Coleus Solenostemon 'Black Prince'
ABOUT
The 'Black Prince' is a striking ornamental plant known for its richly colored foliage. The main feature of this plant is its leaves, which boast a deep burgundy or almost black hue, offering a stunning contrast against the greener elements often found in gardens. The leaves are typically broad and heart-shaped with a velvety texture, and they often exhibit a glossy sheen which enhances the intensity of their coloration. As light hits the leaves, it can draw out subtle hints of purple, red or dark green, adding depth and complexity to their appearance. The plant also produces small flowers, although they are less showy compared to the magnificent leaves and are usually overshadowed by the foliage. The overall impression of the 'Black Prince' is one of drama and elegance, making it a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of sophistication to their plant collections or landscape designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Black Prince Coleus, Coleus 'Black Prince'.
Common names
Coleus 'Black Prince', Plectranthus 'Black Prince', Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Black Prince'.
ToxicityTo humans
Coleus 'Black Prince' is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it is not intended for ingestion. If ingested in large quantities, it might cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or vomiting. It is always best to err on the side of caution and keep houseplants out of reach of children who might be tempted to eat plant parts.
To pets
Coleus 'Black Prince' is considered non-toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs. However, ingestion of plant material may still result in mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals. If your pet consumes a large amount of the plant, watch for signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive drooling. If any of these symptoms occur, consult your veterinarian. It’s always safest to prevent pets from nibbling on any houseplants to avoid potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Tropical Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Solenostemon 'Black Prince', commonly known as Coleus, offers bold and unique foliage with deep purple to black leaves that add striking contrast and interest to gardens or indoor spaces.
- Easy to Grow: Coleus is known for being an easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Versatility: This plant can be used in a variety of ways, including as bedding plants, borders, container plants, and in hanging baskets, offering design flexibility in landscaping and interior décor.
- Shade Tolerance: Coleus grows well in shade, which makes it an excellent choice for areas where other plants might struggle due to the lack of direct sunlight.
- Fast Growth: Coleus plants have a quick growth habit, allowing gardeners to enjoy their full splendor within a short period after planting.
- Attracts Wildlife: While its main benefit is decorative, Coleus flowers can attract beneficial pollinators such as bees to the garden when allowed to bloom.
- Seasonal Interest: Coleus can be grown as an annual in colder climates to provide a splash of color during the growing season, or as a perennial in warmer regions for year-round interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Coleus 'Black Prince' can be used to create moody and dramatic floral arrangements, adding dark foliage as a contrast to bright blooms.
- In a terrarium, 'Black Prince' coleus provides a stunning backdrop to miniature landscapes with its rich, dark leaves providing depth and contrast.
- As a natural fabric dye, the leaves of 'Black Prince' can be utilized to impart subtle colorations to textiles.
- For educational purposes, coleus varieties like 'Black Prince' can be grown by students to study plant growth, genetics, and hybridization techniques.
- In photography, 'Black Prince' provides a striking subject or backdrop for photographers exploring plant textures and colors.
- Within the art world, artists can use the leaves as inspiration or even as stencils for creating patterns in paintings or mixed media pieces.
- Coleus 'Black Prince' can be used in culinary presentations, not for consumption but as an ornamental garnish to add visual appeal to dishes.
- 'Black Prince' can be integrated into living walls and green installations, especially in contemporary art spaces or urban environments for visual effect.
- When pressed and preserved, the dark leaves of 'Black Prince' can be incorporated into craft projects such as homemade cards or bookmarks.
- Coleus 'Black Prince' can be used in costume design, where foliage is needed to create a naturalistic element in theater productions or photoshoots.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Coleus 'Black Prince' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coleus 'Black Prince' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mystery and Sophistication: The 'Black Prince' variety of Coleus is known for its dark foliage, which can symbolize the unknown and alluring qualities of mystery and sophistication.
- Royalty and Power: With a name like 'Black Prince,' this plant can evoke a sense of regal presence and power, underlining its majestic and authoritative appearance.
- Elegance: The deep dark hues of the Black Prince Coleus carry connotations of elegance and a refined aesthetic, making it a symbol for beauty with depth.
- Adaptability: Coleus plants are known for their adaptability to different lighting conditions, symbolizing flexibility and the ability to thrive in varying environments.
WaterColeus 'Black Prince' requires even moisture, so water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the environment's temperature and humidity, this could be approximately every 5 to 7 days. Each watering should be thorough, saturating the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes; this might amount to about 1-2 gallons for larger pots. During the winter, reduce watering slightly as the plant's growth slows down. Always avoid letting the plant sit in water, as this can lead to root rot.
LightColeus 'Black Prince' thrives in bright, indirect light. An east- or west-facing window where it receives some morning or afternoon light is ideal. However, it should be protected from the intense direct sun of the midday, which can scorch its leaves. If grown outdoors, a spot with partial shade is best to maintain its vibrant foliage color.
TemperatureColeus 'Black Prince' prefers temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a range from 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Below 50 degrees, the plant risks cold damage. Keeping the plant in a room within this ideal temperature range will promote healthy growth.
PruningPrune Coleus 'Black Prince' to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess. Pinch back the tips of the stems regularly during the growing season. The best time to prune heavily is in the early spring or summer, which allows the plant to recover and produce new growth. Pruning can be done every few weeks to maintain its shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilColeus 'Black Prince' thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. A blend of two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part compost is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingColeus 'Black Prince' should be repotted once a year or when it becomes root-bound. This typically means repotting in the spring, using fresh soil mix to encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingColeus 'Black Prince' prefers higher humidity levels, around 40-50%. Grouping plants together or using a humidity tray can help maintain these conditions indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Coleus 'Black Prince' in bright, indirect light indoors and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Grow Coleus 'Black Prince' in shade to partial sun, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Solenostemon 'Black Prince' is Coleus 'Black Prince'. The life of this plant begins with seed germination, where warmth and moisture encourage the tiny seeds to sprout and develop into seedlings. As the seedlings grow, they develop distinctive dark foliage, a sign of entering the juvenile phase where the plants become more established with a stronger root system and fuller leaves. Upon reaching maturity, the adult Coleus 'Black Prince' plant produces robust, colorful foliage which is often its most visually striking stage, prized for its ornamental value rather than flowers. Under optimal conditions, the plant may produce small, less showy flowers, though they are often removed to encourage more vigorous foliage growth. Finally, as annuals or short-lived perennials in some climates, the plants complete their cycle by setting seed or can be propagated vegetatively before dying, at which point new plants can be started to continue the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Coleus 'Black Prince' is most commonly propagated by stem cuttings. This can be done by snipping a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) cutting just below a leaf node, removing the leaves from the bottom half, and then placing it in a glass of water or a moist potting mix. The cutting should be kept in bright, indirect light and the water should be changed every few days or the soil kept evenly moist. Roots will typically begin to develop within a few weeks, and once they are about an inch long (2.5 cm), the new plant can be transferred to its own pot with standard potting soil.
![Lavender [Anniversary Bouquet]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b60595dd8c.png&w=640&q=75)
