Care of the plant Coleus blumei or Common Coleus |
The genus Coleus, family Lamiaceae, comprises 25 species of herbaceous plants and shrubs native to India, Java and Africa. Some species are: Coleus blumei, Coleus caninus, Coleus comosus, Coleus barbatus, Coleus esculentus. Common names: Common Coleus, Painted Nettle. This species is native to southeast Asia. They are perennial bushy plants that reach 75 cm (2.46 feet) in height. The color of the leaves varies between green, yellow, red, bronze, purple and gray. They are heart-shaped and have jagged margins. The flowers are insignificant, light blue in color and appear in spike-shaped inflorescences. They bloom in fall and winter. Common Coleus is used to form shaded or semi-shaded beds and curbs; it's also suitable for pots. The soil must contain organic matter and coarse sand so that it does not retain water. Water frequently without wetting the leaves so that the substrate is always wet but never waterlogged. Fertilize in spring and summer with mineral fertilizer every 15 days. Prune the flower spikes as they weaken the plant. Painted Nettle propagates by seeds sown in winter in the greenhouse. |
Images of the plant Coleus blumei or Common Coleus |