Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites are reported especially on indoor coleus. Insufficient light can produce leggy growth, while full sun can cause wilt.
How to care for coleus
Bright indoor light keeps coleus from becoming leggy. Keep its mix evenly damp but drained, and avoid full sun that makes the foliage wilt.
Plant coveredColeus blumeiColeus · Indoor container
Find a bright, steady position
Light and temperature
Give coleus bright light indoors. The outdoor profile places it in part shade, with full shade encouraging leggy growth and full sun potentially causing wilt. Those outdoor responses do not set one indoor window exposure for every cultivar.
Coleus is a tender evergreen perennial that can be overwintered indoors. The exact-taxon records do not establish a complete indoor temperature or humidity range.
Check the mix, drainage and pot
Watering, drainage and repotting
Keep the medium evenly damp but well-drained during growth. RHS says to water freely in growth, while NCSU describes rich, loose soil rather than a fixed indoor interval.
Use an evenly damp but well-drained potting medium. RHS specifies peat-free potting compost for under-glass culture, while NCSU describes rich, loose soil. No indoor repot interval is supplied.
Feed only during active growth
Fertilizer and active growth
RHS recommends a high-nitrogen feed every two weeks for coleus grown under glass. The product strength and response of individual cultivars are not established.
Check the visible signs before changing care
Common problems
Use the verdict for this exact plant
Pet safety
Sources
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxPreviously known as; description; cultural conditions; insects and diseases
- Royal Horticultural SocietySynonyms; growing conditions; cultivation; pests and diseases
- University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Veterinary Poisonous Plant GardenPlot 2: Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides); toxic compound and symptoms
Pet-safety information for catalog plants uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.