Making jam is one of the simplest and most convenient ways to preserve your harvest...
A bright flower that many gardeners love. Coleus surprises with its color palette and looks great in the same flower bed with other flowers. What features distinguish this flower from many others?
Coleus – perennial evergreen grass from the Lamiaceae family. Loves warm climates and bright light, mainly grows in the tropical zone.
The plant is very similar to our nettle, differing only in its bright, exotic color.
Not only the colors are varied, but also the shapes and patterns of the leaves. There are jagged, lanceolate, lobed and twisted leaf forms. Soft, velvety to the touch.
Coleus tends to bloom between June and September. However, the flowers are less attractive than the leaves themselves. They are too small and do not have clear and graceful outlines.
The complex inflorescence in the form of a spike is difficult to notice from afar, and in general they spoil the appearance. For this reason, gardeners usually remove them. The unpretentious flower is grown both on window sills and in flower beds.
The most popular types of plants
Scientists have identified 150 species, but only a few have become widespread.
Blume
Small perennial shrub reaching 80 centimeters in height. Slightly elongated oval-shaped leaves with coarsely toothed edges. Dropped on both sides.
The species has many variations of colors and patterns. There are about 200 hybrid forms, different in color.
subshrub ampelous kind. The stems are slightly drooping, which adds to the charm. Velvety leaves come in different colors. Red-brown, with a green border.
The leaves are a pleasant green color. Appearance variety reminds me of mint. Grows in small bushes. Unlike many other species, it is more often used for medicinal rather than decorative purposes.
An ampelous plant. The stems are lodging, they can be given any shape, form lush shrubs. The elongated heart-shaped leaves also have a very bright color.
One of the most compact options. Elongated leaves are often red in color. The stems hang down.
About the history of coleus
The first mentions of this flower were recorded in India, Indonesia and the countries of South Asia. In this area, coleus is an integral part of the land cover of the homeland.
The flower was first brought to Europe in the mid-19th century from Indonesia. The first sale took place in England. Then it was sold at exorbitant prices. It was the British who began to breed it at home. The most significant discoveries were made by botanist Carl Blum, after whom one of the species was named.
In the wild they grow in the forests of Africa and Asia.
Beneficial features
It not classified as poisonous, so you can safely grow it at home. It has a number of useful properties. In folk medicine it is common to use root and aerial part.
- Normalizes metabolism. Improves intestinal function. Useful for weight loss, rids the body of fat cells;
- Improves lung function;
- Normalizes blood pressure;
- Improves contractile activity of the heart;
- Improves the rheological properties of blood;
- The leaves have a clear bactericidal property.
Do not get carried away and abuse coleus. Not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Signs and superstitions
Over time, each plant is given labels of mystery and mystery. Coleus was not spared either.
- Starting to waste away for no apparent reason? Expect the imminent illness of someone close. Everyone living in the house should be more careful about their health.
- When growing a flower at work, it will bring good luck. If you believe it, then a plant with strong energy can cleanse space of negativity.
- However, coleus in the house can make its owner bankrupt. The “roots” of this superstition come from the times when coleus was called “poor man’s cardboard.”
- If coleus blooms in winter- to be poor. In ancient times, people believed that the flowering of indoor plants meant famine. Now this is not justified, because a heat-loving plant can bloom at any time in a well-heated apartment.
- If there is coleus in the house, a fire may occur. This is due to the bright leaves of the plant, which look like flames.
Growing as an indoor plant
Despite established signs, people continue to sprout coleus on windowsills. It's quite easy, you just need to follow the basic rules.
- Watering during its activity, it occurs as the top layer of soil dries out. In winter, the volume of water decreases depending on the temperature. Preferably soft water is used. With excessive moisture, the roots rot and lead to the death of the plant;
- Flower loves humid air. The kitchen will be the ideal place for it to live. If there is insufficient humidity, you can spray the leaves with water;
- The temperature should not exceed the mark in 25 degrees Celsius and go down below 12;
- The transplant is carried out every 2-4 years. The plant is replanted extremely carefully, as it has a very delicate root system. The mixture for transplantation must be identical to the previous one in composition;
- Fertilizers of mineral or organic origin are used for feeding. Fertilizing should be done in the spring-summer season;
- In the spring, pruning of “overwintered” leaves is carried out.
Coleus is a fairly bright plant that stands out in its appearance. It has a huge number of useful properties and is easy to care for.
Thanks to the variety of color palettes, you can choose the right option for any composition. This plant is suitable even for the most novice gardeners.
There are a huge number of varieties of shrubby ornamental foliage plants called coleus. Its homeland is tropical Africa and Asia. The contrasting cut veins and frames of these colors create entire works of art in the occupied landscape. Residents of Slavic and other countries willingly grow them on their windowsills, but certain signs and superstitions are associated with coleus.
Signs regarding coleus in the house
These tropical flowers are characterized by active growth and are quite unpretentious, but if you want to purchase seeds of this plant, you can often hear something like: What, you can’t keep coleus in the house. No one can really explain why it’s not possible. The version about its toxicity has not been confirmed: the plant is absolutely safe for health, but perhaps the whole point is that its second name sounds like “poor man's croton” due to its similarity to croton in brightness and originality of color. According to signs, coleus promises loss of money and financial ruin to its owner.
Therefore, whether it is possible to keep coleus at home, everyone decides for himself, but many ardent lovers of these flowers plant them in their garden plots and window sills and do not observe any negative changes in their money-related affairs. According to signs, the coleus flower is a cemetery flower, but the answer to this can be that it is customary to plant other flowers in the cemetery, for example, tulips, but our women love to receive them as a gift on March 8! They also say that coleus in the house means a fire. Most likely, this is due to the bright burgundy or red color of the leaves of some varieties, which evokes associations with fire. But the main thing here is how you yourself feel about signs, whether you believe in them. If you really like this plant, then grow it for your health, as thousands of other lovers do, and don’t be afraid of anything.
Signs and superstitions about Coleus
Coleus signs and superstitions associated with the acquisition of this indoor plant go back far into the past. It was believed that keeping such a flower in the house would lead to ruin because the middle name of the plant is poor man's croton. But the happy owners of such a beautiful exotic flower cannot say anything bad about keeping the plant in the room. Everyone must figure out for themselves whether to believe in beliefs and superstitions or not. If you want to get a Croton, then you should immediately find out how many signs and superstitions there are about Coleus.
Signs and superstitions about Coleus
Omens about the plant
Of course, keeping flowers in the house brings joy and gives comfort. Croton is a beautiful bright flower that will always delight its owners with bright shades of leaves and beautiful flowers. Many superstitious people claim that Croton should not be kept in the room where you sleep because it contains toxic substances. But such statements have not been scientifically confirmed, so feel free to get such a beautiful flower.
Many signs indicate that if your house plant has died, then one of the household members will become very ill. This concerns the moment when you put your whole soul into your favorite plant, and if, due to circumstances, you simply forgot to water the flower, then there is no need to complain. The plant is native to Asia and the African continent; it needs a lot of light and warmth. Therefore, if Croton is not given proper care and attention, he will wither away.
There is also an opinion that according to signs, the Coleus flower is a cemetery flower and will bring misfortune and death to the family. Yes, in fact, Croton is planted on graves, but it does not have bad energy. For comparison, we can also talk about all the flowers that are planted in the cemetery, such as daisies or tulips. But nevertheless, we grow them in the garden and put them cut in the bedrooms on tables and window sills. It should be noted that this has never made anyone feel bad.
Positive Beliefs
Croton is able to modify vibrations. It replaces harmful low ones with healthy high ones, thereby bringing positive energy into your home.
There is a belief that Coleus absorbs negativity in the house and can take on damage or the harmful effects of envy. Therefore, do not be surprised that the flower may fade after guests have visited your home.
Omens by time of year
If Croton blooms in the summer, this means profit, which means you can expect a salary increase or promotion soon. In general, contrary to the superstitious name Poor Man's Croton, the plant attracts financial well-being and stability. It can often be seen on tables in offices and banking institutions. The leaves of the plant emit a special aroma into the atmosphere, somewhat similar to mint. This smell has been proven to stimulate brain activity and promote productive work.
If your plant decides to please you by releasing its buds in the fall, you are very lucky - this is a good sign. The sign speaks of good luck smiling at you; you can confidently begin new endeavors and be sure that they will be crowned with success.
Omen for girls
Blooming Coleus foreshadows a meeting with your betrothed
Signs for women and unmarried girls associated with the flowering of the plant:
Negative beliefs
Popular beliefs speak of the negative influence of a flower at home. Croton should not be kept as a houseplant because it will take away a person’s strength and energy. The plant also brings bad luck to its owners if they forget to water it or do not expose it to the light. Keep this sign in mind, and if you have a bad streak in your life, perhaps you have forgotten about your flower.
Since ancient times, it was believed that a tropical plant brings not only bad luck, but also poverty. Not many people dared to have such a guest from Asia at home. Even now, when people look for Croton seeds or sprouts, they can hear superstitions and many bad omens.
It is believed that Coleus can cause a house fire. It’s as if bright leaves that shimmer in the light are able to attract fire. Of course, such superstitions are completely unfounded, but still, if you are very suspicious, it is better not to acquire such flowers.
Beliefs by time of year
There are signs depending on the time of year when your perennial appeared or bloomed:
Beliefs for women
People call Croton muzhegon. This means that single girls should not buy such a flower for themselves. It was also believed that if a girl is given Coleus for marriageable age, it means they want her loneliness or thus spoil her celibacy.
Some parents used this method to prevent their daughter from doing something stupid and getting married early. They simply gave or simply placed a plant in a little girl’s room, and when marriageable age came, the perennial was removed.
zagovormaga.ru
Seeds of colorful coleus were brought to Europe from Indonesia. This happened back in the middle of the 19th century. 20 years later, hybrid coleus was already presented at a flower fair in England.
Coleus: flower description
Coleus leaves have an oval shape, reminiscent of an egg. The edges are jagged, there are varieties with wavy, fringed, curly edges and a wide variety of colors. The leaves of varieties that are distinguished by their decorativeness grow up to 15 cm. The stems are tetrahedral.
Most coleus resemble nettles in appearance, which is why they received the popular name - nettle.
Features of cultivation
Breeding coleus does not cause problems. The plant is available to everyone due to its ease of propagation. Because of this, it is called the "poor man's croton."
Coleus is a houseplant, but it is successfully grown in flower beds.
Planting coleus
Coleus is grown both at home and in flower beds, on balconies and loggias.
Planting methods
Coleus grown indoors is planted in small pots. In order to achieve greater bushiness in a short time, to make it easier to form a bush, several plants are planted in one pot at once, both leaves of the same color and different ones.
Coleus plants are tropical, so they do not tolerate the slightest cold snap. They can be planted in open ground only when the nights become warm enough, usually in early June.
Boxes with coleus can be placed on the balcony already in early May if warm days have arrived, but they are brought into the house at night.
In the pot intended for planting, good drainage is provided: coleus love abundant watering, but do not tolerate stagnant liquid.
Soil for planting
It is ideal to plant in a mixture made up of equal parts of sand, peat, humus and turf or leaf soil.
This flower loves light and sun. In poor lighting, it begins to stretch out and shed its leaves. But with too much sun, it stops growing and loses the brightness of its leaves.
To place it, choose bright but slightly shaded places in the garden and keep it on the eastern or western window sills in the room. It is recommended to occasionally turn the pot so that the bush is even. You should also know that green coleus requires less sun than specimens with variegated leaves.
Air humidity
Like all natives of the tropics, coleus do not tolerate dry air. But with frequent spraying they grow well in the room.
Temperature
Coleus do not like temperature changes. They grow successfully at 20-24 degrees.
How to water correctly
Feeding and fertilizing the flower
Coleus need regular pruning for various reasons:
Coleus do not require frequent replanting; their root system is not very strong.
Transplant methods
Most often, coleus are grown as an annual crop, so it does not come down to replanting. But if the flower is preserved in the winter, then in the spring it should be transplanted into a larger pot, because the roots are already becoming crowded, and it is impossible to achieve intensive growth. Coleus easily tolerates replanting; it should be done after seasonal pruning of the plant.
Coleus propagation
Coleus reproduce so easily that many gardeners prefer to leave one or two plants for the winter for the purpose of vegetative propagation, and sometimes they throw everything away with the onset of autumn and get new plants from seeds in the spring.
Reproduction methods
Propagation by seeds is the easiest way. Seeds of even rare varieties have almost one hundred percent germination.
First prepare the substrate for sowing, usually peat mixed with sand. The substrate is laid out in shallow bowls, moistened and the seeds are sown. Considering that almost all of them will sprout, the seeds are placed at some distance from each other; it is enough to do this in increments of 2-3 mm. They are sprinkled with a thin layer of soil and sprayed with a spray bottle.
At first, shoots of any variety will be green. The color appears later. The container with young shoots is placed on a bright windowsill; it is advisable that there are no drafts there and the temperature does not drop below 20 degrees.
Seedlings grow quickly, and it is important not to hesitate with picking, otherwise the plants will stretch. Therefore, after two or three leaves appear, they are plucked in increments of at least 3-4 cm. The seedlings tolerate this procedure easily. When the plants grow to 15-20 cm, they are planted in a permanent place.
Propagation by cuttings carried out both in the fall, when providing the plant with good lighting, and at the end of winter, in order to have a full-fledged plant by spring. Cut cuttings and place them in water. Roots appear quickly. Phytohormones can also be dissolved in water. Coleus is planted in the ground after roots appear.
Propagation by leaves is not common.
Coleus flowering
The flowers of this plant are small, often white, with a bluish tint. The shape is complex ears. They are not decorative. It is very difficult to obtain high-quality seeds at home, so the flowers have no practical use. It is recommended to prune them: they take away nutrition and strength from the coleus - flowering takes place at the expense of decorativeness. They can bloom from March to September.
Problems, diseases, pests
The main growing problems and diseases are associated with defects in care:
The most popular types:
Answers on questions
What is the life expectancy?
Is it possible to keep this plant at home?
Coleus is completely harmless. Neither children nor pets will be poisoned by it, even if they eat it.
Why do coleus leaves turn yellow (dry)?
This happens for several reasons, described in the “Diseases and Pests” section.
All indoor coleus originated from the species Coleus scutellarioides, including the hybrid Coleus Bloom, on the basis of which numerous forms and varieties were bred, including the popular Coleus red and Coleus violet.
Coleus (indoor nettle): description of the flower. Complexity, whimsicality, accessibility of cultivation
The flowers are collected in paniculate inflorescences and have white, bluish and yellowish shades. The pistil at the base is closed by stamens, which grow together into a tube: hence the “coleus”: translated as “case”.
Features of growing a plant
Coleus- an indoor plant, but it is successfully grown in flower beds.
Planting coleus
Planting methods
If coleus grown from seeds are planned to be placed in the garden, then they are hardened off beforehand: they begin to be taken outside during the day, when at this time of day the temperature begins to stay at 10-15 degrees. This is what they do with coleus grown from cuttings. In the flowerbed, a distance of 10 to 15 cm is left between seedlings, depending on the variety.
If coleus are grown for boxes on a balcony or loggia, then they are planted there in increments of 10 cm. If the coleus are different in color, then a planting system is developed to achieve maximum decorativeness.
Optimal time for planting
Coleus plants are tropical, so they do not tolerate the slightest cold snap. They can be planted in open ground only when the nights become warm enough, usually in early June.
Coleus for indoor cultivation are planted in pots as soon as they reach 15 m in height when propagated by seeds or take root when propagated vegetatively. This is done in March-early April and as a result you have a beautiful plant in the summer.
Good drainage is provided in the pot intended for planting: Coleus love abundant watering, but do not tolerate stagnant liquid.
Soil for planting
There are no special recommendations for soil composition for this flower. But you shouldn’t take the poor and heavy one. It is better to grow the plant in turf or leaf soil; light garden soil is also suitable. You can add humus to the pot, which will help build up the leaf mass.
Features of flower care at home
Although caring for coleus is considered simple, there are still some subtleties and nuances that are worth knowing and taking into account.
Location and lighting for the plant
This flower loves light and sun. In poor lighting, it begins to stretch out and shed its leaves. But with too much sun, it stops growing and loses the brightness of its leaves.
To place it, choose bright but slightly shaded places in the garden and keep it on the eastern or western window sills in the room. It is recommended to occasionally turn the pot so that the bush is even.
Air humidity
Like all people from the tropics, Coleus cannot tolerate dry air. But with frequent spraying they grow well in the room.
Temperature
How to water a plant correctly
Coleus loves moisture. It should be watered with warm, soft water; in summer the soil should always be moist; in winter, you can wait until the top layer of the earthen clod dries out before watering. Coleus loves frequent misting and warm showers. In the garden, it is watered from a watering can with a fine strainer so that there is always water on the leaves. Such watering is carried out only in the evening.
Feeding and fertilizing the flower
Plants planted in fairly fertile soil in the garden do not require feeding, but they respond gratefully to watering with mineral fertilizer with a high potassium content. It is useful to water coleus plants both growing outdoors and indoors with nettle infusion.
House flowers are fed weekly with complex fertilizers in the summer, and less often in winter, twice a month, and the nutrient solution is made half as weak. This helps the plants not to stretch out.
Coleus pruning
The plant needs regular pruning for various reasons:
Coleus transplant
Most often, the plant is grown as an annual crop, so it does not come down to replanting. But if the flower is preserved in the winter, then in the spring it should be transplanted into a larger pot, because the roots are already becoming crowded, and it is impossible to achieve intensive growth.
Plants are also transshipped. If the flower pot is spacious enough, but the plant has been in it for more than a year, it is necessary to update the soil. The coleus is removed, the roots are lightly shaken off and placed in a pot of the same size, but all empty space is filled with new soil.
Subtleties of reproduction
Propagation by seeds The easiest way. Seeds of even rare varieties have almost one hundred percent germination.
First, prepare the substrate for sowing, usually peat mixed with sand. The substrate is laid out in shallow bowls, moistened and the seeds are sown. Considering that almost all of them will sprout, the seeds are placed at some distance from each other; it is enough to do this in increments of 2-3 mm. They are sprinkled with a thin layer of soil and sprayed with a spray bottle.
You can cover the bowl with glass or place it in a plastic bag. Further care will consist of watering, and if the bowl is covered, then also ventilation. The seeds germinate almost simultaneously after 10-12 days.
At first, shoots of any variety will be green. The color appears later. The container with young shoots is placed on a bright windowsill; it is advisable that there are no drafts there and the temperature does not drop below 20 degrees.
Seedlings grow quickly, and it is important not to hesitate with picking, otherwise the plants will stretch. Therefore, after two or three leaves appear, they are plucked in increments of at least 3-4 cm. The seedlings tolerate this procedure easily. When the plants grow to 15-20 cm, they are planted in a permanent place.
Propagation by sheets not common.
Coleus flowering. The shape of the leaves can be seen in the photo
The flowers of this plant are small, often white, with a bluish tint. The shape is complex ears. They are not decorative. It is very difficult to obtain high-quality seeds at home, so the flowers have no practical use. It is recommended to trim them: they take away nutrition and strength from the coleus - flowering takes place at the expense of decorativeness. They can bloom from March to September.
Problems, diseases, pests in coleus
Insects are found on the underside of leaves. A signal that coleus may be infected is discoloration and deformation of the leaves. For treatment, you need to cut out the affected parts of the flower and treat the plant with an insecticide.
Popular types (varieties)
Today, more than 100 varieties of coleus are known in indoor floriculture.
There are bush and ampel forms, dwarf varieties, however, the latter are still rare.
The most popular types:
- Dark Chocolate: leaves are dark brown;
- Black Dragon: almost black leaves with strongly fringed edges;
- Fantasy: the leaves have many colors and shades, they are strongly curled, cut almost in half;
- Velvet of the night: dark red-brown leaves with heavily jagged edges;
- Wizard Jade: leaves of two contrasting colors: bright green and bright yellow.
- Blume: variety with a huge variety of leaf colors;
- Verschaffelta: This coleus has the largest leaves;
- Pomilus: dwarf form of coleus;
- Coleus scarlet: characterized by intense, mostly monochrome coloring;
- Coleus Henna: interesting coloring, green with specks;
- Coleus Wizard: Has velvety leaves with different colors.
- As a rule, the leaves of coleus have a bright variegated color, so that it sparkles with all the colors, it is necessary that the leaves of the neighbors on the windowsill or flowerbed be monochrome. In the garden it looks great next to gray fescue and cineraria.
- In winter, it is better to place coleus on the kitchen windowsill.
- In order to calculate the time of planting coleus, you need to know that the plant acquires a rather decorative appearance 5 months after planting.
- If the flower has dried, it has lost its tugor (the leaves have become soft), then it is necessary to water it abundantly and spray it. The plant will quickly return to its previous appearance.
- The higher the temperature, the more watering.
- It is better to plant small-leaved coleus in the garden: they grow faster and cover the entire allocated space.
Growing coleus in the garden
Sowing coleus.
The coleus plant is popular not only because it is beautiful, but also because it is easy to care for. And most importantly, the houseplant coleus can be grown in gardens with no less success. Coleus reproduces well by seed, especially since excellent English and Dutch variety mixtures can easily be found on sale today. It is best to sow coleus at the end of March. You can do this at other times of the year, but then you will have to provide additional artificial lighting for the seedlings in winter or autumn. You will need fertile but light soil; it is best to use a flat box as a container. Coleus seeds are laid out on the surface of the soil, not in a heap, sprayed with a spray bottle, without covering them, lightly “salted” with sand, covered with glass and placed in a warm, dark place, subsequently maintaining the soil in the greenhouse in a slightly damp state. The germination rate of purchased seeds is very high, and you can expect that every seed will germinate. This will happen faster than you expect - already on the seventh to tenth day, and as soon as the first shoots appear, remove the glass and move the greenhouse to a bright eastern or western window, protecting the sprouts from direct sunlight. The temperature should now be 17-19?C.
Coleus seedlings.
At the age of 3-4 weeks, when the seedlings have the first pair of true leaves, they need to be transplanted into special cassettes so that they can develop a strong root system that can not be injured when transplanted into the ground. And when the young coleus are 5-6 weeks old, transplant each into a four-hundred-gram glass and pinch to stimulate tillering.
Planting coleus.
Coleus are planted in garden soil only after the final onset of warm days. Choose a brightly lit area for them, but slightly shaded at midday and protected from the wind, dig holes, add fertile water- and breathable substrate into them, and plant coleus bushes from cups in the holes. Planting coleus does not require any special knowledge or skills. If you grow it as an annual, even more so. And even if you plan to make a perennial out of it, then, firstly, you are unlikely to succeed - in two or three years you will still have to grow a new coleus from seeds or cuttings, and secondly, you will have to winter it dig it up and bring it into the house so that it can be planted in the ground again in the spring. Therefore, just plant coleus bushes at a short distance from each other and do not forget to water them after planting.
Caring for coleus in the garden.
Caring for coleus primarily involves abundant watering, especially in dry summer conditions. It is advisable to water with settled water, for which it is a good idea to have a barrel or tub in the garden in which tap water will settle or rainwater will accumulate. Loosen the soil after watering and remove weeds. Two or three times a summer, lightly trim your handsome man to make him bushier.
During the period of active growth, fertilizing should be done weekly with fertilizers with a high nitrogen content in order to stimulate leaf growth and not provoke early flowering. When flowering does occur, immediately remove the flower stalks so that they do not take away the strength of the coleus. That's all the wisdom. As you can see, growing coleus in the garden is not difficult.
Coleus at home
Growing coleus from seeds.
Indoor coleus, like garden coleus, is propagated by seeds and cuttings. Propagation of indoor coleus by seeds occurs in the same way as garden ones: the seeds are sown, and when shoots appear, they are planted into cassettes, and during the second planting the seedling is planted in a permanent pot. Everything is simple, and almost the same as with seed propagation of garden coleus. And now we will tell you how to grow coleus from cuttings.
Growing coleus from cuttings.
When you cut the coleus, you are left with cuttings that you can use for cuttings. The stalk should be about 10 cm long. You need to remove the leaves from its lower part and stick it into damp soil or sand, cover it with polyethylene or a plastic bottle and keep it in the shade at a temperature of 18-20? C. The roots will appear in 8-10 days, and you can immediately transplant the cutting to a permanent place. This type of propagation is as simple as it is reliable.
Caring for coleus at home.
There are no difficulties in this matter either: abundant watering with settled soft water at room temperature, especially in the spring and summer, is the most important point. Indoor coleus also needs to be fertilized weekly in spring and summer with complex fertilizer at half the dose specified by the manufacturer. In winter, fertilize coleus once a month.
In the warm season, regular spraying of the plant is desirable, but not in the sun, but in the shade, and in winter, in a heated room, it is better to maintain air humidity in another way - keeping a pot of coleus on a tray with wet expanded clay. Be sure to remove the buds that appear if your coleus is not an ornamental flowering plant, so that the development of flowers does not take away the strength of the plant.
During the period of active growth, coleus will have to be pinched more than once, stimulating branching, and after rest, before the new season, you need to cut off all shoots at a height of 5-7 cm in order to rejuvenate the plant. Experienced flower growers, just in case, plant cuttings obtained during pruning for rooting - in case last year’s coleus does not live up to expectations and still loses its decorative effect.
Coleus diseases.
If you pinch or trim a young plant at the wrong time, its shoots can become very elongated. The same thing happens if your coleus is old or if the young plant is dark. If the light is too bright, the color of the leaves becomes pale and discolored. If there is insufficient watering, the plant loses its leaves; if it is over-watered, the leaves will also fall off.
Among the pests that are dangerous to coleus are aphids, spider mites and whiteflies. Aphids feed on plant sap, causing damaged leaves to turn yellow and shrink, and are carriers of diseases. It’s easy to combat: you need to treat the above-ground parts of indoor coleus with a soap solution, and if some of the pests survive, then the treatment needs to be repeated after a week. Before manipulating, do not forget to cover the soil in the pot with film so that soap does not get into it. With garden coleus, such a “detailed” method is too labor-intensive, so you will have to use insecticides. Actellik and Fitoverm have proven themselves to be good in the fight against aphids. You cannot use soap to remove ticks, so we recommend Oberon, Apollo, Agravertin or Akarin. Whiteflies can be destroyed with the same drugs as aphids: Actellik, Aktara, Oberon, etc.
But the use of insecticides does not add health to the plants, so as a preventive measure, follow simple rules for caring for coleus, and such troubles as diseases and pests will bypass you.
Coleus in winter
As already mentioned, garden coleus is most often grown as an annual. If you are sorry to part with it, dig up a bush, replant it in a pot, bring it into the house and care for it like a houseplant: gradually reduce watering towards winter, and fertilize once a month. You should also care for indoor coleus. In winter, in addition to reducing watering, the temperature of the coleus should also be reduced to 8-15? C.
Types and varieties of coleus
Hybrid coleus (Coleus x hybridus).
In indoor floriculture, they usually grow coleus hybrid– the plant is not very large and completely unpretentious. The height of hybrid coleus reaches one meter, the stem has a square cross-section. The leaves are elongated-oval with serrated edges. Depending on whether the plant is in the shade or in the sun, the color of the leaves may be green or burgundy, respectively.
Coleus rehneltianus.
How is an ornamental hanging plant grown? Coleus Renelta native to Sri Lanka with shoots up to 50 cm long. The leaves of this species are opposite, on long petioles, broadly heart-shaped with wavy edges, decorated with multi-colored veins - yellow, purple, brown, red.
Coleus Blumeii.
But the most popular among gardeners is Coleus Blume and its many varieties. The homeland of Coleus Blume is Southeast Asia. It is a subshrub with woody shoots up to 80 cm high at the base. The best varieties: Black dragon - brown-purple leaves ribbed along the edges with red veins; hybrids of the Wizzard series - coleus Wizzard Golden with yellow-light green leaves, Wizzard Evening Dawn with fiery red leaves and a narrow greenish border, Wizzard Jade with a wide green border along white leaves.
Among the huge variety of coleus varieties, you are sure to find several species with which you will be happy to decorate your garden and your home.
Coleus: care features
What is the lifespan of a plant?
Coleus can grow at home for several years, but no one keeps them for that long. The flower requires constant rejuvenation. Even with radical pruning to the stump, they should not be preserved for more than two years.
Coleus is a plant with good energy. It is ideal for growing indoors. There is no answer to the question: why you can’t keep it at home.
Is this flower poisonous?
Why do coleus leaves curl?
Why does coleus shed its leaves?
Dropping of leaves can occur due to any defect in care.
How does the plant overwinter?
Coleus is a plant that can be grown both indoors and in a flower bed on a personal plot. Its bright, variegated leaves are very decorative; the flowers, although not of great value, have a pleasant aroma in some varieties.
Coleus is usually propagated in two ways - seeds and cuttings. Both methods are quite simple and even beginner gardeners can do it.
Currently, approximately 60 varieties of coleus are found in nature, but all cultivated varieties are derived from the species - Coleus Blume. Based on this species, a huge number of various varieties have already been bred, and more and more new ones continue to be bred. Modern varieties of coleus can satisfy the most demanding tastes. By purchasing the seeds of these plants in the store, you can also choose the variety that suits you. You can also buy a mixture of seeds of different varieties.
By adhering to a few simple rules, you can grow beautiful ornamental plants, both at home and in the flowerbed.
Rules for growing and care
Lighting requirements. Coleus is a light-loving plant, but direct scorching sunlight is not desirable, since if the light is too bright, the leaves lose their brightness and become pale. Therefore, when planting plants in a personal plot, it is better to choose slightly shaded areas. And for coleus grown indoors, windows facing east or west are suitable.
Temperature Requirements. Coleus can easily withstand rising temperatures in the summer, but only if they don’t forget to water it.
A sharp drop in temperature negatively affects plants. If the temperature drops below +15 C in the summer months, the plant's growth slows down. Coleus grown at home feel great at room temperature and can tolerate temperatures down to +10 C. However, you need to try to protect them from sudden temperature changes.
Soil requirements. Coleus is not picky about soil composition. It grows well in ordinary garden soil, both turf and leaf soil.
Watering rules. Coleus needs regular watering. The soil should not dry out too much. In addition, it is advisable to spray the plants with clean water from time to time, preferably in the evening. In winter, watering is slightly reduced - the soil is moistened when its top layer dries.
Rules for fertilizing coleus. Coleus are unpretentious plants; they grow well in open ground even without fertilizing with mineral fertilizers. However, if you decide to fertilize your plants, it will not harm them. To do this, you can purchase complete mineral fertilizer in specialized stores and fertilize the soil in accordance with the instructions on the package.
Breeding rules. The easiest way to propagate coleus is by seeds. To get healthy young plants ready for planting in the ground, seeds should be sown in March.
It is believed that surface sowing is best for coleus. With this method of sowing, the seeds are not buried in the soil, but simply pressed a little. Coleus seeds germinate well at a temperature of 20-24 C. At this temperature, seedlings appear 10-14 days after sowing the seeds. Seedlings can grow normally at a lower temperature - 16-18 C. It is advisable that the seedlings be well lit during the period of active growth, since with insufficient lighting the plants become too elongated and weakened.
When a variegated decorative pattern appears on the leaves of young plants, they can be planted in separate pots. After the seedlings are planted, you can begin to form the plants - they pinch off the top and side shoots. When new shoots appear, they are also pinched, etc. In order for the coleus bush to have a beautiful compact shape, you need to start pinching it when it reaches a height of 4 cm, and the side shoots from 3 to 4 cm.
The second way to propagate coleus is by cuttings. With this method, you just need to choose a healthy shoot, carefully cut it, put it in water and wait for roots to appear on it. And then plant it in a pot with soil.
For those who want to grow coleus as a houseplant, it is better to propagate it by cuttings in August-September. This way, every year you can get new indoor plants and young plants for the flower bed.
Tips for composing a flowerbed. Coleus have very beautiful variegated leaves, so they look great in combination with plants that have monochromatic leaves. Cineraria, sage, and gray fescue are best suited. Such plants will highlight the bright unusual leaves of the coleus, creating an advantageous background for them. A flower bed made up of various plants will look very decorative.
Coleus in the garden and at home
Flowers coleus (lat. Coleus) belong to the genus of the Lamiaceae or Lamiaceae family, numbering about 150 species. The name of the plant is derived from the Greek word “kleos”, meaning “case”. The homeland of the coleus plant is the tropical forests of Asia and Africa. Among hobby gardeners, the coleus flower is known as the "poor man's croton" because its variegated leaves resemble croton foliage, only they look simpler, and the "garbage plant" - well, that's because many of them have not seen the new varieties of coleus that allow it to compete today not only with croton, but also with other expensive popular plants. The main advantage of coleus, in addition to its variegated beauty, is its ease of care.
Listen to the article
Coleus flower - description
Coleus stems are ribbed, tetrahedral, woody at the base. The leaves are pubescent, heart-shaped, opposite, jagged, sometimes small, but in some species they reach a length of 15 cm. The stems and leaves of natural plant species resemble nettles, which is why coleus is popularly nicknamed “nettle”. The color of the leaves is all possible combinations of green, burgundy, yellow, and red. Small blue or purple flowers are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences. The flowering of decorative-leaved coleus does not cause any particular interest among gardeners - there is nothing remarkable in its flowers. These types of coleus are grown for their amazing leaves, although there are also beautifully flowering species and varieties of coleus.
Coleus is a very common indoor plant in Russia, which has another name - nettle. The people called it so because the leaves of the coleus are similar to the leaves of nettles. They are the same shape as hers. The leaf arrangement of coleus is alternate, and the veining is reticulate.
This plant is very unpretentious and easy to care for. Coleus inflorescences have a spike-shaped structure. It does not necessarily need to be constantly watered and fed, because it can survive in the most extreme conditions. Some housewives generally forget to approach their coleus, but nevertheless it continues to grow and delight the eyes of the household. Of course, plants that are properly cared for are more beautiful, bright and fluffy, so if you want to be delighted every time you look at your coleus, then do not be lazy to care for it at least a little, because it is so simple and easy.
Next, we will talk about how to properly propagate, water and plant coleus at home and in your garden. Let's get acquainted with a detailed description of coleus. This plant is so versatile that it can be grown both at home on a windowsill and in the countryside in open ground. Here we will also touch on the topic of superstitions and find out whether it is useful to keep nettles at home. We will also learn about where this amazingly beautiful and unpretentious plant came to us in Russia. We will also talk about folk signs associated with nettles.
A houseplant called coleus or nettle came to us from the tropical countries of Asia. It was from there that overseas merchants brought coleus seeds to our country many years ago. And to our surprise, it has taken root quite well in our climatic conditions. He can live both in a city apartment at a constant temperature, and in a wooden house with a stove, where the temperature is not always constant. And that is not all. Coleus can even live outdoors in open ground in the summer, pleasing the eye with the beauty of its leaves.
Initially, this indoor plant was called coleus and nothing else. But the Russian people gave it the name nettle, which stuck. People know this flower better under this name. Coleus has become so popular that it can be found on every third windowsill in our country. It is especially common in small towns in Russia. In villages and towns, they love nettle more and share its cuttings and seeds with neighbors and friends.
Varieties and types of nettles
In fact, coleus has many varieties and varieties. Each of them has its own genotypic and phenotypic characteristics. You can get acquainted with the types of this indoor plant in catalogs and flower reference books on any website dedicated to coleus. The most common type of nettle in our country is the hybrid coleus. He is the most unpretentious of all species. It can reach a height of about a meter. The leaves can be even 10-15 cm long. The color of the plant is somewhat different depending on where the flower is located. If the nettle is on a windowsill where there is a lot of light and sun, then the plant pigments will be green. If the plant is in a somewhat shaded room, then its leaves will be purple.
Coleus Blume is also well known to Russian amateur flower growers. Its homeland is Southeast Asia. They especially love its variety called Black Dragon. This coleus has brownish-purple leaves with red veins on the edges. The Dragon reaches a height of approximately 80 cm. A very unpretentious plant that can easily tolerate temperature changes. It can be safely planted in open ground in a flower bed. Dog coleus is also common; it emits an unpleasant odor and repels cats.
The Cantigny Royale variety from the Blume breed is also well known. This variety is very heat-loving and requires special care. He is used to temperatures not lower than 20 degrees. This applies not only to the air temperature in the room, but also to the air temperature outside. Therefore, in order not to take risks, it is better to plant this plant in open ground no earlier than June, when both the air and the ground have warmed up well. Judging by the reviews of flower growers, coleus of American selection are especially beautiful. Photos and videos about them can be seen on our website.
Another type of nettle that is loved in our country is Coleus Renelta. It amazes with its beauty. The leaves of this plant are not very large and wide. Their shape resembles a heart. Along the edges of this heart there are beautiful waves. And the color of the leaf is very interesting. Coleus of this species contains red, purple, brown, and yellow shades. This is a real decoration for any interior. You can also plant this type of nettle both at home and outside. Renelta can also decorate your balcony. This plant reaches 50 cm in length, but no more.
Growing from seeds
You can grow coleus yourself from seeds. They can be purchased at any flower shop. It is better to sow coleus in March, when the bright and warm sun is already shining with all its might. If you are going to sow in the winter or autumn, then provide the seeds with additional lighting. The seeds should be planted in an oblong and flat box. The soil in the box should be moist. It is better to cover the seeds on top with glass or polyethylene. The distance between the seeds should be approximately 5 cm. The germination rate of the seeds is very high, so you can hope that every seed will come out.
It is not necessary to make a hole for each seed. You can simply scatter the seeds over the surface of the soil, and then spray them with a spray bottle and sprinkle with sand or a second thin layer of soil. It is better to keep the box with coleus seedlings in a warm and dark place, this will speed up the process of plant germination. The air temperature in the room should not be less than 17 degrees. Seeds usually come out 8-11 days after sowing. After germination, you need to remove the glass or polyethylene, wait until a couple of leaves appear on the stems, and then plant the sprouts in pots for picking and so that the sprouts begin to actively take root in the soil. This is usually done a month after sowing the seeds in the box.
After a couple of weeks, Coleus can be planted in a flowerbed, on a balcony, or transplanted into a larger pot and left at home. Coleus looks beautiful in a flowerpot in the garden. In one flowerpot you can collect several types of nettles, creating a stunning composition. It should be understood that if it is not yet very warm outside and the air does not reach 18-20 degrees Celsius, then it is better to keep the plant at home and not plant it in the flowerbed yet. Only when you are sure that the earth has truly warmed up, then feel free to plant nettles outside.
Plant coleus in the flowerbed at a short distance from each other, so that the plants do not interfere with each other’s growth. After planting, coleus should be watered. It is better to plant in a place where the sun does not burn at midday, otherwise it may discolor the nettle leaves. This plant is grown outdoors mainly as an annual. But if you want to make it perennial, then dig up the coleus for the winter, transplant it into a large pot and move it home. And in the spring you can again plant your favorite nettle in the flowerbed.
Planting and care in open ground
We told you how to plant nettle seeds at home. Now we’ll tell you how to do this in the garden. To do this, it is necessary to create conditions favorable for coleus. You can also plant seeds in a box. But it’s better to do this not in March, but even in April, so that it is even warmer outside. To plant, you must have a greenhouse, because you will need to keep the box with seedlings in it.
Otherwise, the principle of planting seeds outside is similar to planting at home. You will also plant the seeds and cover them with glass, but you will keep the box not at home, but in the greenhouse. Once the seeds have come out and the plant has formed a pair of leaves, transplant the coleus into separate small containers for rooting. These can be ordinary jars of yogurt or sour cream. When it becomes very warm outside, but not earlier than 1.5 months after the seeds germinate, the plant can be planted in open ground.
Features of propagation of nettles by cuttings
If you don’t want to bother with seeds, you can take a cutting of this plant from someone you know. Nettle can also be propagated by cuttings. In order for the cutting to take root, it should be planted in a pot with moist soil and placed in a warm place. You can cover the top with a film to provide even more warmth and moisture to the plant.
You can also put the cutting in water, and when the roots appear after about a week, transplant it into a pot with soil. This is a more reliable and simpler way to propagate nettles. You can even plant several cuttings in one pot, so you will get a more branched and lush plant. You can plant several species in one place to get a multi-colored mix.
Home care
Here is your nettle (or coleus) transplanted into a pot and pleasing to the eye on the windowsill. How to care for her? There's nothing complicated about it. You just need to water your pet on time with water at room temperature, feed it occasionally and keep it in a slightly shaded place so that its leaves have a rich color. If it is hot outside the window and at home, then you need to periodically spray the leaves of the plant, giving them moisture not only from the inside, but also from the outside, otherwise they will dry out.
If watering is too abundant or too infrequent, the leaves from the coleus will begin to quickly fall off, and it will become completely bare. So choose a couple of days a week to give your favorite flower a drink. In winter, once every 7 days is enough. In general, be guided by your feelings and periodically check the ground. If you touch it with your finger and make sure that the soil is very dry, you can safely water the coleus. If the soil is slightly moist, the plant can wait a couple more days. It all depends on the air temperature in your apartment.
As for fertilizers, feeding coleus in winter is enough just once a month. And in spring, summer and autumn, weekly feeding is needed. It should be noted that the fertilizer must contain a large amount of nitrogen. But potassium and phosphorus will be more useful for flowering plants. But coleus is rich not in flowers, but in leaves, so it needs complex fertilizers for leafy indoor plants. So that your plant does not stretch upward, but is lush and beautiful, it periodically needs pinching and trimming the top. The plant also needs to be pruned for propagation. After all, in coleus, reproduction occurs not only by seeds, but also by cuttings.
If the plant does not have enough light, then phototaxis will occur (the movement of the leaf blade towards the light source). If this happens, then you should move the flower pot to another, brighter place. The same phenomenon occurs in many flowers, including blooming ones. Pelargonium and begonia are no exception here.
Garden care
Just like at home, nettles also need care in open ground. This applies to both watering and replenishment. In order to provide moisture to the plant, you should always keep settled water in your garden. To do this, use a barrel to collect rainwater. If there is little rain, periodically fill the barrel with water from a well, river or well. Water your coleus as soon as the soil becomes dry. It depends on the outside air temperature.
You need to feed the plant at least once a month. Pinching should be carried out in the same way as for homemade coleus. We advise you to plant a mixture of coleus in one flower bed to create a bright composition that will decorate your garden no worse than a water lily. Together you can collect such varieties of nettles as:
- Wizard Golden;
- Wizard Scarlet;
- Plectranthus coleus;
- Wizard Sunset;
- Wizard Velvet Red;
- Kong Scarlet;
- Kong Mix;
- Dragon Black (Black Dragon);
- Kong Junior;
- Green Halo;
- Verschaffelt;
- Gilda.
From these varieties you will get a wonderful rainbow of coleus. After all, they all differ in color and will create an original garden composition near your home of indescribable beauty, which you can show off to your girlfriends and friends.
Signs associated with coleus
According to ancient legend, coleus brings wealth and good luck to businessmen. Therefore, it is recommended that large companies have it in every office. This plant acts on the subconscious of people, forcing them to think correctly and fruitfully. Managers who have nettles in their office solve complex problems with ease and are able to react quickly in extreme situations. They are able to solve any problem to their benefit.
But in the house it is better to keep this plant in the living room, kitchen or hallway, since coleus does not allow a person to relax, and its presence in the bedroom can greatly irritate the owners of the house. Some people believe that nettle is generally dangerous and should not be kept in the house, but this is just speculation related to the name of the plant. Nettle stings, so coleus (nettle), in the opinion of a person, can have a negative effect on the energy of a home.
Also, its reddish tint is associated with negativity and it is believed that this plant can lead to a fire in the house. In fact, many Russian families have this plant on their windowsill, and no troubles come into this house. So you need to believe only in good omens and keep those plants that truly please the eye and appeal to you.
Whether it is superstition or not is up to you to decide. But there is one large company that really believes in omens regarding coleus, and even named itself after this plant. She produces wonderful mattresses that are a pleasure to sleep on. This company exists successfully in the market and has a good income. Employees of this organization believe that luck accompanies their company due to its name.
The healing properties of nettle and its use in medical practice
Since ancient times, coleus has been used for medicinal purposes. Not every coleus is suitable for this. We need a special type of this plant. This is Coleus Forskohlii. This is a dwarf nettle. This plant is used to treat the following diseases:
- heart disease;
- malfunction of the thyroid gland;
- acute respiratory diseases;
- asthma;
- impaired metabolism;
- increase in body weight.
It must be remembered that this plant should be used for medical purposes only in consultation with the attending physician and in combination with medications prescribed by the doctor. Otherwise, you can only worsen your health condition. If you use coleus in treatment correctly, you can achieve a powerful therapeutic effect and improve your health, bringing its condition closer to ideal.
For treatment, coleus is grown in special conditions in compliance with temperature conditions and with appropriate feeding. The leaves of this plant are used in medicine. They are even used to produce biological food additives, which can be found in pharmacies in large cities and on online shopping websites. Such online stores specialize in dietary supplements and send them to customers either by mail or by courier in person. It is not recommended to trust them 100%, since you cannot joke with your health.
Now you know everything about coleus (nettle). Thanks to the information contained in this article, you have an idea of how to sow this plant, how to properly care for it, and even how to use it to influence your health. The propagation of nettles is also no secret to you now.
Widespread in indoor floriculture, nettle has captivated fans with its unusual foliage color. Red-green leaves look impressive.
The true benefit of the plant is not in its decorative qualities, but in its ability to heal energy vibrations in the space around it. Signs and superstitions have endowed the bright coleus with the ability to influence the energy of the room and the lives of its owners.
Signs about the benefits of coleus for humans
Numerous signs tell how useful it is to keep this plant at home. Allegedly, under his influence the energy of the entire room where he stands is transformed. Coleus has a beneficial effect on people nearby. Esotericists say that the main thing is positive energy, which helps you feel good, not get sick, stay active, and have clarity of mind.
Other signs advise keeping it not in the house, but at work. Then the plant will bring good luck, prosperity in business, and advancement up the career ladder. Coleus in the office signs is called a real business assistant.
The original opinion can be explained by the biological properties of the species. The flower releases essential oils that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system, so when near such a natural stimulant, a person thinks more clearly and thinks faster.
Superstitions about the dangers of coleus
Not all superstitions see only good things in coleus. There are beliefs that prohibit keeping this flower at home. There are several reasons for the negative attitude:
- Superstitions convince us that a person who grows coleus will definitely go broke. The origins of superstition are in the historical past. Previously, this flower was grown by poor city dwellers, and in the houses of aristocrats, a bright representative of the plant world - croton, which was expensive, and therefore was not available to ordinary people, was adorned in an arc.
- It is believed that nettle plays the role of a muzhegon. This means that we can associate the absence of men in the house with the repulsive effect of the plant. Many women explain their female misfortune to the influence of indoor plants: the loss of a spouse, the inability to get married, or find a family.
- The third belief is very strange. Not growing this flower in the house is a folk way to protect yourself from fires. This parallel is due to the color of the plant. Each leaf has a rich red color, so in the popular mind it is associated with fire.
Signs about flowering
Flowering always causes a wary attitude. In some cases it promises benefits. In others it becomes a harbinger of troubles. If coleus blooms in the house in spring or summer, this is the norm. This state of the plant means nothing. But when a coleus flower blooms in winter, omens consider it a bad sign.
Important! A flower that produces inflorescences in winter predicts financial difficulties.
Such superstitions can be explained by folk traditions. In the past, wealth depended mainly on the harvest. An insufficient amount of collected grain led to hunger and poverty. Weather signs say that a warm winter is followed by a lean year. Coleus could bloom in a poorly heated room only in a very warm winter. Thus a parallel arose between its flowering and poverty.
Nowadays, every apartment is well heated, so the lover of warm weather in winter flourishes without any supernatural reasons. Therefore, do not be upset if coleus begins to bloom in January. It is better to rejoice at the riot of its color and delicate inflorescences.
Signs and superstitions. Many people believe that signs and vanity
How do signs and superstitions influence our destiny? Possible
Why you shouldn't kill spiders. Folk signs and superstitions
In some cultures around the world, a comb is considered a
Neither yawn nor shake your hand - modern man
Signs about the house. Folk signs about housing. Subscribe
Things that attract good luck and prosperity to your life
It is believed that a picturesque portrait takes away part of the souls
Birds in the house, signs and superstitions. 00:18. – Superstitions and approx.
Is it possible to keep violets in the house? Folk signs about SE�
Every home starts from the threshold. Our ancestors also believed
Humanity has believed in omens for several centuries now.
A knife is a familiar item that you can’t do without in everyday life.
Rowan, folk signs and superstitions. 01:53. – Folk pr
Forgetting the keys in your house means a minor scandal and
The video describes the most famous signs and superstitions
Let's talk. Issue 29 from 08/20/2017. "They say no
What not to do in the evening, signs and superstitions.
If something goes wrong on the road (forgot to turn off the
Signs about Coleus diseases
Nettle is very hardy. If it starts to get sick and waste away, it means that the energy in the house is so filled with negativity that the coleus simply can’t cope. The owners must carefully analyze what is happening.
If they care for their coleus responsibly, its poor condition is due solely to energy problems. Then you need to take care of restoring positive energy in the house.
In order for the energy sector to return to normal, they invite specialists who practice similar assistance to people. If a flower gets sick or begins to shed its leaves due to improper care, you need to change your attitude.
After all, the coleus flower is considered a vengeful plant that will not tolerate inattention. In order not to get a dose of negativity from coleus, you need to regularly water it, fertilize it, and carry out other types of mandatory work.
In nature, there are a large number of varieties of decorative deciduous shrubs, coleus. This is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family. Its homeland is tropical Asia and Africa. Thanks to the variety of colors of the beautiful velvet leaves, the flower has become a popular ornamental landscape plant. Coleus is also grown on window sills and balconies, but certain superstitions and signs are associated with it.
Mostly, hybrid coleus is grown in homes - an unpretentious, small-sized indoor plant. The leaves are oval, broadly ovate with a heart-shaped or truncated base. The edges of the leaf blade are crenate, wavy, sometimes jagged. Due to the external similarity of the leaves, the flower received a second name - colored nettle.
Signs
- A plant in the house promises monetary losses and financial ruin to its owner.
- People say “coleus in the house means a fire.”
- If the flower has bloomed, you need to expect unexpected events.
Is it possible to keep it in the house?
Coleus is quite unpretentious and is able to delight its owners with its whimsical beauty for a long time. It is not known exactly why this handsome man has become overgrown with negative signs. However, all flower growers say that they are long-time fans and owners of various types of coleus, and for many years none of the above troubles have happened to them.
Some types of plants not only decorate the surrounding space around them, but even provide benefits. For example, Coleus Forskolii is used in the production of some medicines and dietary supplements due to the content of forskolin, which can activate and normalize metabolism, help vitamins and other beneficial substances be better absorbed. Thanks to this, fat deposits are burned more efficiently and quickly, and the appearance and condition of the skin improves.
Coleus care
If you have decided to have coleus in your home, then you need to know how to care for it:
- The flower loves light very much: the more leaves it has, the more sunlight the plant needs. Therefore, it needs to be placed in well-lit places, and it must be taken into account that in summer direct rays of the sun are contraindicated for it, but in winter they are highly recommended.
- From the beginning of spring to the end of summer, coleus is watered as needed, that is, when the top layer of soil begins to dry out. In winter, the volume of water must be reduced; sometimes 2-3 waterings per week are enough. It is recommended to use settled water for irrigation. The lack of moisture in the soil is judged by the condition of the leaves: if they begin to become lethargic, then they need to be watered urgently.
- Coleus loves a high level of humidity at home, so it can be placed in the kitchen - this is where humidity is present and it is always warm. If the humidity is low, the leaves should be sprayed with water at room temperature.
- In spring and summer, the flower needs to be fed. To do this, you can use fertilizers of organic or mineral origin.
- In winter, the plant may lose its attractive appearance, so with the onset of spring and the appearance of new shoots, pruning must be done.
- Coleus needs to be replanted every 2-3 years.
