in the soil may mark it as a natural detector for certain pollutants, providing an environmentally friendly way for scientists to monitor soil health and guide remediation efforts.
🎭 Attractiveness, robust health, development, tolerance
Care Guide
💧 Water
The common coleus plant thrives in high humidity and needs consistently moist soil, as it does not tolerate drought well. To maintain its lush foliage, it's best to water the plant weekly. When grown indoors as an ornamental plant, coleus benefits from added humidity. This can be achieved by misting the plant regularly or placing it on a tray filled with water and pebbles, which is especially important during the dry winter months.
☀️ Light Partial sun
Coleus grows best with a moderate amount of sunlight each day, although it tolerates exposure to intense sun. Native to environments with moderate daylight, coleus withstands strong light periods well, but too little sun results in weak growth.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
Coleus originates from warm, tropical areas and prefers temperatures of 68 to 100 ℉ (20 to 38 ℃). In cooler months, make sure the temperature does not drop below 60 ℉ (15.5 ℃) to prevent harm to the plant. During hotter periods, provide some shade to protect it from excessive heat.
💨 Humidity normal (40-60%)
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
Coleus needs the greatest amount of fertilizer during its active growth phase, which occurs mainly in spring, summer, and early fall. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients the soil may be lacking, supporting healthy root and stem development and encouraging attractive foliage, which is a key feature of this plant.
🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years
When repotting Coleus, select a pot 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger that has good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, making sure the root ball sits slightly lower than the rim of the pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and put the plant in a warm place with indirect sunlight.
✂️ Pruning
To keep common coleus healthy and attractive, it's important to regularly prune the plant from early to late spring. This encourages bushier growth and helps maintain its shape. Be sure to trim any leggy stems and pinch off flower buds. Always use sterilized tools to prevent the spread of disease. Regular pruning not only enhances airflow but also reduces pests, contributing to the overall health of the plant.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial, Annual
- Genus
- Coleus
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 61 cm to 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 1 cm to 1 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, White, Red, Gold, Orange, Purple, Brown
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Lavender
- Flower Size
- 0.76 cm to 1.02 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Early fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Summer, Fall
- Native Area
- Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, China