Coleus Solenostemon 'Glory of Luxembourg' (v)
ABOUT
The Coleus 'Glory of Luxembourg' is a striking, ornamental plant recognized for its vibrant foliage that adds splashes of color to the garden or indoors as a houseplant. The leaves exhibit an incredible array of colors, composed of vibrant shades of green, deep purples, and bright pinks. Each leaf is unique, with patterns that may resemble a marbled or a mottled effect. The intensity and distribution of these colors can vary among the leaves, leading to a dazzling visual display. The leaves themselves are quite substantial, with a broad and serrated edge that gives them a lush and robust appearance. The overall impression of the Coleus 'Glory of Luxembourg' is of a plant that is luscious and full of life, contributing an exotic and tropical feel wherever it is grown. This visual spectacle is often the reason why gardeners and plant enthusiasts choose this variety, as it provides a continual source of visual interest throughout the growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Coleus, Painted Nettle
Common names
Plectranthus scutellarioides, Coleus blumei, Coleus scutellarioides, Coleus hybridus, Solenostemon scutellarioides.
ToxicityTo humans
The Coleus plant, commonly referred to as Solenostemon 'Glory of Luxembourg', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingestion may sometimes cause minor gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea or vomiting, but serious poisoning is unlikely.
To pets
Coleus plants, known as Solenostemon 'Glory of Luxembourg', can be mildly toxic to pets if ingested. Symptoms from eating parts of the plant may include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, or anorexia. It is advisable to keep this plant out of reach of your pets to prevent these potential effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Coleus 'Glory of Luxembourg' adds vibrant color and texture to garden beds, borders, and containers with its colorful foliage.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring only basic watering and occasional feeding to thrive.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in a variety of landscape designs, from traditional to contemporary, due to its unique and attractive foliage.
- Shade Tolerance: Coleus performs well in shaded areas where many other plants with colorful foliage might not thrive, offering a solution for low-light gardens.
- Instant Impact: Coleus plants grow quickly, providing immediate impact in the garden soon after planting.
- Season-Long Color: Unlike flowering plants which may have a limited bloom time, Coleus maintains its color throughout the growing season.
- Companion Planting: Its diverse range of colors makes it an excellent companion plant, capable of complementing the flowers and foliage of neighboring plants.
- Varied Uses: Coleus can be used in hanging baskets, window boxes, and container gardens, offering flexibility in gardening design.
- Habitat for Wildlife: While not specifically known for attracting wildlife, it can provide shelter and a microhabitat for small creatures within a garden ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography props: The vibrant foliage of Coleus 'Glory of Luxembourg' can be used as a colorful backdrop in close-up photography to enhance the visual appeal.
- Edging in themed gardens: Its unique coloration makes it an excellent choice for edging in fantasy or Alice in Wonderland-themed gardens, adding a touch of whimsy.
- Fabric dyeing: The pigments from Coleus leaves can be used in fabric dyeing to create unique and natural textile colors.
- Culinary garnish: Although not a common practice, the brightly colored leaves can be used as an ornamental garnish for special dishes, after ensuring they're safe and pesticide-free.
- Art projects: Leaves can be used in crafting, such as making botanical prints or in decoupage projects.
- Teaching tool: This plant can be used to educate individuals about plant care, propagation, and color variety in horticulture classes.
- Seasonal decorations: Its leaves can add a pop of color to fall decorations due to their rich, autumnal hues.
- Color therapy: The vibrant colors of the Coleus plant are sometimes used in color therapy to brighten indoor spaces and improve mood.
- Biological experiments: The plant can serve as a subject in studies on leaf pigmentation and the effects of light intensity on plant coloration.
- Watercolor inspiration: Artists may use the blend of colors in the leaves as inspiration for watercolor paintings or color study sketches.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Coleus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coleus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Vibrancy: With its bright and variegated foliage, the Coleus (Solenostemon 'Glory of Luxembourg') represents an energetic and vibrant spirit, often associated with enthusiasm and high energy.
- Creativity: Coleus is often linked with creativity due to its diverse and colorful leaves, inspiring individuals to embrace uniqueness and artistic expression.
- Transformation: The ability of the Coleus to change color based on light conditions symbolizes adaptability and transformation, reflecting the idea of change being a constant in life.
- Beauty in diversity: The various patterns and hues of Coleus leaves represent the beauty of diversity, encouraging the appreciation of different qualities and perspectives.
WaterThe Coleus, which is the common name for Solenostemon 'Glory of Luxembourg', prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. It should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. On average, this might mean watering every week, but it can vary depending on climate conditions and the size of the plant/container. Aim for approximately 8-16 ounces of water for a medium-sized pot during each watering session. It’s critical to reduce watering frequency during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing.
LightThe Coleus thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal spot would be a location that receives ample morning sun followed by partial shade in the afternoon to protect its leaves from scorching. East-facing windows are usually an excellent choice for this plant. Direct afternoon sun can be too intense and may cause leaf fade or damage.
TemperatureColeus plants prefer a temperature range between 60-75°F for optimal growth. They can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 90°F but try to avoid sudden temperature drops or extreme heat that can stress the plant.
PruningColeus benefits from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess. Pinch off the growing tips every few weeks during the growing season. The best time for more extensive pruning is in early spring. Remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed to maintain a tidy appearance and promote new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilColeus 'Glory of Luxembourg' thrives in well-draining, rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. An ideal soil mix consists of two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite, and one part compost. This composition ensures good aeration and moisture retention.
RepottingColeus 'Glory of Luxembourg' should be repotted approximately every 1-2 years to prevent becoming root-bound and to replenish nutrients in the soil. Spring is the ideal time for repotting to give the plant a fresh start for the growing season.
Humidity & MistingColeus 'Glory of Luxembourg' prefers a humid environment, around 40-70% humidity. This can be achieved indoors with frequent misting, a pebble tray, or a humidifier to maintain the desired humidity level.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Coleus 'Glory of Luxembourg' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Grow Coleus 'Glory of Luxembourg' in shade to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleSolenostemon 'Glory of Luxembourg', commonly known as Coleus, begins its life as a seed, which when sown and provided with the right conditions, germinates into a small seedling. The seedling goes through a vegetative stage, growing stems and leaves through cell division and enlargement. As it matures, the Coleus develops its characteristic brightly colored foliage, which is actually the main ornamental feature rather than its flowers. The plant eventually reaches maturity and, if environmental conditions permit, it may produce small, less noticeable flowers that are typically blue to lavender in color. After pollination, these flowers will produce seeds, completing the life cycle. If not allowed to flower or in absence of pollination, the plant can be propagated asexually through cuttings, which are often taken to preserve particular color variations and patterns.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Coleus 'Glory of Luxembourg', commonly referred to as Coleus, can be propagated most effectively through stem cuttings. This method is best carried out in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate Coleus, start by selecting a healthy, non-flowering stem. Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, cut a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 cm) section of the stem just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving the top leaves intact. The cut end of the stem can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development, although Coleus often roots easily without it. The stem cutting should then be placed in either a glass of water or moist potting soil. If using water, roots will typically begin to form within a couple of weeks, at which point the new plant can be transferred to soil. If starting in soil, keep the medium moist and provide high humidity if possible, covering with a plastic bag or placing in a propagation chamber to create a mini greenhouse effect.
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