Coleus
Coleus (lat. Coleus) is a small genus of herbaceous plants of the Lamiaceae family. Previously, the genus included more than 150 species, but as a result of a more detailed examination of plant characteristics, the genus was disbanded.
Representatives of the genus are popularly called nettles. Africa is considered to be the homeland. There the plant is found in natural conditions. Representatives of the genus are used as indoor crops, and recently they have been actively cultivated in open ground conditions.
Characteristics of culture
Coleus is represented by annual and perennial herbaceous plants, endowed with ribbed stems, which, in turn, are crowned with opposite, heart-shaped or oblong-oval foliage. It should be noted that the foliage, depending on the species, can have a wide variety of colors – from green and yellow to red and wine. The flowers of the representatives of the genus are inconspicuous, small, purple or bluish, collected in spike-shaped or whorled inflorescences. The fruits are nut-shaped and bear small seeds.
Coleus are suitable for decorating flower beds, including ridges and flower beds. In open ground conditions, representatives of the genus are cultivated only as annuals. This aspect is due to the fact that the culture cannot boast of frost-resistant properties. Even a slight drop in temperature has an extremely detrimental effect on plants. Coleus goes well with both ornamental and flower crops. Gardeners and flower growers most often combine them with liatris, lily, kermek and gypsophila.
Coleus look great in garden containers and pots. They are appropriate on balconies, terraces and indoor spaces. By the way, today you can find coleus on sale that is suitable for growing in hanging pots. Such varieties will decorate the entrance to a house or gazebo. The garden market is also rich in dwarf varieties, which are suitable for decorating borders and other flower beds that require the use of low-growing plants. These include the varieties included in the Feishin Parade mixture. They are characterized by variegated, jagged, oval foliage of unusual colors.
Growing conditions
Southern guests are quite picky about growing conditions. It is recommended to plant them in well-lit areas, protected from cold northern winds. Areas with diffused light are not prohibited. Soils are preferred to be nutritious, light, water- and breathable, slightly acidic, and moderately moist. Saline, damp, poor and heavy soils are not suitable for cultivating coleus, otherwise the plants are susceptible to pests and diseases, grow slowly, rot and ultimately die.
Subtleties of reproduction
Representatives of the genus are propagated either by seed or vegetatively. The second method involves cuttings. Cuttings are made from young shoots. Each cutting should have several leaves. You can root cuttings in water, or by first digging the material into a moist substrate consisting of sphagnum and well-washed river sand. As a rule, cuttings take root after 1-2 weeks, at which time it is recommended to plant them in open ground at a distance of at least 15-20 cm or in pots. In order for plants to actively branch, it is important to pinch them as they grow.
Sowing seeds should be done in separate shallow pots in early spring. To speed up the pipping process and the growth of young seedlings, certain conditions must be met. So, the air temperature in the room should be at least 20C. The amount of sunlight is equally important. If you sow coleus, for example, in winter, due to lack of light, the plants will not enjoy active growth. However, if you provide them with additional illumination, this phenomenon can be avoided, but this is quite an expensive pleasure.
Equally important for plants is drainage and the quality of the substrate. The latter should be nutritious, loose and moist. It is better to make it yourself by combining rotted humus, peat, garden soil and washed sand. Coleus seeds do not need deep planting because they are small in size. It is enough to distribute them over the surface of the soil and lightly sprinkle them, then moisten them with a spray bottle. As a rule, shoots appear in 14-16 days.
Cultivation care
Caring for coleus is simple. It is necessary to provide them with regular and moderate watering, as well as spraying. Light loosening and removal of weeds is encouraged. It is recommended to pay special attention to fertilizing. In order for plants to enjoy active growth and rich foliage, it is important to apply fertilizer at least once every 2-3 weeks. In June, only nitrogen fertilizers should be applied, later – complex mineral fertilizers. It is also worth taking care of pinching for abundant tillering.
