Coleus Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Combat' (v)

Water

The Coleus 'Combat' variety prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to water it thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the environment's temperature and humidity, this might mean watering once a week with approximately 16-24 ounces of water for a medium-sized pot. In hotter, drier conditions, more frequent watering may be necessary to maintain moisture levels without oversaturating the soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure adequate drainage and never let the plant sit in standing water.

Light

Coleus 'Combat' thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, making it ideal for an east or west-facing window where it can get gentle morning or afternoon light. Avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch its colorful leaves. If natural light is limited, placing the coleus under fluorescent or grow lights for at least six hours a day can provide sufficient light for healthy growth.

Temperature

Coleus 'Combat' favors warm conditions and should be kept in an environment where temperatures range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and do not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. This tropical plant cannot withstand frost and should be protected from cold drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations for optimal growth.

Pruning

Pruning Coleus 'Combat' helps maintain its bushy shape and encourages fuller growth. It's best to prune or pinch back the tips of the plant every few weeks during the growing season. The ideal time for significant pruning is in the spring, just before the plant begins its active growth phase, which will promote vitality and rejuvenation.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Coleus 'Combat' prefers a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix with good aeration. An ideal potting mix can be created using two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite or vermiculite, and one part compost or aged bark. The desired soil pH range for optimal growth is between 6.0 and 7.0. Regular feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season will support vibrant foliage.

Repotting

Coleus 'Combat' should be repotted annually or when it outgrows its current container. This typically occurs when roots begin to circle the bottom of the pot or emerge from drainage holes. Spring is the best time for repotting to give the plant a fresh start before the active growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Coleus 'Combat' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%. In dry indoor environments, increasing humidity can be achieved by using a humidifier, setting the plant on a water-filled pebble tray, or grouping it with other plants.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide indirect light, keep warm, water moderately.

• Outdoor

  Place in partial shade, shelter from strong wind.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Combat', commonly known as Coleus 'Combat', begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate, typically in warm, moist conditions. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and grow into juvenile plants, developing a characteristic colorful foliage that may vary in shades of green, pink, maroon, and yellow. As the plant matures, it forms a branching structure with opposing pairs of leaves on square stems and may produce small, insignificant flowers on a spike if not regularly pinched back. Coleus is typically treated as an annual in temperate climates, but it can be a perennial in tropical regions where it continuously grows and can be propagated through cuttings. In its reproductive stage, if allowed to flower, it can produce seeds, completing the lifecycle, though Coleus 'Combat' is more often propagated vegetatively. When subjected to colder temperatures or less favorable conditions, the plant will eventually senesce and die, unless efforts are made to overwinter it indoors.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Coleus 'Combat' is through stem cuttings. To do this, take a 3- to 4-inch-long (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm) cutting from the tip of a healthy stem using a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes where new roots will form. The cuttings can then be placed directly into moist potting soil or first dipped into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development, although this step is optional since coleus roots readily. Keep the soil moist, and in a few weeks, the cutting will have established roots. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season, typically spring through summer, when the plant is actively growing.