Plant Beautiful 'Coleus' Cuttings in September, Stay Green for Years

Coleus is a beautiful ornamental plant, known for its colorful leaves. September is the best time to prepare new plants from its cuttings. The special thing is that if it is taken care of properly, the plant will remain beautiful and green for years.

How to prepare a new plant from cuttings?:

Coleus cuttings can grow in both soil and water. Cut a 5–6 inch long branch from the coleus plant and plant it in soil or keep it in water. Within a few days, roots will appear, and then you can plant it in soil.

Care of the Coleus plant:

1. Sunlight and Location:

Coleus prefers partial sunlight or shade. Its leaves get scorched in strong direct sunlight.

2. Soil and Pot:

Coleus requires well-drained soil. For this, a mixture of 50% garden soil + 30% manure (cow dung manure or vermicompost) + 20% sand is best. If the plant is in a pot, use at least an 8-inch pot and make sure there is a drainage hole at the bottom.

3. Water in balanced amount:

In summer, water lightly every day, but do not allow waterlogging. In winter, reduce the water, and only water when the soil feels slightly dry. In the rainy season, excess water may rot the roots.

4. Fertilizer:

Once a month, add cow dung manure or vermicompost and neem cake. Nitrogen-based fertilizers make the leaves dense and shiny.

5. Pruning and Care:

By pinching new branches, make the plant bushy and dense. Remove yellow or dry leaves from time to time. Cut and remove flowers when they appear so that the plant’s energy is directed toward leaf growth.

6. Pest and Disease Control:

If white insects, aphids, or mealybugs are seen on the leaves, spray neem oil. If there is excess moisture in the soil, fungus can occur. For this, add baking soda or cinnamon powder to the soil.