Meet Coleus, one of the most vibrant plants you can add to your garden. Known for its striking leaves in bright shades of green, purple, red, and yellow, coleus is an absolute showstopper. While its fancy colors might make it look complicated, it’s actually a breeze to grow and maintain, making it a favorite for plant lovers, both new and experienced.
Whether you want to brighten up your garden, decorate your patio, or add a splash of color to your indoor space, coleus is a fantastic choice!
Popular Coleus Varieties:

Care
- Water: Coleus plants like to stay moist but not soaked. Water them regularly, especially when the weather is warm, but make sure the soil doesn’t get soggy. Too much water can cause root rot, so it’s best to keep things balanced.
- Light: Coleus thrives in bright light but can handle some shade too. If you’re growing it indoors, keep it near a sunny window, but out of direct sunlight, which can scorch its beautiful leaves. Outside, partial shade is perfect, especially in the hotter parts of the day.
- Soil: This plant isn’t too picky about soil, but it does best in well-draining, moist soil, like a mix of loamy or sandy soil. If you want to give it a boost, adding some compost can help it grow strong and vibrant.
- Temperature and Humidity: Coleus loves warmth and does best in temperatures between 60 and 75°F (16 to 24°C). Be careful of cold weather though — coleus can’t handle cold or frost, so bring it inside if the temperature starts to dropbelow 35.
Planting & Growing
You can grow coleus from seeds or cuttings, and both are pretty easy. To grow from seeds, start them indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sprinkle the seeds over potting mix, press lightly, and keep them warm and moist. After about three weeks, you’ll see sprouts! Once they have a couple of true leaves, transplant them into small pots until it’s time to move them outside.
For cuttings, trim a 4-6 inch stem, remove the lower leaves, and stick it in moist soil. Keep it covered with a plastic dome and in a warm, bright spot. Roots should grow in two to three weeks!
Pruning
Pruning is key to keeping your coleus looking its best. Snipping back new growth helps prevent the plant from getting too wild and encourages it to grow fuller and leafier. Plus, while coleus does flower, those blooms aren’t as exciting as its colorful leaves. Pruning helps focus the plant’s energy on making its leaves even more fabulous, but wait until your coleus is at least 6 inches tall.
Check out our full guide below on Pruning Coleus the right way!
Common Pests
Frequently Asked Questions
Does coleus like sun or shade?
Coleus prefers partial shade, but some newer types can handle full sun. For the best colors, give it morning sun and afternoon shade.
How do you care for a potted coleus plant?
Coleus thrives in well-draining potting soil with regular fertilizing and proper light. Just avoid windy spots, as they can break easily.
How often do you water coleus?
Keep coleus soil consistently damp and water it when the top inch feels dry. In hot or dry conditions, potted coleus will need more frequent watering.
Do coleus like big pots?
Coleus adjusts to its pot size, but will grow larger if placed in a bigger container. It can reach up to 2 feet tall and pairs well with other plants.