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|features=foliage, houseplant

|features=foliage, houseplant

|Temp Metric=°F

|Temp Metric=°F

|image=Coleus hybrids Wizard.jpg

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==Cultivation==

==Cultivation==

[[File:Solenostemon scutellarioides yellow.jpg|left|thumb|Yellow [[Solenostemon scutellarioides]]]]

[[File:Solenostemon scutellarioides yellow.jpg|left|thumb|Yellow [[Solenostemon scutellarioides]]]]

[[File:Coleus inflorescence.JPG|right|thumb|Coleus Inflorescence]]{{nowrap|Many [[cultivar]]s of}} the southeast Asian species ''Solenostemon scutellarioides'' have been selected for their colorful variegated [[Leaf|leaves]], typically with sharp contrast between the colors; the leaves may be green, pink, yellow, black (a very dark purple), maroon, and red (somewhat resembling the unrelated [[caladium]]). New cultivars with varieties of colors are constantly being made.  The plants grow well in moist well-drained soil, and typically grow 0.5–1 m tall, though some may grow as tall as 2 meters. Coleus are typically grown as [[ornamental plant]]s. They are heat-tolerant, but they do less well in full sun in subtropical areas than in the shade. In mild areas (no snow in winter), plants can usually be kept as [[perennials]] if well managed.  In colder areas, they are often grown as [[Annual plant|annual]]s, since the plants are not hardy and become leggy with age (to encourage bushing in leggy plants, simply pinch back growing tips). In bright, hot areas, the colors of the plant are typically more intense in shaded areas than in full sun, and the plants will require less water there. Coleus also make low-maintenance [[houseplant]]s. The plant's [[flower]]s grow on a stem above that stem's leaves, and tend to be purple and quite small in comparison to the leaves. The plant is not generally grown for its flowers, as it promotes stem elongation (remove to halt this).

{{nowrap|Many [[cultivar]]s of}} the southeast Asian species ''Solenostemon scutellarioides'' have been selected for their colorful variegated [[Leaf|leaves]], typically with sharp contrast between the colors; the leaves may be green, pink, yellow, black (a very dark purple), maroon, and red (somewhat resembling the unrelated [[caladium]]). New cultivars with varieties of colors are constantly being made.  The plants grow well in moist well-drained soil, and typically grow 0.5–1 m tall, though some may grow as tall as 2 meters. Coleus are typically grown as [[ornamental plant]]s. They are heat-tolerant, but they do less well in full sun in subtropical areas than in the shade. In mild areas (no snow in winter), plants can usually be kept as [[perennials]] if well managed.  In colder areas, they are often grown as [[Annual plant|annual]]s, since the plants are not hardy and become leggy with age (to encourage bushing in leggy plants, simply pinch back growing tips). In bright, hot areas, the colors of the plant are typically more intense in shaded areas than in full sun, and the plants will require less water there. Coleus also make low-maintenance [[houseplant]]s. The plant's [[flower]]s grow on a stem above that stem's leaves, and tend to be purple and quite small in comparison to the leaves. The plant is not generally grown for its flowers, as it promotes stem elongation (remove to halt this).

 

===Propagation===

===Propagation===

There are two ways to [[plant propagation|propagate]] Coleus. Seeds are inexpensive and easily obtainable. To germinate, simply sprinkle seeds on the surface soil and press down.  Seeds need light to germinate, so avoid covering the seeds.  To keep seeds moist, grow in a container and cover with plastic, or mist seeds daily (if starting seeds directly in the garden). Sprouts can show color in as little as two weeks. Alternatively, [[cutting (plant)|cutting]]s can be taken.  Cuttings root readily in plain water, without the addition of rooting hormone (although it is still beneficial).

There are two ways to [[plant propagation|propagate]] Coleus. Seeds are inexpensive and easily obtainable. To germinate, simply sprinkle seeds on the surface soil and press down.  Seeds need light to germinate, so avoid covering the seeds.  To keep seeds moist, grow in a container and cover with plastic, or mist seeds daily (if starting seeds directly in the garden). Sprouts can show color in as little as two weeks. Alternatively, [[cutting (plant)|cutting]]s can be taken.  Cuttings root readily in plain water, without the addition of rooting hormone (although it is still beneficial).