Coleus Solenostemon scutellarioides Henna = 'Balcenna' (PBR) (v)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The plant known as Coleus 'Henna', characterized by its stunning foliage, displays uniquely attractive leaves. Each leaf exhibits a ruffled texture, adding an element of depth and complexity to its appearance. The leaves of 'Henna' are notable for their distinct coloration, showcasing a blend of coppery bronze and burgundy, which exudes an almost iridescent quality. The color transition on the leaves is quite remarkable, with the edges often highlighted in a bright, chartreuse green, providing a vivid contrast to the warmer tones in the center. The variegation pattern on the plant's foliage is vivid and pronounced, creating a compelling mosaic that can attract attention even from afar. The foliage tends to have a somewhat velvety appearance, which can catch the light and give the plant a subtle sheen. Overall, the play of color and texture on Coleus 'Henna' makes it a superb choice for adding a splash of color to a garden or as a striking element in container plantings. The allure of this plant lies predominantly in its stunning foliage, rather than flowers, making it a popular choice for ornamental horticulture.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Lamiaceae.
- Synonyms
  Coleus, Flame Nettle, Painted Nettle.
- Common names
  Coleus blumei, Coleus hybridus, Coleus scutellarioides, Plectranthus scutellarioides.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Coleus plants, including Solenostemon scutellarioides Henna, are generally not considered to be highly toxic to humans. However, they can cause minor skin irritation in some people upon contact. If ingested, the plant may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea or vomiting. It is advisable to keep this plant out of reach of small children who might accidentally ingest parts of the plant out of curiosity.
- To pets
  Coleus, the common name for Solenostemon scutellarioides Henna, is considered to have low toxicity for pets, including cats and dogs. If a pet consumes a significant amount of the plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, which could present symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. It's best to keep the plant away from pets to avoid any potential discomfort or health issues.
Characteristics
- Life 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
  Southeast Asia to Australia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Solenostemon scutellarioides Henna, commonly known as Coleus, has vibrant foliage that adds color and visual interest to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Easy to Grow: Coleus is known for being an easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in a variety of environments, making it accessible to gardeners of all skill levels.
- Shade Tolerance: Unlike many plants, Coleus can flourish in shaded areas where sunlight is not abundant, allowing for decorative versatility.
- Weather Resilience: It can tolerate a range of climatic conditions, although it prefers warmer temperatures, making it suitable for various locations.
- Soil Adaptability: Coleus isn't picky about soil conditions and can grow in a range of soil types as long as they are well-draining.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in various landscaping designs, including borders, container gardens, and hanging baskets.
- Fast Growth: Coleus plants grow relatively fast, allowing gardeners to see the results of their work in a relatively short period.
- Propagates Easily: They can be easily propagated through stem cuttings, making it simple to create more plants.
- Seasonal Impact: With its bold and colorful leaves, Coleus can provide a seasonal impact, particularly in the summer and fall months.
- Companion Planting: Coleus can be paired with other plants to create visually striking contrasts and complementing garden designs.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Photography and Art Inspiration: The striking coloration and variegation of Coleus 'Henna' leaves make it a popular subject for photographers and artists, offering inspiration for a range of visual art projects.
- Seasonal Festivities: Coleus 'Henna' can be used as a festive decoration during holidays such as Halloween and autumn celebrations because of its vivid and seasonal colors.
- Educational Tool: As a highly variable plant, teachers can use Coleus 'Henna' to demonstrate plant growth, leaf patterns, and color to young students in biology or botany lessons.
- Container Gardening: Due to its vibrant color and ease of care, Coleus 'Henna' is commonly used in container gardens, adding aesthetic value to balconies, patios, or indoors.
- Craft Material: The leaves of Coleus 'Henna' can be used in pressed flower crafts or leaf casting to create decorative items, bookmarks, and other artistic projects.
- Fashion Inspiration: The unique color patterns of Coleus 'Henna' leaves are used by some fashion designers as inspiration for textile patterns and color palettes in their designs.
- Mood Setting: Coleus 'Henna' can be strategically placed in areas of the home or office to create a vibrant and energizing ambiance, due to its bright foliage.
- Color Studies: Artists and students of color theory may find the leaves of Coleus 'Henna' useful for studying color contrasts and harmonies in a natural context.
- Theme Gardens: Garden designers incorporate Coleus 'Henna' in thematic garden spaces, such as fantasy or storybook gardens, because of its unique and dramatic appearance.
- Eco-Friendly Gift: Potted Coleus 'Henna' makes an eco-friendly gift alternative to cut flowers, offering longevity and the option for the recipient to plant it outdoors.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Coleus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Coleus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Creativity and Inspiration: Often referred to as Coleus, Solenostemon scutellarioides is known for its vivid and varied colors which can symbolize imagination and the spark of new ideas.
- Transformation and Change: Coleus can undergo significant changes in color and form depending on light conditions, representing adaptability and change.
- Sensuality: With its soft textures and rich hues, Coleus can also be associated with sensuality and an appreciation for tactile and visual stimuli.
- Beauty and Aesthetics: The ornamental quality of Coleus makes it a symbol of natural beauty and the human desire for aesthetic pleasure.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Coleus 'Henna' requires consistent moisture and should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this might mean watering once every week, but this can vary based on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. It's important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, which can stress the plant. Water the plant with about 16 ounces of water in each session, ensuring you're not overwatering and that the pot allows for proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Light
Coleus 'Henna' thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. It should be placed in a location where it can receive ample light without being exposed to the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. An east- or west-facing window where it gets a few hours of mild morning or late afternoon sun would be ideal for this plant.
Temperature
The Coleus 'Henna' prefers warm conditions and does well in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid damage. The ideal temperature range encourages vibrant leaf coloration and healthy growth.
Pruning
Coleus 'Henna' benefits from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess. Pinch back the tips of the stems about once a month during the growing season to promote fuller plants. The best time for major pruning is in the spring or early summer, giving the plant plenty of time to recover and put out new growth.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Coleus 'Henna' thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil with good organic content. The ideal soil pH for Coleus 'Henna' should range between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite, and one part compost or well-rotted manure will create a nutrient-rich, well-aerated soil environment.
Repotting
Coleus 'Henna' should be repotted annually to ensure the plant has enough room to grow and access to fresh nutrients. Choose a new pot that is one size larger than the current one and repot in spring or early summer before the growing season.
Humidity & Misting
Coleus 'Henna' prefers a moderately high humidity level, ideally between 50% and 70%. To maintain these conditions, regular misting, a pebble tray, or a humidifier can be used to create a more humid microclimate.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Coleus 'Henna' in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
- Outdoor
  Grow Coleus 'Henna' in partial shade and water regularly.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
Commonly known as Coleus 'Henna', Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Balcenna' starts its life with the germination of its tiny seeds, typically in warm, moist soil conditions. After germination, it enters the seedling stage where the first true leaves develop, usually in a matter of weeks, exhibiting the beginnings of its characteristic colorful foliage. As it progresses into the vegetative stage, the plant experiences rapid growth and the leaves intensify in color, while the stem branches out. Upon reaching maturity, the adult Coleus 'Henna' presents its full display of intricately patterned and serrated leaves, which are its main ornamental feature. If not maintained for compactness, it may eventually bloom with small, less-significant flowers. In the absence of perennial growing conditions, Coleus 'Henna' will complete its life cycle within one season, dying off with the onset of cold weather or can be overwintered indoors in colder climates.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Coleus 'Henna', scientifically known as Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Henna', is most commonly propagated through stem cuttings. To propagate, select a healthy stem approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and remove the lower leaves. The cut end of the stem can then be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Next, the stem is inserted into a small pot filled with a mixture of moist potting soil and perlite or vermiculite to ensure good drainage. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the cutting in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop within a couple of weeks, after which the new Coleus plant can be transferred to a larger pot or planted outside if the weather permits.